Explore Turin: A Royal Journey Through Time and Space
Turin, the capital of medieval mysticism, still exudes a unique charm that attracts countless explorers in search of relics and the Holy Grail.
At the Venaria Reale hunting lodge, 10 km from Turin, lies a rare masterpiece by a master. On the eve of our departure, we went to Venaria to visit the Great Gallery designed by Filippo Juvarra, a brilliant diamond in the crown of the Duke of Savoy.
Venaria Reale is a small town with a population of about 35,000, and we arrived early at the main square to avoid missing the opening hours of the palace. Once inside, we found the best route: head straight for the State Hall and the Royal Conference Hall, and try to be the first to enter the magnificent Armeria in the Royal Palace of Turin, which we were lucky enough to do 40 minutes ahead of time.
The palace dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and its name means "royal hunting." The museum team has put a lot of effort into it, and the gallery of the House of Savoy is breathtaking, although it is not certain whether it contains portraits of all the Dukes and Kings of Savoy since 1003, but each one is worth savoring.
The museum is full of priceless tapestries and antique furniture, and the exhibition route is so exquisite that it is hard to miss any part of it. During the visit, my husband was attracted by a hall that had not yet been fully restored, which turned out to be the Rubens Music Hall. The exhibition is progressive, with each hall offering new surprises.
The Grande Gallery is 80 meters long and 12 meters wide, with black and white marble floors that contrast with the light-colored walls and vaults, creating a sense of transparency and harmony. It once connected the rooms of the king and the heir to the throne, and now echoes with soft music. It is worth mentioning that the unparalleled lighting effect here comes from natural light, and the pleasant climate of Italy has made this ingenious design possible.
The Royal Family Chapel of St. Hubert is also amazing, with no real dome, but the painter's superb skills create a realistic illusion with light and perspective.
The palace was once a barracks for Napoleon's soldiers and was looted. A comprehensive reconstruction began in the second half of the 20th century, which took 30 years and reopened to visitors in 2007. Today, as a World Heritage Site, it is carefully protected by UNESCO.
The Venaria Reale Palace in Turin awaits you to unveil its mysterious and charming veil and embark on an unforgettable royal exploration.