This palace in the heart of the city was the official residence of the Savoy kings of Sardinia and Italy. To see the sumptuous interior, you must follow the 45-minute tour conducted in Italian or else rent an audio guide in English. Worth seeing is the Council Room, where in 1848 Carlo Alberto signed the Italian democratic constitution, capitulating to the demands of Count Cavour and the Risorgimento movement. The grand Staircase of Honor, with its ornate motifs and imposing portraiture, was constructed in 1862 following the unification of Italy to celebrate the Savoy dynasty. Note that the first floor is still under renovation, with no reopening date yet scheduled. Tuesday-Sunday 8:30 am-7:30 pm Guided tours every 30 minutes. 6.50 euros. Piazzetta Reale, Turin. Phone 011-436-1455. http://www.ambienteto.arti.beniculturali.it.
