Baroque Secrets Tour

Turin

The powerful Piedmontese Savoy kings chose Turin as their capital in 1563. However, it was not until the arrival of the great Baroque architect Guarino Guarini to the city in 1666 that the Baroque style, which has come to define the modern city, gained momentum. Your starting point is from Palazzo Reale. All of the big-name architects to pass through the Savoy court made a contribution of some kind to this royal residence. The interior rooms are simply stunning and a true testament to the theatricality of Baroque and Rococo art. Be sure to take a stroll through the gorgeous gardens attached to the palazzo whilst you are there. From there you are just a few seconds away from Palazzo Madama, where you can admire two masterpieces by Juvarra: the masterful Scalone Juvarriano (staircase), and the building’s beautiful undulating facade. Heading toward the back of the piazza, you’ll come to two Guarini masterpieces: la Chiesa di San Lorenzo (church) built between 1666-1668, and la Cappella della Santa Sindone (chapel) built betwen 1668 and 1694. Guarini’s works are some of the most visually compelling of all of the Baroque sites in Turin. You will then move to Palazzo Carignano, which is a testament to Guarini’s ability to play with curved and circular shapes in a secular setting. For this 1679 commission, Guarini paired convex and concave frontage to create an undulating wave-like effect. The semi-circular balcony has a deeply inset curved hood and the windows are framed with fluid drapery. After visiting a small Baroque gem you will move to Piazza San Carlo where you will finish at Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. This is a long street featuring several Baroque architectural gems, including several churches.