The large Palazzo Madama is the centerpiece of Piazza Castello, standing alone in its center. At its core is a 13th-century castle built on the remains of the Roman east gate.

 The castle was enlarged in the 15th century and embellished by Filippo Juvarra in 1718 with the handsome west front — a fine example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture — and the magnificent double staircase.

Inside is the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica (Civic Museum of Ancient Art), where you can discover Turin's history and artistic legacy from the ground up — literally.