Breathtaking Baroque: The world's most beautiful gallery is here!
You won't believe it! To see the "world's most beautiful gallery" with my own eyes, I took a train from Milan to the outskirts of Turin. The result? This black and white marble gallery left me speechless.
Where is the Palace of Venaria?
Venaria Reale, a town near Turin, Italy. Built in the 17th century, it was a royal residence of the House of Savoy and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Covering over 80,000 square meters, it's known as "Italy's Little Versailles." It has far fewer crowds than Versailles, and exploring it alone is incredibly therapeutic.
3 must-see spots (don't miss any)
The Great Gallery (Galleria Grande, the heart of the palace): 80 meters long and 15 meters high. It features a black and white checkered marble floor, 44 large windows, and 22 round window openings that pierce the vaulted ceiling. In the afternoon, sunlight streams through the glass, and light and shadow dance on the stone patterns, creating an atmosphere that is both noble and soothing. Every photo taken here has a cinematic feel.
Saint Hubert Chapel (dreamy ceiling): The dome is adorned with patterns resembling white velvet, giving it an ethereal quality, completely unlike ordinary churches. You absolutely cannot miss it!
Royal Gardens (snow-capped mountains in view): 60 hectares of French-style gardens, with expansive lawns, exquisite fountains, and symmetrical landscaping. The Alps can be seen in the distance. Garden admission is included in the combo ticket.
Hidden gems
Diana's Hall (Sala di Diana): Features magnificent ceiling frescoes, originally the core of the hunting lodge.
Royal Stables: Displays historical royal carriages.
Garden mini-train: You can ride it if you get tired of walking, saving your legs.
How to plan a day trip (relaxed pace)
Depart from Turin in the morning → Arrive at the Palace of Venaria → Head straight to the Great Gallery for photos (important!) → Visit Saint Hubert Chapel → Explore the Royal Gardens (with distant views of the snow-capped mountains) → Take a break in the garden for an espresso → Return.
⚠️ The palace is large, so it's recommended to set aside at least half a day (3–4 hours). If you're making a round trip from Milan on the same day, you'll need to arrive early in the morning.
Photo spots & outfits
Great Gallery: Stand in the center of the gallery to capture depth, or shoot upwards to frame the vaulted windows. The light is most stunning in the afternoon.
Black and white checkered floor: Take low-angle shots to capture reflections, adding a touch of sophistication.
Gardens with snow-capped mountains: Stand on the open lawn and frame the fountains and snow-capped mountains together.
Outfits: Wear a solid-colored long dress (red, white, or black all look good), which pairs perfectly with the black and white marble gallery. Comfortable flat shoes are a must, as there will be a lot of walking.
Tickets & hours
Tickets: Palace + Garden combo ticket is about €20, student ticket €10. Garden-only ticket is €6. It's recommended to buy tickets online in advance to save time and avoid queues.
Opening hours: Closed on Mondays (don't make a wasted trip!). Tuesday to Friday 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, weekends/holidays 9:30 AM–6:30 PM.
How to get there (female-friendly version)
Train + bus: Take a train from Turin Porta Nuova station to Venaria station, or take the GTT Venaria Express/bus 11/72 directly, which takes about 20 minutes. After getting off, it's about a 10-minute walk to the palace. Be sure to check the last bus times.
Driving: About 30 minutes from Turin, with ample parking.
Tips for solo female travelers
Book tickets online in advance, as it can get crowded during peak season.
Transportation can be a bit inconvenient, and walking takes a while, so check return transport schedules in advance.
Allow at least half a day to explore at a leisurely pace.
Bring a power bank (it's so photogenic).
Wear comfortable shoes (you'll be walking a lot).
The garden cafe is a good spot to rest and have an espresso.
Conclusion
Walking alone in the 80-meter-long black and white marble gallery, with sunlight streaming through 44 windows and light and shadow dancing at my feet. Flying halfway across the globe was worth it.🕌