Palazzo Madama is a historic palace located in the center of Piazza Castello in Turin. The structure is a complex architectural palimpsest, featuring a medieval fortress core that was later expanded and transformed into a sophisticated Baroque residence for the House of Savoy.
The palace served as the seat of the first Senate of the Kingdom of Italy following the unification of the country. Today, it houses the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica, which holds an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Marble, Stone
- Civilization
- Savoyard
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible with elevator access to upper floors
- Date(s)
- 1st century BCE - 18th century CE
- Condition
- Restored and active as a museum
- Original Function
- Roman gate and medieval fortress
- Key Figures
- Marie Jeanne of Savoy, Marie Christine of France, Filippo Juvarra
Roman and Medieval Origins
1st century BCE - 14th centuryThe site originated as the Porta Praetoria, a gate in the Roman walls of Augusta Taurinorum. During the Middle Ages, the structure was converted into a fortified castle by the Acaja branch of the House of Savoy, serving as a defensive stronghold.
The Royal Residence
17th centuryThe palace earned its name from the 'Madama Reale' (Royal Madams), Marie Christine of France and Marie Jeanne of Savoy, who resided here. They commissioned significant renovations that began the transition from a fortress to a noble residence.
Baroque Transformation
1718-1721Architect Filippo Juvarra was commissioned to design the grand Baroque facade that faces Piazza Castello. This addition transformed the palace into a masterpiece of Piedmontese Baroque architecture, characterized by its monumental staircase and light-filled galleries.
Political Significance
1848-1865Following the Statuto Albertino, the palace became the seat of the Subalpine Senate, the upper house of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and later the first Senate of the unified Kingdom of Italy.