Racconigi between Residence History, Park and Nature

Racconigi is a destination for travelers who do not want to reduce Italian history to a single theme. Its highlights include the Castello di Racconigi, its extensive parkland, a historic church, an art gallery and the Centro Cicogne e Anatidi. This combination makes a stay varied: you can combine residence history, art, architecture, landscape and nature observation without the destination being defined by a single experience.

Residence History and World Heritage

The Castello di Racconigi has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997 as part of the serial World Heritage Site Residences of the House of Savoy. From 1676 onward, the building was transformed by Guarino Guarini, commissioned by Prince Emanuele Filiberto, from a medieval building into a modern residence of the Savoia-Carignano branch. Medieval building fabric, courtly history and the architectural development of a Savoy residence therefore come together at this site.

Parkland and Neo-Gothic Architecture

The English landscape park of the Castello di Racconigi covers just under 200 hectares. At the end of the park lies the Margaria complex, built from 1834 to 1843 and regarded as one of the most significant and refined examples of Italian and international Neo-Gothic architecture. The greenhouses of the Castello di Racconigi were built from 1844 to 1848 to a design by Milanese architect Carlo Sada. Walks and picnics are possible in the shade of centuries-old trees.

Storks and Birdwatching

The Centro Cicogne e Anatidi was founded in December 1985 to reintroduce the white stork, which had been extinct as a breeding bird in Italy since the 18th century. At the Centro Cicogne e Anatidi, birdwatching is possible from observation hides and along screened paths. This focus complements Racconigi's historical side with a nature experience in which you can observe birds from protected viewing locations.

Art and History in the Center

The Pinacoteca Civica Levis Sismonda is located in an old building in the historic center of Racconigi. The Baroque church of Santa Maria della Porta offers another way to explore local history. It arose from the gratitude of the people of Racconigi to the Madonna for the end of the plague of 1630. Elaborate stucco work adorns its barrel vault; six large paintings attributed to Giovanni Battista Pozzo hang on the side walls. Racconigi also developed a significant silk industry based on silk weaving, mulberry cultivation, silkworm breeding and the production of silk cocoons.

Plan Your Stay According to Your Interests

When planning your stay, you can set different priorities. Those interested in residence history can focus on the Castello; those who prefer landscapes and quiet observation will find suitable themes in the park and at the Centro Cicogne e Anatidi. This approach can also help when choosing your hotel, as you can select your accommodation according to the desired balance of culture, nature and relaxation. Santa Maria della Porta is scheduled to be open to visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with guided tours by cultural volunteers available by reservation.

More Destinations for Your Trip to Italy

More destinations: Arietti, Casteldelfino, Costigliole Saluzzo, Sampeyre, Saliceto, Scarnafigi, Priocca, Pontechianale.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.