Palazzo Madama — Attraction in Turin

Palazzo Madama is a historic palace located in the heart of Turin, Italy. The palace was originally built in the 13th century as a castle, but was extensively renovated and expanded over the centuries to become the grand palace that it is today.

The palace is notable for its beautiful Baroque façade, which was added in the 18th century, and its elegant interior, which features intricate frescoes, ornate stucco work, and a grand staircase. The palace has been home to a number of different rulers over the centuries, including the Savoy family, who ruled over the Kingdom of Sardinia from the 14th century until the unification of Italy in the 19th century.

Today, the palace is home to the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art, which features a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from the medieval period to the 18th century. The museum's collections are housed in several rooms throughout the palace, including the grand ballroom, the royal apartments, and the chapel.

In addition to its cultural significance, Palazzo Madama is also an important political symbol. The palace served as the seat of the Italian Senate from 1871 to 1946, and is now the home of the Regional Council of Piedmont.

Overall, Palazzo Madama is a stunning example of Italian architecture and design, and is an important cultural and historical landmark in the city of Turin. Its rich history, beautiful interiors, and cultural significance make it a must-see destination for anyone...

The collection and the building are 5. The organization maybe 2. There is no signs of direction of the sightseeing. I found the map only while leaving, there were none on the ticket counter or at the entry to the exposition space (as is customary in any self respecting museum). Personel, with one exception, doesn't speak English, so it is not possible to ask along either. It is perfectly fine that they don't, but would it really be that difficult to place some signs along? While I was there, there was a concert in the main hall, and an exhibition (separate ticket). That meant wandering around closed off spaces and trying to figure out how to get to the other side of the palace, hoping that there would be some accessible exhibition room there as well. There is no audio tour, although there are signs at several pieces with the earphones. Upon asking I was told that there used to be one but no more. Half of the collection has no English translation of the title plagues. There are paper boards with information in ever room, and these are well prepared and informative. Overall I feel like the collection is great, well prepared from art historical point of view, but the organization leaves a lot of room for...

I was attracted initially by the medieval architecture of the sides of this building, not the ornate front facade (which is currently undergoing renovation). Learning that the medieval structure incorporated an ancient Roman monumental gate intrigued me even more. The fact it houses galleries on art and archaeology from various eras of Torino’s history was also an attractive selling point. However, what ensured Palazzo Madama was on the top of the list of museums/sites to visit in Torino is the fact that the old moat is now a medieval botanic garden! Ornamental plants, edible plants for the table, medicinal herbs, trees, vines, pergolas, a small but very charming falconry(!), AND places to sit and contemplate all this beauty (just as the medieval princes used to do)!! I would come to this garden regularly for a therapeutic session of relaxation if the entry price wasn’t so high (and I didn’t live on the other side of the...