Palazzo Madama

The Palazzo Madama, the history of Turin in one building

The Palazzo Madama, on Piazza Castello, sums up by itself the history of Turin, from Roman times to the baroque. The Turin audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this palace with multiple faces, inscribed on the World Heritage list and housing a great art museum.

From the Roman gate to the baroque palace

The Palazzo Madama, on Piazza Castello, superimposes the eras: a former Roman gate, a medieval castle and a magnificent baroque façade designed by the architect Filippo Juvarra. It today houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art and its tens of thousands of works that tell the history of the city and of Piedmont. Inscribed on the World Heritage list among the residences of the House of Savoy, it is one of the symbols of Turin.

What to see

You admire the baroque façade of Juvarra, the Roman and medieval vestiges, the grand staircase and the collections of the Museum of Ancient Art. The Palazzo Madama sums up the history of Turin in a single building. It is a major stop for lovers of art and architecture, in the heart of Piazza Castello.

Practical information

The Palazzo Madama lies on Piazza Castello, in the heart of Turin, reachable on foot. The façade can be freely admired from the square; the visit of the museum has a fee and follows its own hours, which vary by day and season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Why is the Palazzo Madama remarkable?

Because it superimposes a Roman gate, a medieval castle and a baroque façade by Juvarra, and houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, inscribed on the World Heritage list.

Where is the Palazzo Madama?

On Piazza Castello, in the heart of Turin.