The Royal Castle of Racconigi: the Kings’ summer retreat

Let’s discover this stunning Savoy residence in Piedmont, in all its magnificence.

The Royal Castle of Racconigi is located in the province of Cuneo, in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Construction began in the 11th century, and over time, the castle underwent numerous modifications. In the second half of the 14th century, it became the property of the Savoy-Racconigi branch of the House of Savoy. Later, it served as the official residence of the Savoy-Carignano line, a cadet branch of the royal house. Eventually, the castle was chosen as the site of the “Royal Holidays” and became the summer and autumn residence of the Kings of Sardinia.

The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected as a cultural asset.

Originally built as a fortress in the Marquisate of Turin, the castle passed to the Marquises of Saluzzo and, in the 17th century, was elevated to the status of a “royal residence” when it came into the hands of the House of Savoy.

The French landscape architect André Le Nôtre designed the gardens, while architect Guarino Guarini oversaw the reconstruction of the entire building, although his project was never completed.

Starting in 1775, under the direction of Prince Louis Victor of Savoy-Carignano, architect Giovanni Battista Borra redesigned the castle, adding pavilions, a portico, a grand hall with a “musicians’ gallery,” the Diana Room, and the Chinese Cabinets.

The castle’s current appearance is largely the result of renovations commissioned by King Charles Albert of Savoy, King of Sardinia. 

The architectural work was led by Ernesto Melano, while the interiors were entrusted to architect Pelagio Palagi, who decorated the rooms in neoclassical style. The famed cabinetmaker Gabriele Capello, known as “il Moncalvo,” also contributed, particularly noted for the exquisite inlays that adorn the furniture and door panels of the “Etruscan Cabinet,” the study of King Charles Albert.

The castle contains rooms of significant artistic value, many created in the 18th century, some in neoclassical style and others with Art Deco design.

The splendid “Hall of Hercules” is dedicated to the Roman mythological figure and was designed by Giovanni Battista Borra. It was used as a ballroom. The lower walls feature six niches with sculptures representing the labors of Hercules, while the upper part contains stucco reliefs depicting hunting scenes. The dome ceiling is painted in trompe-l'œil style.

The “Diana Room” is distinguished by four medallions portraying the myth of the goddess of the hunt. The four Murano glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling are stunning in their beauty, as is the impressive bas-relief of Apollo riding the sun chariot. The room also features two marble fireplaces designed by Guarino Guarini.

The Chinese Apartment was created in the 18th century at the request of Louis Victor of Savoy-Carignano and includes rooms with oriental influences. These are distinguished by hand-painted rice paper wallpaper, enamel-decorated vases, antique porcelain, two folding screens with Chinese-style designs by painter Carlo Cussetti, and a portable Japanese chair.

The Reception Room is the most opulent space in the castle. Its ceiling, decorated with gold leaf motifs, bears the monogram of King Charles Albert, which is also repeated in the furnishings and on the damask-covered walls. The sofas and armchairs are upholstered in fabric of the distinctive Savoy Blue color. The grand chandelier is made of Bohemian crystal.

The long corridor leading to the various apartments is known as the “Portrait Gallery,” or “Corridor F,” and is lined with numerous portraits of great artistic and historical value, offering a dynastic journey that includes members of the House of Savoy and other noble families.

The castle overlooks a grand French-style park of about 170 hectares. Its romantic landscaping was completed by landscape architect Xavier Kurten, with contributions from brothers Marcellino and Pietro Giuseppe Roda, who provided the park with rare flowers and exotic fruit trees grown in a heated greenhouse commissioned by King Charles Albert.

The estate includes over 2,000 trees, including a 42-meter-tall oriental plane tree and a 35-meter zelkova. The park is also home to various bird species, including the famous “Racconigi storks.” Squirrels, badgers, and foxes are also commonly found throughout the grounds.

An artificial canal network runs through the park, ensuring constant water circulation for the central lake.

At the edge of the vast garden stand neo-Gothic structures such as the Royal Greenhouses and the “Margaria,” built to support agricultural activities related to the estate.

Today, the Royal Castle of Racconigi is a public museum and cultural landmark.

The entire complex offers a striking impression of grandeur and majesty.

Photo: The castle at evening (from arteemusei.com)