Castello del Valentino Palace

Castello del Valentino is a riverside ducal palace in Turin, set within Parco del Valentino and historically associated with the Savoy ruling family; it is one of the sites included in the UNESCO ensemble of Savoy residences.

The palace presents a baroque and later architectural fabric with formal façades facing the Po river and parkland, and interiors that reflect its role as a ducal residence. The surrounding park provides promenades, garden terraces and views across the river to the city.

Originally developed as a ducal residence for the House of Savoy in the 17th century and modified over time, the castle later became part of Turin’s university infrastructure and has served educational purposes since the 19th century. Its inclusion among the Savoy residences recognizes its historical role in the dynastic landscape of Piedmont.

Set on the banks of the Po in the Parco del Valentino, the castle is within central Turin and is readily accessible from the city centre.

• UNESCO listing: Part of the Royal Residences of the House of Savoy, the castle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage designation covering multiple Savoy residences in and around Turin.
• Current use: Since the 19th century the building has housed the Architecture Faculty of the Politecnico di Torino, giving it a continuing educational function.

What to See#

• Ducal residence: The central ducal residence block with façades facing the Parco del Valentino and the Po river, featuring 17th-century architectural elements and later alterations.
• Gardens and terraces: Gardens and riverside terraces that form the immediate parkland setting and link the castle to the public park.

The castle is inside Parco del Valentino, along Corso Massimo d’Azeglio near the river in Turin. It’s a 20-30 minute walk from Torino Porta Nuova station or a short tram/bus ride (local lines stop at the park). The park and castle can also be reached by cycling along the river paths.

• Visit on a weekday morning to see the Castello's grounds with fewer students - the building now houses the Architecture faculty of the Polytechnic of Turin.
• Look down the Po River from the terraces on sunny days; the 17th-century park shows traces of the original Baroque layout.
• Respect university schedules-some parts are used for lessons or closed during exam periods.