The Palazzo Madama is situated in the centre of Piazza Castello, with its facade facing Via Garibaldi. It takes its name from the two Royal Dames who lived here, Maria Cristina and Giovanna Battista. During past centuries, it was the home of the Savoy family, as well as the site of the signing of important treaties, and the seat of the Italian Senate when Turin was the country's capital. Today it houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art. Its historical date is somewhat difficult to determine because it has been continually reconstructed throughout its history. The oldest part is the Roman Porta Pretoria. The back of the building dates to a 13th Century castle which can still be seen in the two towers situated at each corner. The typically baroque facade was built in the seventeenth century by the architect Filippo Juvarra. The internal staircase is also attributed to him and is one of the best examples of the Piedmontese baroque style.
Behind a 16th-century facade lies the opulent, Baroque interiors of the palatial residence of the House of Savoy. The Royal Palace is an architectural triumph that highlights the luxuries enjoyed by the royalty of that time. Although originally built in the 16th Century, much of the interiors reflect the Baroque style of architecture and its exuberant use of artistic details. An abundance of gilded frames, intricate stucco embellishments, vivid paintings and rich carvings make up the corpus of the decor. Additions made in later years can be credited to the vision of architect, Filippo Juvarra, whose refined taste is reflected in some of the palace's more graceful and elegant aspects. Together with 13 other residences, the Royal Palace is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by virtue of its place in the history of the House of Savoy. The Chapel of the Holy Shroud and the Palazzo Chiablese are also found here.
Turin Cathedral, better known as the Duomo, is a cathedral that was constructed by the will of Cardinal Domenico Della Rovere. It was designed by Bartolomeo del Caprino da Settignano based on the plans of Baccio Pontelli. The architectural style is pure Renaissance, with three aisles laid out like a Roman Cross. The facade is constructed in white marble from Carrara, and the entrance has three doors sculpted in wood from C.M. Ugliengo based on a design by Cerutti. This structure is one of the most important Baroque monuments because of the daring architecture of the cupola, the various overlapping arches, and the wonderful effects of light. Perhaps the biggest attraction to this church is Turin's famous Sindone, the shroud said to have once been wrapped around the body of Jesus. Do call for more information.
La Mole Antonelliana is one of the tallest works of masonry in Europe standing at 167.5 meters (550 feet). It was planned by Alessandro Antonelli as a synagogue in the second half of the 19th century. The square-based construction presents its facade towards Via Montebello, and the quadrangular dome is mounted by a little temple with two columns which hold up the spire. This spire was rebuilt in 1953 after its collapse during a violent storm, and it was remodeled in metal overlaid with stone. The Mole Antonelliana also houses the National Museum Of Cinema.