CASTELLO DI MONCALIERI

The Castle of Moncalieri dominates the hill to the south-east of Turin with its majestic presence. One of the oldest and largest Savoy residences, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. The original nucleus, built in the 13th century with a defensive function, preserves the two 15th-century circular towers on the façade facing the city. In the 17th century, the complex was transformed into an elegant holiday residence for the court, assuming the characteristic 'C' plan open to the park and garden that extends over the hill behind.

From the second half of the 19th century, the Castle became the favourite residence of the women of the House of Savoy, including Queen Maria Adelaide, wife of Victor Emmanuel II, and Princesses Maria Clotilde and Maria Letizia, who died there on 25 October 1926. Here, on 20 November 1849, the king signed the famous Proclamation of Moncalieri.

Badly damaged by a fire in 2008, the castle was partly restored and returned to the public with a new evocative layout. Since 1948, it has also been home to the 1st 'Piedmont' Carabinieri Regiment.