Palaces of Italy
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Latest page update: 24 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The major Palaces of Italy are a legacy of the country's rich and complicated history.
Until 1861, Italy was fractured into a number of smaller states, republics, duchies and kingdoms, ruled by dynasties that wanted to express their power and to live in sumptuous surroundings. The beautiful palaces can be found in every part of the country from the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in the north-west region of Piedmont to the beautiful Royal Palace of Palermo in Sicily with the stunning Palatine Chapel among its highlights. |
Palazzo Ducale, Mantua
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Related links
Royal Palace of Caserta
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The Royal Palace of Caserta, located in the Campania region of southern Italy, near Naples, is a magnificent 18th-century palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by Charles VII of Bourbon and designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, it was completed in 1774 as a symbol of Bourbon grandeur.
Often compared to Versailles, it features over 1,200 rooms adorned with ornate frescoes, sculptures, and marble. The palace's sprawling gardens are a highlight, featuring fountains, waterfalls, and a grand canal. The English Garden, one of Europe’s earliest, adds to its charm. |
Royal Palace of Caserta, Campania
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Royal Palace of Turin
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The Royal Palace of Turin, or Palazzo Reale, is a grand historic residence located in the heart of Turin, at Piazza Castello. Built in the 17th century, it served as the main residence of the House of Savoy, Italy’s royal family, until the 19th century.
The palace boasts stunning Baroque architecture, lavish interiors adorned with frescoes, gilded decorations, and exquisite furnishings. Key features include the Royal Armoury, housing a vast collection of weapons and armour, and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, designed by Guarino Guarini to house the Shroud of Turin. Today, the Royal Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Royal Palace of Turin
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Doge's Palace
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The Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, is an architectural masterpiece located in St. Mark’s Square, Venice. Once the residence of the Doge, the leader of the Venetian Republic, it also served as the seat of government, court, and prison.
Built in the Gothic style, the palace features ornate facades, pointed arches, and intricate stone carvings. Inside, visitors can explore opulent halls like the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, adorned with Tintoretto’s and Veronese’s masterpieces. The famous Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the historic prison. |
Doge's Palace, Venice
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Reggia di Venaria Reale
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The Reggia di Venaria Reale is a grand Baroque palace located in Piedmont, near the city of Turin. Built in the 17th century for the House of Savoy, it served as a hunting lodge and a symbol of royal prestige. Designed by architect Amedeo di Castellamonte, the palace features opulent halls, such as the stunning Galleria Grande, adorned with intricate frescoes and stuccoes.
The expansive gardens are a masterpiece of Italian landscaping, with elegant fountains, flowerbeds, and scenic pathways. Restored in the early 21st century, the Reggia di Venaria Reale is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions and events in a setting of timeless splendour. |
Reggio di Venaria Reale, Turin
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Royal Palace of Naples
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The Royal Palace of Naples, located in the city’s historic centre is a grand architectural landmark that showcases the opulence of Naples’ royal past. Originally constructed in 1600 by Domenico Fontana for the Spanish viceroys, it later became the residence of the Bourbon kings of Naples.
The palace features an impressive façade, elegant courtyards, and opulent interiors adorned with frescoes, tapestries, and period furnishings. Key highlights include the grand staircase, the Throne Room, and the Royal Chapel. Its Hall of Hercules and the vast royal apartments reflect the artistic and political significance of the Bourbon era. |
Royal Palace of Naples
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Palazzo Ducale (Mantova)
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The Palazzo Ducale di Mantova is a grand Renaissance palace located in the heart of Mantua, Lombardy. Once the residence of the powerful Gonzaga family, the palace is an architectural masterpiece that spans several centuries of design.
Key features include the lavish Hall of Mirrors, intricate frescoes by artists like Andrea Mantegna, and the beautiful courtyard. The palace complex also includes the nearby Palazzo del Te, known for its Mannerist architecture. Dating back to the 14th century, the Palazzo Ducale served as both a royal residence and a political center. Today, it houses a museum, attracting visitors with its rich art, history, and opulent interiors. |
Palazzo Ducale, Mantova, Lombardy
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Royal Palace of Capodimonte
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The Royal Palace of Capodimonte is an impressive historical site located in Naples, perched atop a hill overlooking the city.
Built in the 18th century by Charles of Bourbon, it initially served as a royal residence. The palace is renowned for its stunning architecture, grand halls, and expansive gardens. It houses the Capodimonte Museum, which showcases a vast collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including works by artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. Over the centuries, the palace has played a key role in the cultural and political history of Naples. |
Royal Palace of Capodimonte, Naples
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Villa Farnese (Caprarola)
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Villa Farnese is a grand Renaissance villa located in Caprarola, a town in the Lazio region of Italy.
Built in the late 16th century for the powerful Farnese family, the villa is a masterpiece of architecture, designed by the renowned architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. The villa’s most striking feature is its pentagonal layout, with a central courtyard surrounded by imposing walls and elegant frescoes. The interior boasts magnificent rooms adorned with intricate artworks, while the gardens feature beautiful terraces and fountains. |
Villa Farnese, Caprarola, Lazio
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Palazzo Ducale (Urbino)
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The Palazzo Ducale in Urbino is a magnificent Renaissance palace located in the Marche region of Italy. Built in the 15th century for Duke Federico da Montefeltro, the palace is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its design combines impressive courtyards, elegant rooms, and stunning frescoes.
