PALACES, FORTRESSES AND ABBEYS
Palaces, fortresses and abbeys in Piedmont:
Turin is a city full of museums, historical and religious buildings to visit just like the rest of the region. Piedmont, in fact, offers many places, attractions and landscapes that deserve to be admired. Discover these wonders with the Hotel Plaza.
Palace of Venaria
The imposing and magnificent Palace of Venaria is one of the largest and most beautiful Savoy residences, as well as one of the major attractions of Piedmont. With its sumptuous rooms, its immense gardens and its 3000-hectare fenced park, La Mandria Regional Park, the palace is an architectural and landscape masterpiece, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Castle of Rivoli
Another residence of the Savoy family located in the immediate surroundings of Turin is the Castle of Rivoli. The building, dating back to the 11th century, was born as a military stronghold, thanks to the favourable position of the city of Rivoli, while since 1984 it has housed the Museum of Contemporary Art. In its permanent collection it’s possible to admire works by artists such as Pistoletto, Cattelan and Paolini.
The hunting residence of Stupinigi
Built starting from 1729 on a project by the architect Filippo Juvarra, the Palazzina di Stupinigi was born as a Savoy residence for hunting and parties. The elegant facade, the sumptuous furniture, the frescoed oval hall and the large garden make this complex one of the symbols of the city and its royal residences.
Castle of Moncalieri
Built in medieval times with defensive purposes, the Castle of Moncalieri became a Savoy residence for recreation and hunting after numerous expansion and embellishment interventions. Inside it is possible to visit the apartments of Maria Letiziawith its eighteenth-century vaulted and decorated ceilings, the Queen’s living room, with rosewood decorations and furnishings in fabrics, the Royal Chapel,with a single vault with a fake painted chest of drawers, and the Rose Garden, a refined corner of greenery dedicated to flowers and nature trails.
Castle of Racconigi
Summer residence of the Savoy royal family, the Castle of Racconigi welcomes its visitors with its neoclassical atmosphere and its deco rooms. The building is framed by the imposing French-style park, designed by the German architect Xavier Kurten to evoke the romantic atmosphere typical of 19th-century garden art.
Basilica of Superga
The Basilica of Superga, architect Filippo Juvarra’s first major work in Turin is a point of reference for the citizens of Turin, as well as a tourist destination. With a circular plan, a dome 75 metres high and two bell towers 60 metres high, the Basilica dominates the city, thanks to its strategic position on the hills of the Piedmontese capital, and offers the view of a unique panorama.
Sacra di San Michele
The Sacra di San Michele is an architectural masterpiece dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It’s one of the symbolic monuments of Piedmont. The ancient Romanesque abbey built on the rocks stands majestically on Mount Pirichiano and welcomes visitors with its Roman Gothic style and a breathtaking view of the Val Susa.
Exilles Fortress
Built to protect the passes on the mountains of Val Susa, the Exilles fortress is one of the oldest monuments and defensive systems in Piedmont. Suggestive and with a strong visual impact, today the fort hosts two museum itineraries: the first one traces the history of the Fort through the centuries, from the Middle Ages to today, the second one is the Museo Delle truppe Alpine (museum of the Alpine troops), which rebuilds the history of the Alpini, the last inhabitants of the Fort.
Fenestrelle Fortress
Also known as “great Piedmontese wall”, the Fenestrelle fortress is the other great defensive system in the region. With an extension of 5 kilometres, three Batteries, two Forts and two Redoubts, the Fort is the largest structure in Europe. Today it can be visited walking along the ancient walls and among the undergrounds.
