The parliament
Subalpine
The Chamber of Deputies of the Subalpine Parliament is kept inside the National Museum of Risorgimento Italian, in the beating heart of Palazzo Carignano in Turin.
It's 1848. The winds of revolution are shaking Europe, and the Kingdom of Sardinia is also undergoing profound change: the Subalpine Parliament is born, the first representative assembly of Savoy Piedmont.
The king Carlo Alberto promulgates the Albertine Statute and chooses Palazzo Carignano as the site of the new parliamentary chamber. The palace's 17th-century elliptical hall, already used for parties and ceremonies, is transformed by Carlo Sada, in just over a month, in the first Chamber of Deputies.
Sober, solemn, designed to give form to a modern institution: today this hall is the only one from 1848 still intact in all of Europe and is a national monument.
Key figures of the day spoke among the ivory-coloured benches and the seats arranged in an amphitheatre. Risorgimento including Cavour, Gioberti, D'Azeglio.
With the annexations of Lombardy, Emilia, and Tuscany, and the unification of central and southern Italy, the old hall of honor became too small to accommodate the deputies. Thus, on December 28, 1860, at 2:30 p.m., the last session held in this chamber ended, as evidenced by the clock and calendar that can still be seen inside, placed on either side of the large portrait of Vittorio Emanuele II.
Observing the Chamber of the Subalpine Parliament in Palazzo Carignano makes you feel part of something great because in this room a new idea of nation, rights, and representation was discussed for the first time.
Today you can visit the Subalpine Parliament within the exhibition itinerary of the National Museum of Risorgimento Italian. It is one of the museum's most iconic features, a true symbol of democracy and Italian identity.
FAQ
How can I visit the Subalpine Parliament?
The Chamber of Deputies of the Subalpine Parliament is an integral part of the exhibition itinerary of the National Museum of Risorgimento Italian. It can be visited with the museum entrance ticket. The hall can be seen from multiple angles along the museum route, through observation points designed to highlight its architecture and historical function. It is not always accessible to the public in its entirety, but it is possible to admire it from various perspectives. To fully experience the experience, we recommend using the audio guide or taking a guided tour.
Where is the Subalpine Parliament located?
The hall is located inside Palazzo Carignano, the historic seat of the National Museum of Risorgimento Italian, in the center of Turin (Via Accademia delle Scienze 5). It represents room 16 of the exhibition.
When does the Subalpine Parliament open to the public in extraordinary session?
In addition to the visit included in the museum itinerary, throughout the year the Museum organizes extraordinary openings, special events, and dedicated tours of the Chamber of the Subalpine Parliament.
To stay up-to-date, check out the Upcoming Events section of the website or sign up for our newsletter.
Is it possible to visit only the Chamber of the Subalpine Parliament?
No, the classroom is part of the museum itinerary and cannot be visited separately.
The visit to the Chamber is part of a broader historical narrative, which enhances its context and significance within the history of the Risorgimento.