History and charm of the Mandria Castle Turin
The Mandria Castle is a place rich in history linked to Vittorio Emanuele II and Rosa Vercellana, with royal apartments and a natural park to explore.
What is the history of the Mandria Castle Turin?
The Mandria Castle was built in the 18th century as a building for breeding racehorses during the construction of the Venaria Reale. Over time, it became one of the favorite residences of King Vittorio Emanuele II.
Why is the Mandria Castle Turin linked to Vittorio Emanuele II?
Vittorio Emanuele II chose the Castle as an intimate and private place, away from court duties. Here he could dedicate himself to his passions, especially hunting, and spend time with Rosa Vercellana, to whom he dedicated the residence.
Who was Rosa Vercellana in the Mandria Castle Turin?
Rosa Vercellana, nicknamed Bela Rosin, was the king's companion. The sovereign appointed her countess of Mirafiori and Fontanafredda, and at the Mandria, she found a private space to live a family life.
How was the project of the Mandria Castle Turin born?
The ancient stables designed by Michelangelo Garove in the early 18th century were transformed into a royal residence in 1853 when the king decided to completely renovate them.
Which architects worked on the Mandria Castle Turin?
Architects Barnaba Panizza and Domenico Ferri were commissioned for the work between 1860 and 1863. Their intervention made the environments elegant, harmonious, and suitable for the daily life of the royal couple.
What features do the Royal Apartments of the Mandria Castle Turin have?
The Royal Apartments consist of twenty rooms arranged along a corridor. They are intimate spaces, rich in details that reveal the taste and habits of Vittorio Emanuele II.
Which artists decorated the Mandria Castle Turin?
The ceilings were decorated by Carlo, Placido and Domenico Mossello, Felice Vigna, and Francesco Gonin. Their paintings include floral themes, roses, and allegories of love.
What furnishings can be found in the Mandria Castle Turin?
The furnishings were made by the Fratelli Levera Company, which created modern and comfortable furniture, combining luxury and practicality, according to the 19th-century style.
Why is the Mandria Castle Turin historically important?
The Castle testifies to the private life of a king who, away from the court, lived a simple and family existence. Here you can breathe an authentic atmosphere, with perfectly preserved environments.
What does the Mandria Park represent for the Mandria Castle Turin?
The park, now a protected natural area, surrounds the residence with woods, ancient trees, and wildlife. Visitors can explore it through hiking trails immersed in nature.
Who owned the Mandria Castle Turin after the king's death?
After the death of Vittorio Emanuele II, the Castle passed to the Marchesi Medici del Vascello, who transformed the estate from a hunting reserve to a farm.
What happened to the Mandria Castle Turin in the 20th century?
In 1976, part of the large estate was purchased by the Piedmont Region, which transformed the territory into the Mandria Regional Park, protecting its natural and cultural value.
How does the Mandria Castle Turin present itself today?
The Royal Apartments maintain the intimate atmosphere desired by Vittorio Emanuele II. The recent rearrangement is based on an inventory from 1879 that allowed for a faithful reproduction of the original furnishings.
What decorative elements characterize the Mandria Castle Turin?
The frescoed ceilings, elegant furniture, and soft colors of the walls create a welcoming environment. The floral decorations, often linked to the symbol of the rose, recall the figure of Bela Rosin.
Why is the Mandria Castle Turin linked to hunting?
The king used the Mandria as a starting point for his hunting trips in the vast surrounding park. This aspect influenced the very structure of the estate.
What does the enclosing wall of the Mandria Castle Turin mean?
The three-meter-high and thirty-kilometer-long wall served to protect the king's privacy and delimit the area intended for hunting activities.
What animals can be encountered near the Mandria Castle Turin?
In the Park live deer, fallow deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species. This makes the visit particularly fascinating for nature lovers.
How to visit the Mandria Castle Turin?
The Castle can be visited with guided or free tours. The Royal Apartments are perfectly preserved and allow you to discover a little-known side of the Savoy life.
Who manages the Mandria Castle Turin today?
The management of the Royal Apartments is entrusted to the Consortium of the Royal Savoy Residences, which is responsible for the enhancement and preservation of the entire complex.
Why visit the Mandria Castle Turin?
To discover a place rich in history, nature, and charm, ideal for those who wish to combine culture, romance, and suggestive landscapes in a single experience near Turin.
