2. Turin: Royal Palace and Archaeological Gallery
The itinerary takes place in the royal palace not surprisingly, the unmissable places to visit in turin;you can enjoy a taste of the luxury and elegance of the italian baroque period. Much of the royal palace, including the throne hall, the queen hall, the gabinetto cinese,a jewel of decorative art with walls covered by authentic chinese laquer, the dining room with an elegant table set with beautiful potteries, the stunning ball room, shining with gold and crystals and the queens delivery room can be toured.
Among the fascinating items on show are rich tapestries from France, invaluable far east vases from XVI and XVII centuries and of course stunning furnishings. The visit includes a quick view of the royal armoury in Turin one of the finest museums dedicated to weapons in the world. It was founded by King in 1832, and has since grown to house more than 5000 items. There are a few notable weapons here with their own stories. A sword carried by Napoleon Bonaparte in battle, for example, is one of the most famous attractions. You’ll also find several mannequins dressed in armor, and display cases of beautiful yet terrifying weapons. Compared to the other existing tours of the royal palace this tour will give you the opportunity to admire a little precious archaeological gallery too , one of the oldest collections of antiquities artifacts purchased by the
royal family during three centuries of monarchic history in piedmont. Among the finds we have selected for you really amazing Greek huge painted vases , a marvellous etruscan sarcophagus from Tuscany and the amazing “sala della scultura” with original greek and roman statues, busts of emperors carved in the most beautiful marbles of Europe from original artists such as Polycletus and Praxiteles. Leaving the gallery you can walk through part of the Royal Gardens designed by the french architect André Le Notre to head the nearest exit. Next to the exit you can stop if you like, in a Caffe Reale which stands in a series of rooms that used to house the royal fruitery. Today the shelves are lined with porcelain from the Royal Family’s collections. You couldn’t leave this magnificent place without at least trying the hot chocolate with wipped cream or bicerin a typical piedmontese drink with hot chocolate, coffee and cream or simply a good Italian espresso.