Notable features include the Sala degli Angeli, decorated with intricate frescoes, and the Duke's private apartments, with beautiful works by Piero della Francesca. The palace also houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, an art museum with a rich collection of Renaissance paintings. The Palazzo Ducale remains a symbol of Urbino’s cultural heritage. |
Palazzo Ducale, Urbino
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Palazzo Madama (Turin)
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Palazzo Madama is a historic palace located in the centre of Turin, facing Piazza Castello. Originally built in the 13th century as a fortress, it was later transformed into a grand residence for the royal Savoy family in the 17th century.
The palace features a striking blend of medieval and Baroque architecture, with elegant façades and a beautifully decorated interior. Notable highlights include the grand staircase, lavish rooms, and impressive art collections. Palazzo Madama houses the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica, with an extensive collection of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art. |
Palazzo Madama, Turin
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Palazzo Piccolomini Pienza
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The Palazzo Piccolomini is located in Pienza, Tuscany, in the heart of the Val d'Orcia. Built in the mid-15th century, it was designed by architect Bernardo Rossellino for Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II.
The palace is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with a harmonious façade and elegant courtyard. The interior is decorated with frescoes, some depicting the life of Pope Pius II. The palace overlooks the picturesque Piazza Pio II and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It remains a symbol of Renaissance urban planning and architectural style. |
Palazzo Piccolomini, Pienza
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Villa Pisani
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Villa Pisani is a grand Venetian villa located in the Veneto region, near the town of Stra, along the Brenta River. Built in the early 18th century for the Pisani family, it is renowned for its elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
The villa's neoclassical façade and exquisite interior rooms are adorned with frescoes and ornate decorations. Its vast park, designed by renowned landscape architect Francesco Zanin, includes fountains, sculptures, and a labyrinth. Villa Pisani was later owned by Napoleon and served as a residence for his family. |
Villa Pisani, Veneto
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Villa Reale di Monza
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The Villa Reale is a magnificent royal residence located in Monza, a city in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Set within a vast park, the villa was built in the late 18th century for the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand of Austria and later became the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte's stepson, Eugène de Beauharnais.
The villa's neoclassical architecture, with its grand façade, elegant halls, and ornate interiors, reflects its royal history. The surrounding Parco di Monza is one of Europe's largest enclosed parks, offering scenic pathways, gardens, and sporting facilities. |
Villa Reale di Monza, Lombardy
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Villa Farnesina (Rome)
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Villa Farnesina is a Renaissance villa located in the Trastevere district of Rome. Built in the early 16th century by architect Baldassare Peruzzi, it was commissioned by the wealthy banker Agostino Chigi as a private residence. The villa is renowned for its exquisite frescoes, including works by celebrated artists such as Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo, and Giovanni da Udine.
The main features of the villa include its elegant architecture, beautiful gardens, and the iconic Loggia of Cupid and Psyche. Villa Farnesina has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a residence and cultural center. Today, it is open to the public, showcasing its artistic heritage. |
Villa Farnesina, Rome
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Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi
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The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi is a stunning royal hunting lodge located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, just outside of Turin. Designed by the renowned architect Filippo Juvarra in the early 18th century, the palace was built for the House of Savoy as a retreat for hunting expeditions.
The structure is an elegant example of Baroque architecture, with a symmetrical design and a central dome surrounded by expansive wings. The interior is richly decorated with frescoes, gilded stuccoes, and exquisite furnishings. Today, the Palazzina is a museum, showcasing art, royal artefacts, and the opulent lifestyle of the Savoy dynasty. |
Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Piedmont
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Royal Palace of Palermo
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The Royal Palace of Palermo, located in the heart of Palermo, Sicily, is one of the island's most significant historical landmarks.
Originally built in the 9th century by the Arabs, it was later expanded by the Normans and subsequent rulers. The palace features a blend of Arab, Norman, and Baroque architectural styles, with magnificent courtyards, intricate mosaics, and lavish rooms. One of its highlights is the Palatine Chapel, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and wooden ceilings. The palace served as the residence of kings and emperors. |
Royal Palace of Palermo, Sicily
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Palazzo Pitti
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Palazzo Pitti is a grand Renaissance palace located in the heart of Florence, on the south bank of the Arno River. Originally built in the 15th century for the wealthy banker Luca Pitti, the palace was later acquired by the powerful Medici family in 1549.
It boasts an impressive architectural design by Filippo Brunelleschi, with its vast, imposing façade. The palace houses several important museums, including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, and the Gallery of Modern Art. Its beautifully landscaped Boboli Gardens offer stunning views of Florence. |
Palazzo Pitti, Florence
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Royal Palace of Milan
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The Royal Palace of Milan (Palazzo Reale) is located in the city centre, next to the iconic Duomo Cathedral. Originally built in the 12th century, it served as the residence of Milan's rulers, including the Sforza family and later the Spanish and Austrian monarchs.
Over time, the palace underwent numerous expansions and renovations, reflecting various architectural styles. Today, it houses art galleries, exhibitions, and cultural events. Notable features include its grand facades, elegant courtyards, and historical rooms. The palace's rich history and central location make it a significant symbol of Milan’s political and cultural heritage. |
Royal Palace of Milan
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Palazzo Ducale (Gubbio)
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The Palazzo Ducale is a historic palace located in Gubbio, a charming town in Umbria. The palace was originally built in the 14th century for the Duke of Urbino.
Its striking Gothic architecture includes a large, decorated façade and a series of elegant courtyards. The interior features grand rooms adorned with frescoes and artwork depicting the region's history. Over time, the palace has served various purposes, including as a seat of local government. |
Palazzo Ducale, Gubbio
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