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Palazzo Madama, Turin
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · IT

Palazzo Madama, Turin

Getting around: On Piazza Castello in the center of Turin.
Hours: Typically open Wednesday-Monday, roughly 10am-6pm; closed Tuesdays. Ticketed entry.

Palazzo Madama in Turin combines an ancient Roman gate, a medieval castle, and an 18th-century Baroque facade added by architect Filippo Juvarra, layering roughly two thousand years of building history in a single structure on the city's main square. Its name comes from two royal 'madame reali' (queen mothers) who used it as a residence in the 17th-18th centuries.

Today it houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, with collections spanning medieval sculpture, decorative arts, and paintings, along with a notable ceramics and glass collection.

Its location directly on Piazza Castello makes it an easy stop alongside Palazzo Reale and the rest of central Turin's main square.

Palazzo Madama, Turin FAQs

Why does the building look mismatched?

It layers a Roman-era gate, a medieval castle, and an 18th-century Baroque facade added by Filippo Juvarra, each phase visible in the structure today.

What's inside?

The Civic Museum of Ancient Art, with medieval sculpture, decorative arts, paintings, and a ceramics and glass collection.

Is it closed any day?

Yes, typically closed on Tuesdays.

How long does a visit take?

About 1-1.5 hours.

Where does the name Madama come from?

It refers to two 'madame reali,' royal queen mothers of the House of Savoy who used the palace as a residence.

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