Castello del Valentino

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The Castle of Valentino (Italian Castello del Valentino) is a historical edifice in Turin, northern Italy. It is located in the omonymous park, and is seat of the Architecture Faculty of the Politecnico di Torino. It is one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997.

[edit] History

The ancient castle was bought by Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy under advice by Andrea Palladio. The name Valentino seems to derive from the wife of a French governor at the time of the French occupation of Piedmont in the 16th century.

The current structure is due to Marie Christine of France, wife of Victor Amadeus I, who dwelt here from 1630. It has a horseshoe shape, with four round towers at each angle, and a wide inner court with marble pavement. The ceilings of the false upper floors are clearly in transalpino (French) style. The façade spots a huge coat of arms of the House of Savoy. Works lasted until 1660.

Little modifications were brought in the early 19th century, when also much of the 17th century furniture was stripped off by the French troops. Later the palace lied in a general state of abandon, until in 1860 it was chosen as seat of the engineering faculty of Turin. It has been restored in recent times.