Today, the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi is one of the monumental jewels located a few kilometres from Turin and is identified as a residence used for hunting. It was Emanuele Filiberto who claimed ownership in 1564 when the rich lands adjacent to the existing castle became one of the sovereign's favourite hunting grounds.
But the transformation of the complex is due to Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoia who, entrusting the famous Filippo Juvarra, decided to make the building worthy of the royal title to which the House of Savoy had risen. Renovation and extension work began in 1729 and continued until 1737, when the flats of the king and queen were also completed.
The construction was further enlarged over the years under the direction of various architects, including Prunotto, Bo and Alfieri, and was not completed until the end of the 18th century.
Stupinigi was not, however, the primary residence of the Savoy family, but rather a place for short stays during hunting parties. However, Stupinigi was also occasionally used for important receptions on the occasion of visits by illustrious guests, such as the marriage in 1773 of Maria Teresa di Savoia to the Count of Artois, the future King of France under the name Carlo X, or that of Vittorio Emanuele II, the future first King of Italy, to Maria Adelaide d'Asburgo-Lorena. Last but not least, Napoleon also stayed here shortly before his coronation.
Today, the palace and its garden are a true Juvarra masterpiece, with important frescoes, Rococo furniture and the beautiful adjacent Natural Park.
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