Palazzo Carignano is a Baroque palace in the heart of Turin and home to the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano. Designed by Guarino Guarini for the Savoy-Carignano family in the late 17th century, its rippling brick facade brings a theatrical flourish to the city’s orderly historic centre.
The palace is closely tied to Italian unification. Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, was born here, and the building housed the Chamber of Deputies during the early years of the kingdom. The preserved Chamber of the Subalpine Parliament, with its tiered wooden benches, is a highlight. Paintings, flags, uniforms and documents trace the political and social movements behind the Risorgimento.
The museum is rewarding for its architecture as well as its history: grand staircases and decorated rooms provide a memorable setting for the collection. Allow at least 90 minutes, and check the museum’s official website for current opening hours before visiting. The palace is an easy walk from Piazza Castello; if you don’t read Italian, consider an audio guide or translation app for the more detailed displays.