Castello di Collegno

Nestled in the lush greenery of a romantic, centuries-old park just outside Turin, the majestic Castello di Collegno stands tall.

The original nucleus of the settlement has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries. The initial layout of the complex included five circular towers accessed via a drawbridge. On the side facing the Dora River, a deep ravine made it virtually inaccessible. During the 13th century, much of the castle was destroyed by the people of Turin during their conflict with Thomas of Savoy. It was rebuilt at the end of the century by William VII of Montferrat.

The castle and the Feud of Collegno belonged to the branch of the Princes of Acaja of the House of Savoy, Counts of Collegno, until their extinction. In 1599, Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, then granted the estate to Giovanni Francesco Provana di Carignano, the first Count Provana of Collegno.

Expansion works at the castle
Ottavio Provana, Giovanni Francesco’s son, began expanding the castle, incorporating elements that reveal a strong presence of renowned architect Guarino Guarini. The work was slowed down by wars but resumed after 1720 based on designs by Filippo Juvarra. However, these efforts were again interrupted for a long period.

Following the restoration of the Savoy Monarchy in the Piedmont region, Juvarra’s designs were entrusted to architect Alberto Talucchi who, while significantly reducing the dimensions, respected Juvarra’s architectural guidelines and completed the castle to the current form still existing today.