A thousand-year-old royal castle

The imposing building surrounded by one of the most beautiful Italian gardens has undergone extensions due to the epochal changes, which it witnessed. The first quadrangular structure dates back to the 11th century and was owned by the Marquises of Saluzzo. Sold to the Savoy, in 1676 it underwent the architectural modification of Guarini which was resumed only in the mid-19th century by Borra. He built the infamous staircase overlooking the village and adorned with sphinxes donated by the French king Louis XV. The music hall also dates back to this period, with depictions of exoticism in vogue at the time. A profound transformation took place with the seventh Prince of Carignano, king of Sardinia, who used the castle as a holiday home. The architect Melano reorganized the premises which became the seat of representation and government or, on the second floor, prestigious apartments. The decorations of the Palagi are, in this respect, in the Empire style. Particular is the twentieth-century photographic laboratory of Queen Elena, a great enthusiast. White storks 'Really' nest up there on chimneys.