Villa della Regina — Attraction in Turin

The original structure was designed in early 1615 by the Italian soldier, architect and military engineer, Ascanio Vitozzi. When he died in 1615, the project passed to his collaborators, father and son Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte. The original building was built for the Prince-Cardinal Maurice of Savoy during the reign of his brother Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy. The property was built as a private villa with its own vineyard, hence its alternative name of Vigna di Madama. In 1637 Cardinal Maurice lost his brother and his sister in law Christine Marie of France became Regent of Savoy for her young son, Carlo Emanuele II of Savoye.

Prince Maurice of Savoy and his brother Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano opposed the Regency and fled to Spain. Following his return to Turin, Maurice died at the Villa in 1657 and willed it to his wife Louise Christine of Savoy who also died there in 1692. At the death of Louise Christine, it passed to Anne Marie d'Orléans, niece of Louis XIV of France[1] wife Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy in 1684.

She used the Vigna when she could. Most of the present décor of the Vigna is from her lifetime. Her husband was the King of Sicily from 1713 till 1720, when he exchanged Sicily with Sardinia. From then on, the building was known as Villa della Regina ("Villa of the Queen"). It was here Anne Marie died in 1728. Anne Marie's eldest daughter Maria Adelaide[2] came here and tried to recreate it at Versailles at the Ménagerie.

Polyxena of Hesse-Rotenburg, daughter in law of Anne Marie, did some work in the main saloon of the building when she became the owner of the villa in 1728 at the death of Anne Marie.

Inside there are frescoes and paintings by Giovanni Battista Crosato, Daniel Seyter and Corrado Giaquinto in the main room, grotesques of Filippo Minei and paintings by the brothers Domenico and Giuseppe Valeriani in the near rooms; there are also precious Chinese Cabinets in lacquer and golden wood. In the park there is the Pavilion of the Solinghi, pagoda building in which the Academy of the Solinghi used to meet; it was a group of intellectuals founded by the Cardinal Maurice.

The Villa was later used by the Spanish Queen of Sardinia Maria Antonietta Ferdinanda.[3] It remained the property of the House of Savoy till 1868 when it was donated by Victor Emmanuel II of Italy to the Institute of the Army's Daughters and in 1994 it was given to the State domain.

Damaged in the Second World War, it is today open to the public in order to fund its...

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On the Sunday of Fai we decided to take advantage of free admission and visited Villa della Regina with our little 5-month-old, located in a raised position just outside Turin. The visit gives access to the two external gardens comprising some fountains and a small adjacent vineyard (from which a wine belonging to the villa is made), and inside you can visit several rooms. The inner part is the best preserved even if over the years the villa has been reused as a female college. The external part is the one that leaves a little to be desired, since perhaps more maintenance would be needed for both the facades and the gardens. The fountains were unfortunately particularly battered. I recommend a visit if everything has already been seen in the Turin area, if this were not the case, I would first visit other venaria Reale sites. Rather difficult accessibility to strollers with small wheels. If you found my review useful, leave a Like 😉

In occasione della domenica del Fai abbiamo deciso di approfittare dell'ingresso gratuito ed abbiamo visitato col nostro piccolino di 5 mesi Villa della Regina, situata in posizione rialzata appena fuori Torino. La visita dà accesso ai due giardini esterni comprendenti alcune fontane ed un piccolo vigneto adiacente ( dal quale si ricava un vino di proprietà della villa), ed internamente si visitano diverse sale. La parte interna appunto è la meglio conservata anche se nel passare degli anni la villa è stata riutilizzata come collegio femminile. La parte esterna è quella che lascia un po' a desiderare, poiché forse sarebbe necessaria più manutenzione sia alle facciate che ai giardini. Le fontane erano purtroppo particolarmente malconce. Consiglio una visita se del Torinese si è già visto tutto, se così non fosse visiterei prima altri siti tipo Venaria Reale. Accessibilità piuttosto difficoltosa ai passeggini con le ruote Piccole. Se hai trovato utile la mia recensione...

Villa della Regina in Turin, Piedmont, is an enchanting historical gem that left me captivated during my visit. The villa's walls are adorned with mesmerizing paintings that showcase the exquisite artistry of the past. Each stroke of the brush seems to tell a unique story, making the experience truly immersive.

The intricate frescoes and elegant murals transport visitors to another era, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The attention to detail and preservation of these artistic treasures are commendable, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts and history aficionados alike.

Aside from its artistic allure, Villa della Regina offers a breathtaking outlook to the city of Turin. The villa's strategic location atop a hill provides panoramic views that are simply awe-inspiring. Standing on its terraces, I felt a profound sense of tranquility while overlooking the city's historic landmarks and the picturesque Piedmont landscape.

The combination of art and the scenic beauty of Turin makes Villa della Regina a must-visit destination. Exploring its elegant halls and serene gardens while absorbing the artistic grandeur and embracing the captivating vista was an unforgettable experience that will linger in my memories for years to come. I highly recommend this historical treasure to anyone seeking an enriching cultural journey amidst the charm of Turin...