The Sabauda Gallery, or Galleria Sabauda, is Turin’s major collection of European painting and a revealing window into the tastes of the House of Savoy. Housed in the Manica Nuova wing of the Royal Palace, it forms part of the Musei Reali complex near Piazza Castello. The collection grew from the holdings of Savoy dukes and kings and opened to the public in the 19th century.
The galleries range from Italian Renaissance panels to Baroque painting, with works by Fra Angelico, Mantegna, Veronese and Orazio Gentileschi. The Northern European collection is particularly rewarding, bringing together artists such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Rogier van der Weyden. Look out, too, for Van Dyck’s portrait of the children of Charles I of England. Together, the paintings tell a story of royal collecting that stretches well beyond Piedmont.
Allow at least two hours for the gallery, and longer if you plan to explore the Royal Palace and gardens as well. Weekday mornings are a good bet for a quieter visit. Check current opening days, ticket options and any section closures on the Musei Reali website before setting out; the Torino+Piemonte Museum Card may be worthwhile if you’re visiting several attractions. From Porta Nuova station, it’s roughly a 20-minute walk through the historic centre.