The Reggia di Venaria Reale is one of the largest royal residences in Europe and the most spectacular of the Savoy palaces that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site around Turin. Built from the seventeenth century as a hunting lodge for Duke Carlo Emanuele II and enlarged by later architects, it fell into ruin for much of the twentieth century before a huge restoration brought it back to life and reopened it to the public in 2007. The highlight is the Great Gallery, a long, light-filled hall of white stucco and marble floors designed by Filippo Juvarra, often called one of the most beautiful rooms of the Italian baroque. Juvarra’s Chapel of Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, is another masterpiece. Around the palace stretch formal gardens with fountains, avenues, orchards and contemporary art, and the small town of Venaria has a pleasant historic main street leading up to the gates.
How it works: Venaria is about ten kilometres north-west of the centre and is closed on Mondays. The palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with longer hours at weekends, and the gardens have their own timetable. Plan a half day or more, including travel. The Tiqets venue page linked here lists the current ticket options, which include a guided tour with skip-the-line entry and a combination with the hop-on hop-off bus; check the language of each tour before booking. Temporary exhibitions are often ticketed separately.
What you see: the visit route leads through the royal apartments, the Great Gallery and the Chapel of Saint Hubert, and on through the stables and the restored rooms of the palace, many with multimedia displays about Savoy court life. Outside, the gardens open up towards the park, which is lovely on a clear autumn day.
Making the most of it: start early, since the palace and gardens together are a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes, and check bus or train connections back to the city before you leave. The town of Venaria has cafés and restaurants for lunch near the entrance.
What to expect
The experience
A large royal palace visit along a set route through apartments, the Great Gallery and the chapel, followed by a walk in the formal gardens.
Best time
A clear morning from Tuesday to Friday, when the gardens are at their best and the palace is less busy than at weekends.
How long
Three to four hours on site, plus travel time from central Turin.
Tips
Remember the Monday closing, check whether your tour is in English or Italian, and bring layers for the gardens in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers, garden fans and travellers with a spare half day who want to see Turin’s answer to Versailles.
- Families
- The open gardens give children space to run, and the palace multimedia displays help hold their interest.
- Couples
- Walking the white Great Gallery together, then strolling the garden avenues, is one of Turin’s most romantic outings.
- Pair with
- A quiet evening back in central Turin with dinner near Piazza Castello or the Quadrilatero.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel.
Good questions
Is Venaria Reale open on Mondays?+
No, the palace and gardens are closed on Mondays. They open from Tuesday to Sunday, with longer hours at weekends.
How far is Venaria Reale from Turin?+
It is about ten kilometres north-west of the city centre. Allow time for the bus, train or a taxi in each direction.
What is the Great Gallery at Venaria?+
It is a long, bright baroque hall of white stucco and marble designed by Filippo Juvarra. It is the most famous room in the palace.
Is Venaria Reale part of a UNESCO site?+
Yes, it is one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The listing also covers the Royal Palace in Turin.
How long do you need at Venaria Reale?+
Plan on three to four hours for the palace and gardens. With travel it becomes a half-day trip.