Royal Turin: Exploring the Savoy Dynasty's Historical Landmarks

Standing in Piazza Castello, the royal heart of Turin, I was immediately struck by the geometric precision of the square—something my dental brain couldn't help but appreciate. The Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale) commands the northern edge of the piazza with understated elegance that belies its interior opulence. Unlike the flamboyant palaces of France or Austria, the Savoys preferred a more restrained exterior that opens into breathtaking interiors.

As I entered the palace, the Royal Armory immediately caught my attention. Having developed a keen eye for fine craftsmanship through my dental practice, I found myself marveling at the intricate metalwork of ceremonial armor—each piece a testament to the artisans who created them. The parallel between crafting a perfect dental crown and forging royal armor isn't lost on me; both require meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to perfection.

The Royal Apartments showcase rooms adorned with Flemish tapestries, Murano chandeliers, and furniture that would make antique collectors weak at the knees. The throne room, with its crimson velvet and gold accents, speaks to the power the Savoys wielded across Europe. What fascinated me most was the Royal Library, housing over 200,000 volumes including rare manuscripts and the self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci drawn in red chalk.

For the best experience, I'd recommend booking a guided tour in advance using the Turin Royal Card, which grants access to all the royal residences and museums while saving you from queuing at each attraction.

Dominating the center of Piazza Castello stands Palazzo Madama, a fascinating architectural hybrid that embodies Turin's layered history. The Roman foundations, medieval fortress, and baroque facade create a visual timeline of the city's evolution. Named after the royal Madamas (two Savoy regent queens who resided here), this palace now houses the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica.

As someone who appreciates technical precision, I was particularly drawn to the grand baroque staircase designed by Filippo Juvarra. The mathematical harmony of the steps, the play of light through the tall windows, and the sense of ascending toward something magnificent—it's a masterclass in architectural drama. I found myself taking photographs from every angle, trying to capture the perfect interplay of light and stone.

The museum collection spans from medieval art to Renaissance masterpieces. As a dentist with a somewhat macabre professional interest, I found myself lingering over the intricate ivory carvings, marveling at how human hands could create such delicate work with primitive tools. The collection of porcelain reminded me of the materials we use for modern dental restorations—beauty and function in perfect harmony.

I spent a particularly magical hour on the tower's panoramic terrace at sunset, watching the autumn light turn Turin's rooftops golden while the Alps provided a snow-capped backdrop in the distance. For capturing these moments, I relied on my travel tripod, which is lightweight enough to carry all day yet sturdy enough for those perfect golden hour shots.

The café on the ground floor offers excellent pastries and coffee—the perfect fuel before continuing your royal explorations. I recommend trying the gianduiotti, Turin's signature chocolate treats that pair wonderfully with an espresso.

After two days of exploring opulent interiors, I felt the need for fresh air and open spaces. Parco del Valentino along the Po River offered the perfect respite while continuing my royal tour. The park houses Castello del Valentino, a 17th-century pleasure palace that served as a royal residence for the House of Savoy.

I arrived at the park in typical Irish fashion—on two wheels. Having brought my folding bike on this trip (a constant companion on my European city explorations), I enjoyed the dedicated cycling paths that wind through the park's 500,000 square meters of green space. The autumn colors were at their peak during my visit, creating a spectacular backdrop for the castle's distinctive French-style architecture.

Valentino Castle now houses Turin's Architecture Department, which means parts of it remain closed to visitors. However, the ceremonial apartments are open for guided tours on specific days. What struck me most about this castle was its intimate scale compared to the grander royal palaces in the city center—you could imagine the Savoy family actually living here rather than just performing royal duties.

The surrounding botanical garden, established in 1729, offers a fascinating glimpse into the scientific interests of the royal family. As someone with a background in science (albeit dental), I appreciated the methodical organization of plants and the educational aspects of the garden.

For lunch, I stopped at one of the riverside cafés, enjoying a glass of Barolo (the 'king of wines' from the nearby Piedmont hills) while watching rowing teams practice on the Po. The combination of athletic precision and natural beauty reminded me of my cycling adventures through the Alps—though admittedly with considerably less exertion on my part that afternoon.

No exploration of Turin's royal heritage would be complete without ascending to the Basilica di Superga, perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the city. This magnificent church was commissioned by Victor Amadeus II of Savoy after his victory against the French in 1706—a victory he attributed to divine intervention after praying to the Virgin Mary at this very spot.

Reaching Superga became my favorite kind of adventure: combining historical exploration with a bit of engineering marvel. The historic rack railway (Sassi-Superga tramvia) that climbs the steep hill offers views that grow increasingly spectacular with each meter of elevation gained. As someone who's developed a passion for cable cars and funiculars during my Alpine cycling adventures, this charming red tram immediately won my heart.

The basilica itself is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, with a dome that dominates Turin's skyline. Inside, the Royal Crypt contains the tombs of many Savoy monarchs and princes—a solemn reminder of the dynasty's centuries-long influence. The marble work throughout the basilica demonstrates the same precision and attention to detail that I strive for in my dental practice—there's something universally appealing about craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

The true highlight, however, is the panoramic view from the basilica's dome. On clear autumn days, the Alps create a magnificent backdrop to the city, with Mont Blanc visible in the distance. I spent nearly an hour identifying landmarks through my compact binoculars, tracing the path of the Po River and identifying the various royal residences I'd visited throughout the weekend.

There's a small café near the basilica where I enjoyed a simple lunch of local cheeses and cold cuts. The tranquility of the hilltop setting, combined with the historical significance of the site, created one of those perfect travel moments that remind me why I started documenting these journeys in the first place.

On my final day, I turned my attention to the remarkable collections amassed by the Savoy dynasty over centuries. The Galleria Sabauda, now housed in the Palazzo Reale complex, displays the royal family's impressive art collection. As I wandered through rooms filled with works by Van Dyck, Rubens, and Mantegna, I couldn't help but reflect on how the Savoys used art collecting as both passion and political strategy—each masterpiece a statement of their cultural sophistication and international connections.

The portrait gallery particularly fascinated me, offering a visual timeline of the dynasty's evolution from regional dukes to kings of a unified Italy. You can trace the changing fashions, political ambitions, and even dental health through these paintings—though I suspect my professional interest in the latter might not be shared by most visitors!

Just a short walk away stands another testament to the Savoys' collecting ambitions: the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio). While not strictly a royal residence, this museum houses one of the world's most important collections of Egyptian artifacts outside Cairo, largely due to the patronage of the Savoy kings.

As someone who appreciates technical precision in my own profession, I was mesmerized by the medical papyri and ancient dental tools in the collection. The ancient Egyptians were remarkably advanced in dental techniques, and seeing these artifacts connected my modern practice to practitioners who worked thousands of years ago—a humbling perspective indeed.

The museum underwent extensive renovation in recent years, resulting in world-class exhibitions that bring ancient Egypt to life. I'd recommend allowing at least three hours for a proper visit, and investing in the audio guide for deeper insights into the collection's significance.

For lunch, I discovered a delightful enoteca near the museum that specializes in Piedmontese wines and local specialties. The tajarin pasta with white truffle was particularly memorable—a royal feast indeed, though considerably more affordable than the actual royal banquets that would have taken place nearby centuries ago.