Baroque Secrets Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The powerful Piedmontese Savoy kings chose Turin as their capital in 1563. However, it was not until the arrival of the great Baroque architect Guarino Guarini to the city in 1666 that the Baroque style, which has come to define the modern city, gained momentum. Your starting point is from Palazzo Reale. All of the big-name architects to pass through the Savoy court made a contribution of some kind to this royal residence. The interior rooms are simply stunning and a true testament to the theatricality of Baroque and Rococo art. Be sure to take a stroll through the gorgeous gardens attached to the palazzo whilst you are there. From there you are just a few seconds away from Palazzo Madama, where you can admire two masterpieces by Juvarra: the masterful Scalone Juvarriano (staircase), and the building’s beautiful undulating facade. Heading toward the back of the piazza, you’ll come to two Guarini masterpieces: la Chiesa di San Lorenzo (church) built between 1666-1668, and la Cappella della Santa Sindone (chapel) built betwen 1668 and 1694. Guarini’s works are some of the most visually compelling of all of the Baroque sites in Turin. You will then move to Palazzo Carignano, which is a testament to Guarini’s ability to play with curved and circular shapes in a secular setting. For this 1679 commission, Guarini paired convex and concave frontage to create an undulating wave-like effect. The semi-circular balcony has a deeply inset curved hood and the windows are framed with fluid drapery. After visiting a small Baroque gem you will move to Piazza San Carlo where you will finish at Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. This is a long street featuring several Baroque architectural gems, including several churches.

   Passes by

2. the Royal Palace is the first residence of the Savoy dynasty is considered one of the best preserved European palaces and famous architects such as Guarini and Juvarra contributed to its beauty.

   1 hAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Turin

• Its from-price is 51% below the median of the 302 experiences we list in Turin.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Turin

Turin is the elegant Piedmont capital below the Alps, a city of arcaded avenues, royal palaces, a famous Egyptian museum, chocolate and vermouth.

Turin was the first capital of unified Italy, from 1861 to 1865, and before that the seat of the Savoy dynasty, whose baroque palaces and wide arcaded streets still define the centre. Piazza Castello holds the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, and Piazza San Carlo is a grand square with twin churches. The Mole Antonelliana, a tower topped by a spire, houses the National Cinema Museum, and the cathedral keeps the Shroud of Turin.

Top-ranked sights in Turin: Grinzane Cavour Castle, Piazza Castello, Piazza San Carlo.

See all 302 experiences in Turin