Castel Savoia- 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Castel Savoia is a big three-storey mansion designed in an eclectic style that dates back to the late 19th century. The building consists of a central rectangular body with five neogothic pointed towers, each one different from the other that lean against it.

The residence is structured on three storeys: the ground floor with service rooms, the noble floor with the royal apartments and the second floor, reserved for the gentlemen of the court. The cellars are located underground. The second floor is not open to visitors.

On the ground floor, there are the dining room, the billiard room, few sitting rooms, a big semi-circular veranda and the hall of honour with a semi-circular imperial staircase. On the noble floor are the private apartments of the queen, her son, her daughter-in-law, and her grandson. The interior of the castle has maintained the original decor. Wall paintings, glass windows, wooden ceilings decorated with Savoy symbols and floral motifs, linen and silk tapestries and furniture realized according to the queen’s taste.

The Savoy Castle's botanical garden

The Alpine Botanical Garden of Castel Savoia was established in 1990 in the park of Castel Savoia (created in 1898 by Margherita of Savoy) and is open for visitors in the summer months(July and August). The park focuses on the aesthetic appearance of its species which are planted in rocky beds.

In addition, there is also a small pine grove and a rocky garden at the botanical garden.

Castel Savoia was commissioned by Margherita of Savoy, queen of Italy. The residence was designed by Italian architect Emilio Stramucci and built between 1899 and 1904. The decision to build the residence was taken by Margherita of Savoy after being fascinated by the beauty of the Lys Valley where Castel Savoia is located.

The elegant residence was designated as a summer villa where the queen stayed for long periods. Hosting aristocrats, celebrated artists and writers. After she died in 1926, the castle was not occupied for some time. The Milanese industrialist Ettore Moretti acquired it in 1936 and in 1981, it changed ownership and became the property of the Regional Council of Aosta Valley.

The best time to visit Castel Savoia is in the summer months of July and August when the residence and the botanical gardens are open to the public in their full beauty.

1. Strongly advised to purchase the ticket online in advance for a confirmed entry to the castle.
2. Backpacks and bulky luggage are not allowed inside.
3. Taking photos with selfie sticks is prohibited.
4. Only small animals are allowed if they are held in one’s arms or transported in a pet carrier.
5. Group entry is allowed for only up to 25 people.

1. The architect Emilio Stramucci who designed Castel Savoia also designed the neo-Baroque decorations for Palazzo Reale in Turin and the Quirinale in Rome.
2. Only a few pieces of the original furniture remain. Most furniture on the residence comes from Villa Margherita, property of the Beck Peccoz Barons, in which the Queen stayed before the construction of the residence.
3. The kitchens were located in a building a short distance away and were connected to the residence by an underground Decauville track.
4. The residence consists of a little house known as Romitaggio Carducci, dedicated to the poet "Giosuè Carducci" who was a devoted admirer and singer for the queen.

It takes 2 to 3 hours to visit all the parts of the castle and the botanical garden.

From Porta Nuova station of Turin City, visitors could take a train to Pont S. Martin. It is about a 1 hour and 10 minutes train ride. From Pont S. Martin, you will have to hire a taxi to Castel Savoia, which will take about 40 minutes.

It costs 8€ for general admission to Castel Savoia.

For visitors with a qualified tour guide, groups of at least 25 paying visitors, and university students, the entry fee is reduced to 6€.

For young people 0-25 years old, visitors with disabilities and their companions, and teachers accompanying school groups, the entrance is free.

The tickets can be purchased through the official online channel.

From April to September, Castel Savoia is open from 9 AM to 7 PM. From October to March, it is open from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.

Castel Savoia is closed on Mondays, except for July and August. It is open for all public holidays(including public holidays that fall on Mondays) except for December 25th and January 1st. For an up to date opening hour information, please check the official timetable.