Palazzo Carignano

Overview

Palazzo Carignano is a masterpiece of Piedmontese Baroque, designed by Guarino Guarini in 1679 with a dramatic undulating brick facade. It is the birthplace of King Vittorio Emanuele II and housed Italy's first Subalpine Parliament (1848–61). Today it contains the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano.

Highlights

• Guarini's facade: The rhythmic, curved brick exterior is considered one of the most inventive in European Baroque architecture.
• Parliament Chamber: The restored 1848 semicircular chamber where Italian unification was debated and proclaimed.
• Dual facades: The palazzo uniquely has two contrasting fronts — Guarini's baroque (1679) and Bollati's neoclassical extension (1871).

History

Commissioned by Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy-Carignano, Guarini designed it as a private urban palace. Vittorio Emanuele II was born here in 1820. From 1848 to 1861 it served as the seat of the Subalpine Parliament, making it the cradle of Italian democracy.

Visitor Tips

• Combined visit: The Risorgimento Museum inside is one of Italy's most important history museums.
• Piazza Carignano: The facing square is one of Turin's most elegant, worth a pause.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.