Palace of Venaria Palace

Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 4, 10078 Venaria Reale TO, Italy

Website: https://www.lavenaria.it/

Hours: Tue-Sun 9:00am-7:00pm (closed Mondays; check for special exhibition times)

Admission: Combined ticket (palace + gardens + exhibitions) typically €12-€18; reduced rates for EU citizens under 25

The Palace of Venaria (Reggia di Venaria Reale) is a large 17th-century Savoy residence north of Turin, built as a hunting and pleasure palace and later adapted to court functions. The complex includes a formal palace, extensive courtyards and expansive gardens laid out in Baroque and French style.

Following decades of decline, the palace and gardens underwent comprehensive restoration and were progressively reopened in the 21st century, returning the complex to public use as a museum, exhibition space and park. Visitors typically explore the grand state rooms, the Court of Honour and the restored ornamental gardens.

The site lies on the outskirts of Venaria Reale, approximately 8-12 km north of central Turin, and is commonly visited as part of a day trip from the city.

• History and restoration: Originally a 17th-century Savoy hunting residence and pleasure palace, it was restored and reopened to the public after major conservation work completed in the early 21st century.
• Best season: Spring and early summer are the best times to see the gardens in full bloom following the restored Baroque layouts.

What to See#

• Palace and state rooms: The restored main palace with state rooms and exhibition spaces that present the residence’s Savoy history and collections.
• Court of Honour: The Court of Honour and connected courtyards that form the complex’s ceremonial approaches and framing spaces.
• Gardens: Extensive formal gardens restored to Baroque and French-style layouts, with axial vistas and ornamental parterres.

Venaria is a short bus or tram ride from Turin (GTT buses and trams). From Porta Nuova station take local public transport toward Venaria Reale; driving from Turin is about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

• Buy tickets that include access to the Scuderie and garden terraces; the vistas toward Turin are worth the extra cost.
• Weekday mornings are the calmest; guided tours focus on restoration stories which are surprisingly engaging.
• Don't miss the small theatre in the palace complex - it's often empty and acoustically intimate.