Turin was the first capital of united Italy, and the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento tells how that happened. It occupies Palazzo Carignano, a baroque palace on Piazza Carignano designed by Guarino Guarini in the seventeenth century, with a curved brick facade that is one of the most original in the city. The palace was the birthplace of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, and it housed the parliament of the Kingdom of Sardinia and then the first parliament of the united Italian state. Visitors can see the chamber where those debates took place, kept almost as it was, together with rooms full of paintings, uniforms, flags, letters and weapons from the decades of struggle for unity. The museum is one of the oldest in Italy devoted to national history. The product linked here is a guided tour, paired with a visit to a historic café, which is a pleasant way to connect the story to the city’s coffee culture.
How it works
The museum is in the heart of the centre, steps from the Egyptian Museum and Piazza Castello, so it is easy to add to a walking day. It closes on one day each week, and the guided tour is offered at set times, often in Italian, so check the ticket page for the language and schedule before you buy.
What you see
The ceremonial rooms contain paintings and objects from the Risorgimento, and the highlights are the parliament chamber, with its seats arranged as they were in the nineteenth century, and the apartments where Victor Emmanuel II was born. The story reaches beyond Turin, with sections on figures such as Cavour, Garibaldi and Mazzini and on the wars that led to unification.
Making the most of it
Allow ninety minutes to two hours, and go with a little background reading if you do not know the period, since the story is dense. It is a strong rainy-day plan, and the building itself is worth the visit even if the history is new to you. Follow it with a coffee in a historic café on the nearby square, and a walk to Palazzo Madama.
What to expect
The experience
A guided visit through the rooms of Palazzo Carignano and the museum of Italian unification, with a historic café stop.
Best time
A rainy or cold day, ideally combined with the Egyptian Museum nearby.
How long
About ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
Check the language and times of the guided tour, and the museum’s weekly closing day, before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and visitors who want to understand why Turin mattered in Italian history.
- Families
- Best for older children with some interest in history.
- Couples
- A quiet, elegant visit that ends with coffee.
- Pair with
- The Egyptian Museum or Palazzo Madama, both a few minutes away.
- Time needed
- Ninety minutes to two hours.
Good questions
Why was Turin the first capital of Italy?+
The Savoy kingdom, based in Turin, led the movement for unification, and Turin served as the capital of the new kingdom in its first years.
Who designed Palazzo Carignano?+
Guarino Guarini designed it in the seventeenth century, and its curved brick facade is one of the most original in Turin.
Is the museum in English?+
Some guided visits are in Italian, so check the language on the ticket page before you buy.
Can I see the first parliament chamber?+
Yes, the chamber where the first Italian parliament met is one of the highlights of the visit.
How long should I allow?+
Allow ninety minutes to two hours.
