ROYAL RESIDENCES
The city’s Royal Palace, symbol of Savoy absolutism, was the ideal perspective point of the “Crown “, whose properties also comprised the Castles of Rivoli, Moncalieri and Valentino, the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale, the vineyard on the hills (later to become the “Villa della Regina”) and the Hunting Lodge of Stupinigi. Starting from the mid-18th century, new demands of an a economic nature determined the transformation of some of the Savoy’s possessions (originally exclusive “places of delight” in which to practice hunting), such as the residences of Racconigi, Pollenzo, Govone and La Mandria. into agricultural or farming production firms.
RIVOLI CASTLE
The first in Italy to show exhibitions of contemporary art: this is the merit of the Museum of Contemporary Art housed in Rivoli Castle. Used as a Royal Residence since 1978, Rivoli Castle houses the first contemporary art museum of the region. It is an imposing Baroque building designed by Filippo Juvarra for Vittorio Amedeo II. Only 15 kilometres from the historic centre, it is well worth visiting and looking at the permanent collection, instituted in 1984 and continually increased with new acquisitions, donations and long term loans. There is also a marvellous Gallery, 140 metres long, where temporary exhibitions are held.
REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS (PALAZZO DELLA REGIONE)
As the future Regional headquarters, the Palazzo della Regione is currently being built and is due to become one of Europe’s largest buildings. A symbol of extraordinary and disquieting beauty, this project has been designed by the genius of the architect Massimiliano Fuksas.
Amongst the most prominent projects of Turin’s great metamorphosis, the building will be represented by a glass tower, of more than one hundred meters in height and will host new offices, a congress auditorium and all related facilities and services.
