Castello di Moncalieri

About the museum

Moncalieri Castle is one of the oldest Savoy residences. Around the mid-15th century it was chosen as a residence by Yolanda of Valois. From 1610, at the wish of Charles Emmanuel I, it was enlarged and lost the appearance of a medieval fortress to become a representative residence of French layout, thanks to the architects Amedeo di Castellamonte, Andrea Costaguta and Carlo Morello. In the 18th century further works followed under the direction of Benedetto Alfieri and then of Francesco Martinez.

At the end of the 18th century the building was damaged by French troops and then used as a barracks and military hospital. In 1817 Victor Emmanuel I promoted its restoration, with the monumental staircase in Carrara marble and the riding school at the end of the main courtyard. On 20 November 1849 Victor Emmanuel II signed here the Proclamation of Moncalieri, countersigned by Massimo d’Azeglio, by which he dissolved the Chamber of Deputies. In the same years the architect Domenico Ferri renewed the apartment of the king and of his consort Maria Adelaide.

From 1945 the castle has housed units of the Arma dei Carabinieri. The royal apartments and the royal chapel were opened to the public in 1991. After the fire of 5 April 2008, which hit the south-east tower, a long restoration with an evocative display led to the reopening of the museum route at the end of 2017.

Highlights

• Apartment of Victor Emmanuel II and of his consort Maria Adelaide, renovated by Domenico Ferri
• Apartments of the princesses Maria Clotilde and Maria Letizia
• Royal chapel
• Monumental three-flight staircase in Carrara marble
• Panoramic position on the southern slope of the Turin hill

Permanent exhibition

• Appartamenti reali e Cappella reale – Museum route through the apartments of Victor Emmanuel II and Maria Adelaide, of the princesses Maria Clotilde and Maria Letizia, and the royal chapel.

Operated by

Ministero della Cultura – Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Piemonte (Residenze Reali Sabaude)

Visitors per year

approx. 13,119

Admission & discounts

Online booking is mandatory and is managed by the Consorzio delle Residenze Reali Sabaude (La Venaria Reale – Castello di Moncalieri). For other free admissions, refer to the consortium’s website or call 011 499 2333.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The princesses’ apartments and the chapel are accessible to people with mobility disabilities, if the visit is reported at the time of booking. The apartment of Victor Emmanuel II can only be reached by stairs and is not accessible.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

To reach the apartment of Victor Emmanuel II you must climb stairs, so strollers and pushchairs cannot enter; baby slings or carriers are recommended. Strollers and pushchairs can be left at the foot of the stairs during the visit.

Getting there & parking

By car from the Turin ring road: exit Moncalieri/Corso Unità d’Italia, then the A6 with exit San Paolo.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop: not available
• Coat check: not available

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit