The Palazzina di Caccia of Stupinigi, near Turin, was designed by Filippo Juvarra and built in 1729; between the 18th and 19th centuries, it was the Savoy’s hunting lodge as well as a palace where the royal family celebrated weddings and held parties.
Born as one of the most luxurious and imposing monumental complexes of the 1700s, it was extended even more around the end of the century by Benedetto Alfieri – who drew inspiration from great Rococo residences in Europe – and other architects, like Giovanni Tommaso Prunotto, Ignazio Birago di Borgaro and Ludovico Bo.
Equally elegant and sumptuous, the building was chosen from 1900 to 1919 as Queen Margherita’s residence. Before her, it had welcomed Paoline Bonaparte and Napoleon himself, who picked it as his country house. In 1842, the Duke of Savoy Victor Emmanuel II married Adelaide of Austria here.
The complex offers a number of interesting gems of architecture, history and art – starting from the Juvarra Stables, where visitors can see the sculpture of a stag, by Francesco Ladatte, which once topped the domed roof of the central building (later replaced by a copy). Next are the library and the central grand hall, which is at the intersection in the structure’s floor plan, which resembles a Saint Andrew’s cross. From there, you access the King’s Apartment, the Queen’s Apartment, the Antechapel and the Chapel of Saint Hubertus, patron of hunting and hunters.
Finally, you come to the precious Game Room – with its Chinese-style interiors – and the wonderful park, designed by Michel Benard in line with French gardens.
Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi
Piazza Principe Amedeo, 7
Stupinigi, Nichelino (TO)
Photos via:
https://bolognasonicpark.com/location/
https://mole24.it/2019/11/20/la-regione-punta-su-stupinigi-pronti-25-milioni-per-valorizzare-la-palazzina-di-caccia/
http://fondazionetoscanini.areaitalia.com/luoghi/cortile-donore-palazzina-caccia-stupinigi/
https://www.histouring.com/strutture/palazzina-di-caccia-stupinigi/
Rococo luxury at the Palazzina di Caccia of Stupinigi
