The Venaria Reale showcases the royal heritage of Italy with its grand interiors, spectacular architecture, interesting history and rich heritage. Built in the mid 17th century, the palace served as a pleasure and hunting house for the royalty. It was designed by the court architect Amedeo di Castellamonte who also added spectacular gardens, fountains, sculptures, stairways and terraces on several levels, and much more.
In the 18th century, the palace underwent significant renovations and was completely redesigned in the French style with a system of tunnels and service areas. Towards the beginning of the nineteenth century with the arrival of Napoleon, the palace started getting transformed into barracks. During the wars, the palace gardens started featuring more cannons and muskets as opposed to the once stunning flower beds and fountains.
In the year 1999, with continued efforts by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, one of the largest conservation works of the cultural assets began at the palace. The entire complex was restored with 9,500 square meters of stucco recovered and 1,000 frescoes brought to light. By 2007, the royal palace and gardens were open to the public and today it showcases a distinguishing piece of architecture, history, and masterpieces of art.
One of the most striking Venaria Reale Masterpieces, the Galleria Grande served as a link between the king’s quarters and that of the royal heir. Witness the exquisitely rich works by famous architects and designers of the time. Do not miss out the light beams created skillfully by 44 large windows that allow a splendid play of lights and shadows within.
Step into these rectangular halls adorned with allegorical representations of hunting on the frescoed walls. Witness the supreme work of art by Jan Miel called the Vault of Olympus with Jupiter and Diana as the primary features. Once used for great feasts and banquets, the hall now houses enormous equestrian portraits of dukes and princes.
Built in the 18th century, the chapel was commissioned by Vittorio Amedeo II and is considered to be among the greatest Venaria Reale Masterpieces. Explore the chapel with its two large altars at the sides of the transept and various other features laid out in an intriguing Greek cross plan.
Book your Venaria Reale tickets and discover one of the palace’s most impressive architectural spaces. The massive building is also a backdrop for the vast gardens with a large body comprising the façade and two primary rooms behind it. The interiors are quite as charming and imposing as the exteriors with its arched openings and luminosity.
Built atop a 3-hectare piece of land, the garden houses spectacular features including bronze trees, fountains and groves. Use your Venaria Reale tickets to discover the uniqueness of the garden where each sculpture marks a clear transition from the previous. You will witness a state of fluidity between the elements used, such as bronze, stone, trees, marble, water, and granite.
Tour the spectacular eighteenth century creation with its 100 water nozzles that go up to 12 meters in the air with your Venaria Reale tickets. It is also considered one of the most evocative and visually stunning fountains in the world with its colored projectors and steam ducts.
This is the upper park that was created in the eighteenth century and features a characteristic geometric "square mesh" pattern. It comprises a Terrace ally, Grand Parterre, Rose garden, and groves.
The lower park at the palace gardens includes a number of stunning features. The highlights include the space of the Garden of Fluid Sculptures, the large water basin of Peschiera, the seventeenth-century caves, the remains of the Fountain of Hercules and the Temple of Diana.
The central axis runs in a straight line along the central street of Venaria Reale, and across the Sala di Diana and the Giardino a Fiori.
Palace and Exhibitions: 9 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday to Friday), 9 am – 6:30 PM (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), Closed on Mondays (except for any holidays).
The gardens: 9 AM – 12 Noon (Tuesday to Sunday and holidays), Closed on Mondays.
Castle of the Herd: 10 AM – 4 PM (Tuesday to Friday), 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), Closed on Mondays.
Water Theater of the Fontana del Cervo: 12 PM (from Tuesday to Sunday and holidays). Exhibition of the Water Games at 18:30 (Sundays and holidays).
By Train:You can reach the palace by train by availing the Turin Dora-Ceres line (Venaria stop, viale Roma), Metropolitan Railway Service.
By Car:If you drive by your own car, you can cover the distance of 10 km to the palace in about 22 minutes. There are several options for parking around the place.
By bus:Take the GTT Venaria Express dedicated line buses that connect Turin city center, the Porta Susa station with the Reggia di Venaria and the La Mandria Park.
Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes as the tour includes a lot of walking and exploring around.
If you are visiting with your kids, go for the water show at the Fountain of the Stag that takes place at noon on weekdays and at 6:30pm on weekends and holidays.
Why visit Venaria Reale Palace?
The Venaria Reale Palace is an enormous and grand complex that gives you an insight into the history, culture, and heritage of the place. It has been compared with the opulent Palace of Versailles and boasts some of the most exquisite works of art for you to admire.
Is it worth visiting Venaria Reale Palace?
It is definitely worth visiting the Venaria Reale Palace not only because of its impressive architectural splendor but also because of its rich history. The enormous palace is an excellent example of the Baroque style and some of its main highlights include the Hall of Diana, the Great Gallery, and the Chapel of ST Hubert.
What is the best way to book Venaria Reale Tickets?
The best way to book your Venaria Reale tickets is online as this way you can not only skip the long lines at the venue but also enjoy the best deals and offers. Moreover, you can book from the comfort of your home and enjoy a guaranteed entry on the day of your choice.
What is the best time to visit Venaria Reale Palace?
The best time to visit the Venaria Reale Palace is during the early morning hours as soon as the gates open to the general public. During this period, is when you will come across the least amount of crowds and the weather also remains pleasant for exploring the massive palace complex.
How much time is required to visit Venaria Reale?
It takes about an hour and a half to tour the entire Venaria Reale palace complex including all the rooms, gardens, and galleries. You can also take a carriage ride to explore the gardens if you do not wish to do it on foot.
What to see at Venaria Reale?
The top sights to see at Venaria Reale include the Water Theater of the Fontana del Cervo, the Hall of Diana, the Great Gallery, the Chapel of St Hubert, Juvarra stables, and the Fluid Sculpture Garden.