Palazzo Madama

Two thousand years of city history in one building

Palazzo Madama, standing in the middle of Piazza Castello, is one of the most layered buildings in Turin, because the whole span of the city's history can be read in it. Its core goes back to a Roman city gate of the colony Augusta Taurinorum; in the Middle Ages a castle with imposing towers grew from it, and in the 18th century the court architect Filippo Juvarra added the palace's grand Baroque showpiece facade with its monumental staircase in front. The palace takes its name from two "Madame Reali", the regents Christine of France and Maria Giovanna Battista of Savoy, who resided here.

The Museo Civico d'Arte Antica

Today the palace houses the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica, with holdings ranging from the medieval period to the Baroque: sculpture, painting, ceramics, glass and goldsmiths' work spread across several floors. Its most famous piece is the Portrait of an Unknown Man (Ritratto d'uomo) by Antonello da Messina. The tower also opens onto a fine view over Piazza Castello and the surrounding rooftops. Allow around two hours for the collection; if you're pressed for time, at least the freely accessible courtyard is worth a look.

What to expect

The entrance alone is an experience: Juvarra's glazed atrium courtyard with its wide, two-flight staircase can be visited without a ticket and gives a preview of the Baroque splendour inside. The lower level exposes the medieval walls and remnants of the Roman gate, while the grand halls with their stucco and frescoes follow above. It's the mix of architectural history and collection that makes the visit worthwhile, if you're after a pure picture gallery, the neighbouring Palazzo Reale with the Galleria Sabauda is the better choice.

Visiting and practicalities

The palace stands right on Piazza Castello (10122 Turin), you can't get more central. It is open Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; Tuesday is closed, and the ticket office closes an hour before the museum does. Full admission costs €10, reduced €8, and it's free up to and including age 18. Tickets are available on site, through the Fondazione Torino Musei webshop, and via authorised ticket sellers. It's quietest on weekday mornings.

Numerous tram and bus lines (4, 11, 12, 13, 18, 51, 55, 56, 61, 68) stop at Castello, right on the square. From Porta Nuova and Porta Susa stations (both around 2 km away), the palace is also an easy walk. The visit combines well with Palazzo Reale and the cathedral; admission is usually included with the Torino+Piemonte Card.