The Castle of Agliè: a Gem on the 'Crown of Delights' in Piedmont

The Ducal Castle of Agliè is part of the Royal Residences of the Savoy, a collection of twenty-two structures created by the Savoy dynasty in the splendid setting of Piedmont between the 16th and 18th centuries. From the sumptuous palaces of Turin, the center of political power, to the magnificent residences nestled among verdant landscapes, where the court loved to retreat for leisure, the royal family over time shaped a constellation of 'gems' known as the 'Crown of Delights', which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Seven centuries of history and transformations carried out by counts, dukes, and members of the royal family who have succeeded one another in owning the residence have granted the Castle of Agliè a surprising and varied heritage of furnishings and collections to admire. Thanks to Queen Maria Cristina of Bourbon, a passionate enthusiast of history and archaeology, the Tuscolana Hall enchants us with its splendid Roman-era artifacts, while the travels in Asia of Duke Tomaso of Savoy-Genoa, son of the last owner, enriched the castle's heritage with an important collection of Oriental art objects, which we can appreciate in the Chinese Hall.

The Ballroom, heart of the Castle of Agliè, takes our breath away with the frescoes by Giovanni Paolo Recchi, which completely cover the walls and the ceiling. The sparkle of the immense chandelier that dominates the center of the room transports us to fairy tales of bygone times, while the delightful little theater, perfectly preserved in its original structure, still hosts performances and concerts today, making them magical, intimate and atmospheric.

It is impossible not to take a stroll through the gardens surrounding the castle, with their romantic ambiance, greenhouses, and enchanting views of the surrounding valleys. A unique underpass also connects the gardens to a magnificent park of century-old trees, where the evocative Fountain of Rivers stands out. Its semicircular layout and the elegant sculptures by the Collino brothers that adorn it will add a touch of charm to the serenity of your walk in this beautiful place.

Visits

The castle visit lasts about one hour, while the gardens and park require approximately one to two hours, depending on how much time you wish to dedicate to these enchanting natural spaces.

From Monday to Friday, excluding Tuesdays, the castle staff conducts guided tours in groups of up to 25 people, allowing you to admire all the attractions included in the Representation Plan, plus a second route, according to the following schedule:

May and June: Royal Apartments

July and August: Kitchens

September and October: Chierici Apartment

November: Ospedaletto (little hospital)

December: Chapel of San Massimo

Opening Hours

The castle is open every day except Tuesday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (last entry at 12:00 PM) and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM), while the gardens and park are open on the same days from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM).

Tickets and Costs

Tickets are available at the castle ticket office. On weekends and public holidays, we highly recommend booking your castle visit in advance through the Musei Italiani app.

Tickets for visiting the castle and the green areas can be purchased separately. The ticket price for the castle visit is €8.00, for the gardens €3.00, and for the gardens plus park €5.00. A reduced entry fee of €2.00 is available for visitors aged 18 to 25, while entry is free for those under 18.

Accessibility

To facilitate access for visitors with disabilities, the main entrance is equipped with a stone ramp to overcome three steps, and the door measures 1.2 meters in width.

By Car

The castle is located 40 minutes from Turin and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Milan.

Starting from Turin, take the A5 motorway and then exit at San Giorgio Canavese. Follow Provincial Road 53 (SP 53) and Provincial Road 52 (SP 52) to your destination in Agliè.

If your itinerary starts from Milan, take the A4 motorway and then A5, exiting at San Giorgio Canavese. Again, follow Provincial Road 53 (SP 53) and Provincial Road 52 (SP 52) to your destination in Agliè.

By Train

The nearest station is Rivarolo Canavese. From there, you can reach the castle via the 145 Rivarolo-Ivrea bus line (20 minutes) or by taxi (10 minutes).

Setting for TV Series

The castle has been chosen as a filming location for numerous films and television series, such as Elisa di Rivombrosa, Beauty and the Beast, and The Law of Lidia Poët.

The Little Theater and the Actors’ Apartment

Entering the little theater from the Green Hall, one would never guess that somewhere in the room, a hidden staircase leads to the upper floor. Here lies the so-called 'actors’ apartment', a system of accommodations and dressing rooms intended for the actors performing at the castle.

The Bust of the Princess

One of the best-preserved works in the castle's collection is the bust of Princess Vittoria of Savoy-Soisson. Created by sculptor Piero Orso entirely in wax with fabric applications, lace, and beads, this sculpture presents a rather sinister image of the character it depicts, which has fueled a legend over time that the ghost of the princess, who died in Turin in 1763, still wanders the rooms of the right tower, where some mysterious events are said to have occurred.

Ospedaletto During the War

During World War I, Isabella of Bavaria, wife of Duke Tomaso of Savoy-Genoa, decided to establish a small hospital facility of thirteen rooms dedicated to the convalescence of war officers in the oldest part of the castle, which overlooks the 17th-century Italian garden.

The 'Royal Walks'

Since 2018, the Consortium of the Royal Residences of Savoy has been organizing themed itineraries each year to showcase these places of interest and the surrounding areas. In May 2025, the Castle of Agliè was also chosen as the setting for one of the hiking routes associated with this project.