The original medieval castle on this site made way for a new royal hunting lodge designed for Victor Amedeus II, King of Sardinia by architect Filippo Juvarra and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where hunting parties took place from 1731.

A bronze statue of a stag sits atop the stepped roof of the central dome symbolisng the buildings intended purpose. The architect Juvarra contracted many contempory local artists, many of them Venetian, to create the opulent decorative artworks that embellish the building inside and out, as well as notable pieces of elaborate furniture some of which remain to this day including works by renowned Piedmontese craftsmen Bonzanigo and Piffetti. The grand hall showcases a hugely impressive chandelier and the walls are adorned with frescos by the Valeriani brothers depicting the story of Diana goddess of the hunt. From the central domed atrium the building extends to 31,050 m2  with 137 rooms linked by 17 long galleries.

In it’s heyday the Palazzina hosted magnificent dynastic celebrations including weddings such as the 1773 union of Maria Teresa, Princess of Savoy and Charles Philippe who would later become Charles X of France. From 1826 it became a zoo and menagerie and was adapted to house an elephant from Egypt. Today as well as marvelling at the magnificent building itself, which also houses the Museo di Arte e Ammobiliamento (furniture and art), there are woods and parklands extending to 17.32 km2 where native wildlife such as European hares, beech martens and white storks can be spotted.

Palazzina di caccia di Stupinigi

Piazza Principe Amedeo, 7-10042 Stupinigi - Nichelino