In the year 1831, King Charles Albert di Savoia – Carignano embraced the library with countless print volumes, manuscripts, books, maps, engravings, and periodicals from antique dealers throughout Europe and his collection. To embark on the establishment of the library, a group of collaborators was hired by the king, who used to take up several research trips abroad, to give them an understanding of the progress of literature, science, and the arts. Documents on the history of the dominions of the House of Savoy were collected and today, the library is enhanced with ancient books, illuminated manuscripts, and precious volumes.
In 1839 the royal library was enhanced by a collection of drawings from the collector Giovanni Volpato dating from the 15th to 18th centuries by great Italian and foreign masters, including Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and the great Leonardo da Vinci. This also includes the thirteen autograph sheets by Leonardo da Vinci which were purchased by Charles Albert, and the well-known “Codex on the Flight of Birds” which was donated by Theodor Sabachnikov to King Humbert I in the year 1893.
The king, Charles Albert has always given notable attention cultural standing of the nation, from the time he has been throned to the Kingdom of Sardinia in the year 1831. He has established several institutions. The Royal Library of Turin was also one such institution, which aims to safeguard and group the manuscripts which were collected by the House of Savoy. With the increasing interest of people in the library, Pelagio Palagi, the court architect was delegated to design the new library and also designed the furnishing including the shelves arranged on two levels. The Russian collector Theodore Sabachnikoff enhanced the collection of art in the library by donating Leonardo da Vinci's Codex on the Flight of Birds as a gift to the king. Along with the self–portrait of Leonardo, he also bestowed the library with some of his works like his study for the angel in his Virgin of the Rocks, and his study for the angel in Verrocchio's The Baptism of Christ.
Location: The Royal Library is located in the Royal Palace of Turin on the ground floor.Address: P.za Castello, 191, 10122 Torino TO, Italy
By Car: If you are traveling by car, The Royal Library/Museum is located in the central ZTL, you can take the highway exit and follow the ring road signs to the city center.
Please Note: Cars are not allowed via XX Settembre and Via Pietro Micca, and then as the area is allotted for public transportation and Via Po, Piazza Castello, and Viale dei Partigiani between 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
By Train: The nearest station is Porta Nuova station, which is a 15-minute walk. Cross the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and continue via Roma to Piazza Castello
By Trams and Bus: Some of the Trams/Bus stops are - Stop 472 Castello in Piazza Castello, stop 204 XI Febbraio in Corso XI Febbraio, and Stop 423 Duomo – Musei Reali in Via XX Settembre.
Visitors can take the main floor of the Palace, which is accessible directly from the ticket office via elevator. (Ticket Office Staff can assist). The Sabauda Gallery and the collections of the Museum of Antiquities are fully accessible via elevators. The kitchens and the King’s Apartment and Queen Helena’s Apartment on the ground floor are not currently wheelchair friendly. The exhibition rooms in the Royal Library’s Caveau are accessible to all via freight elevators (Staff Assistance required) Chiablese Hall is fully accessible.Toilets are located on all the routes, which are accessible to all.
Why is the Royal Library of Turin famous?
The Royal Library of Turin holds iconic collections of manuscripts, drawings, and engravings acquired by Carlo Alberto. The iconic library holds the famous self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci along with several prints and arts which reflect the rich history of the city, making it a must-visit place for generations
Is the Royal Library of Turin worth visiting?
The library is worth visiting! One can have a glance at the historic exhibits and all the old book covers.
What is the best time to visit the Royal Library of Turin?
September and October are the best time to visit Turin. As the weather is pleasant and the city is filled with autumnal colours.
Do you need to book in advance to visit the Royal Library of Turin?
Visitors are advised to book tickets to museums and palaces well in advance, to pick the exact time for the visit.
What's the best way to see the Royal Library of Turin?
Visitors can go to the ticket office of the Piazza Castello and get a ticket for the entrance to the library and royal armory, or you can purchase an inclusive ticket that covers the entire royal campus which includes the royal library, palace, and armory.
Where can I book online tickets for the Royal Library of Turin?
You can book your royal library of turin online tickets from our website.