Risorgimento-era Turin

Palazzo Carignano and the first Parliament: where Italy was made

What it is: A Baroque masterpiece designed by Guarino Guarini (1679), with its famous undulating red-brick façade. But Palazzo Carignano is more than just architecture: it is the birthplace of the Italian nation.

The first Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy met here (1861-1864), in the Camera dei Deputati Subalpina built at the rear of the palace

Why it is special: Standing in the Chamber of Deputies where Italian unification was voted on is a moving experience. You can sit (symbolically) where the founding fathers of the nation once sat. You can imagine the fiery speeches, the historic votes and the dreams of a nation that did not yet exist.

The history: Founded in 1780, Caffè Fiorio was the salon of Turin’s liberal nobility. Intellectuals, patriots and progressive aristocrats gathered here. Above all, it was here that Cavour and his allies discussed, plotted and planned the future of Italy.

The legendary anecdote: It is said that Carlo Alberto (King of Sardinia and father of Vittorio Emanuele II) would regularly ask his advisers: “What are they saying at Fiorio?” to gauge the mood of the people and the liberal elite. The café was the city’s political barometer.

Why it is special: Fiorio shows that history was not made only in official palaces, but also in cafés, salons and informal meeting places where ideas circulated freely. This is the Risorgimento “from below”, shaped by conversations, backroom alliances and networks of personal connections.

Ristorante Del Cambio: Cavour's table

The history: Founded in 1757, Del Cambio is one of the oldest restaurants in Europe still in business. In the nineteenth century, it became the favourite restaurant of the leaders of the Risorgimento.

Cavour's table: Camillo Benso di Cavour had his own reserved table here (and it still exists!). The table was strategically positioned: near the window overlooking Piazza Carignano, with a direct view of Palazzo Carignano (the seat of Parliament).

An interesting detail: From that table, Cavour could watch who went in and out of the seat of power. He could see which members of Parliament were meeting, which alliances were forming and which political factions were on the move. It was a political observation post disguised as lunch.

Palazzo Reale and the Armeria: the heart of Savoy power

What it is: Palazzo Reale was built in the seventeenth century as the residence of the dukes (later kings) of Savoy. In the nineteenth century, it became the political heart of first the Kingdom of Sardinia and then the Kingdom of Italy.

Its role in the Risorgimento: events held here included:

Official receptions to celebrate military victories

Gala balls celebrating Italian unification

Diplomatic audiences with foreign ambassadors

Treaty signings (such as the alliance with Napoleon III's France)

Why it is special: seeing the armour and swords used in the fight for Italian unification makes history tangible. They are not just museum exhibits: they are the tools with which the nation was built.

The detail: On some buildings in Piazza Castello (especially on the side facing Via Po), you will find stone plaques and commemorative tablets marking events of the Risorgimento:

The proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy (17 March 1861)
The departure of volunteers for the wars of independence
The triumphant returns after victories

Why it is special: These hidden details are often overlooked by tourists, but they tell the story of how Turin experienced the Risorgimento not only in its seats of power, but also in its streets, squares and everyday life. Each plaque is a trace of the patriotic fervour that swept through the city.