Palazzo Carignano, Turin

Palazzo Carignano, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Turin, Italy. This historic palace, with its undulating façade and grandiose design, was built in the 17th century for the House of Savoy. It is revered not only as a significant cultural landmark but also for its role in the political history of Italy.

Constructed between 1679 and 1684, the palace was designed by the renowned architect Guarino Guarini. Its unique brickwork and the elaborate curves of its exterior make it one of the most distinctive castles in the region. Originally the residence of the Princes of Carignano, members of a cadet branch of the House of Savoy, Palazzo Carignano is a testament to the lavish tastes and power of its former inhabitants.

The palace is deeply woven into the fabric of Italian history. It was the birthplace of the first King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, in 1820, and later served as the seat of the Subalpine Parliament, the first Italian Parliament following the country's unification in 1861. Today, it houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, which showcases the unification process of Italy.

Palazzo Carignano's interiors are as impressive as its exterior, with an array of opulent rooms and intricate frescoes that reflect the grandeur of the Baroque era. Visitors can explore the ornate chambers and the grand hall, where the Italian deputies once debated the future of their nation.