Castello e Parco di Masino

About the museum

The castle of Masino has dominated the Canavese plain for over a thousand years, on a rise of the morainic ridge of the Serra di Ivrea. It was born as a fortification and belonged for more than nine centuries to the Valperga family, who claimed descent from Arduin of Ivrea; the castle was probably demolished in the mid-16th century and rebuilt during the 17th century.

Over time the Valperga turned the fortress into an aristocratic residence and holiday home. The visit route passes through frescoed and richly furnished halls, rooms for ambassadors, private apartments, drawing rooms and panoramic terraces. Among the rooms devoted to learning, the library stands out, with more than 25,000 volumes. The heart of the piano nobile is the Salone dei Savoia, restored and reopened in 2022, with frescoed views of twenty-two Savoyard cities and a picture gallery of portraits, including a series of ovals of “Belle donne”.

The Valperga lived in the castle until 1987. In 1988 the complex, with furnishings, collections, park and the Palazzo delle Carrozze, was bought by the FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano, thanks to the generosity of Count Luigi Valperga di Masino and the support of Cassa di Risparmio di Torino and Fiat. The park includes formal Italian and French gardens, an English-style romantic park and an 18th-century labyrinth of about a thousand clipped hornbeams, among the largest in Italy.

Highlights

• Salone dei Savoia with views of twenty-two Savoyard cities
• Library with more than 25,000 volumes
• Frescoed halls, ambassadors’ rooms and panoramic terraces
• 18th-century labyrinth of about a thousand hornbeams
• Romantic park and formal gardens
• The Allea, for outdoor picnics

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso di visita del castello – Frescoed and furnished halls, ambassadors’ rooms, private apartments, the library and the Salone dei Savoia.

Operated by

FAI – Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano

Visitors per year

approx. 64,639

Admission & discounts

Free admission for FAI members, INTO members, Mécènes and Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre members, residents of the Comune of Caravino and accredited journalists. With the Carta Musei: €10 for the castle and park, €7 for the park only, €16 with a guided tour. FAI members pay €6 for the guided tour. Online purchase with no additional costs.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The castle and park are partly accessible. The ground floor of the castle is reached by 4 steps or by alternative routes without level changes indicated by staff; the upper floor can only be reached by stairs. Accessible toilets on the ground floor, reached by an external gravel path. The last stretch towards the ticket office and the gate is steep and cobbled: it is advisable to drive to the gate after prior notice and then move the car to the car park with reserved spaces. Folding wheelchairs are available free of charge. Easy-to-read guides and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) guides in Italian and English, sensory guided tours and LIS tours by booking (tel. 0125 778100). Accessible to people with intellectual disabilities thanks to the “Bene FAI per tutti” project.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

The family ticket includes the FairPlayFamily route. The hornbeam labyrinth and the park are suitable for children. Pushchairs are not allowed in the rooms, to protect the floors, and the route from the car park is on gravel and cobbles.

Getting there & parking

From Milan: A4, Raccordo A5, Albiano exit (about 5 minutes from the toll gate). From Turin: A5, Scarmagno exit. From the A4: Borgo d’Ale exit. From Biella and Lake Viverone: SS228/SP56 towards Ivrea, Azeglio and Caravino.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Caffè Masino; bookshop; free Wi-Fi in the castle; picnic area on the Allea (only with your own blankets and sheets, no tables or chairs provided).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The castle and the Palazzo delle Carrozze host private events, ceremonies, receptions, conferences and business meetings; the park can host shows and concerts.

Plan your visit