Castello di Racconigi

About

Nestled in the idyllic town of Racconigi in the rolling hills of Piedmont, the Castello di Racconigi stands as a splendid Renaissance palace that dates back to the late 16th century. Originally erected in 1570 upon the foundations of an earlier medieval fortress, the stone‑clad structure was expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries, culminating in its role as the summer retreat of Italy’s royal family in 1901. In 1997 the castle was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Residences of the Royal House of Savoy," underscoring its architectural magnificence, historical importance, and the lavish lifestyle it once cradled. Visitors can wander through richly decorated rooms, stroll across the carefully laid 17‑hectare park designed by the famed French landscape planner Le N"otre and his aide Molard, and enjoy guided tours that bring to life the aristocratic elegance that fills its halls.