Moncalieri is a town and comune of 57,518 inhabitants (31 March 2018) about 8 kilometres (5 mi) directly south of downtown Turin (to whose Metropolitan City it belongs), in Piedmont, Italy. It is notable for its castle, built in the 12th century and enlarged in the 15th century, which later became the favorite residence of King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy and of his daughter Princess Maria Clotilde of Savoy. It is part of the World Heritage SiteResidences of the Royal House of Savoy.
Main sights
The castle is one of the Savoy Residences listed as a World Heritage Site. It hosts since 1919 a prestigious carabinieri school.
Close to the castle, the descending square of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II was in the past the major centre for the Moncalieri activities. Its cobbled pavement was built back in 1825, and a sculpture-fountain of Neptune (Il Saturnio) can be found in the top part of it. For aesthetic as well as practical reasons, the Neptune fountain was several times moved back and forth. A small passage connects this square to the prestigious Real Collegio Carlo Alberto, school aimed for aristocratic descendants. Nowadays, the Collegio Carlo Alberto is managed by a joint initiative of the Compagnia di San Paolo and the University of Turin; their mission is to foster research and teaching in law, economics, finance and political science.
The Gothic church of Santa Maria della Scala houses the remains of the local patron. Other churches of interest are the later San Francesco, Sant’Egidio and the Chiesa del Gesù.
There are plenty of places to see and visit around Moncalieri. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Moncalieri is a region where 20 hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
Culture
Moncalieri is devoted to Beato Bernardo: around the day dedicated to him (July 12), a historical reconstruction of his arrival in Moncalieri from Baden-Baden in 1458 is held.
Libraries and Research Centers
- Biblioteca Europea di Cultura “Victor Del Litto”
- C.I.R.V.I. (Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sul Viaggio in Italia)
