Castle of Rivoli

The Castle of Rivoli, known locally as Castello di Rivoli, is a majestic edifice nestled in the town of Rivoli, in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy. This former residence of the Royal House of Savoy stands as a testament to centuries of Italian history, architectural evolution, and contemporary cultural significance. Today, it houses the Castello di Rivoli – Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, making it a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts from around the world.

The Historical Tapestry of Castle of Rivoli

The origins of the Castle of Rivoli trace back to the 9th-10th centuries, with its first recorded mention in 1159. This mention came in a diploma by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who ceded the Rivolese territories to the bishops of Turin. The House of Savoy acquired Rivoli in the 11th century, marking the beginning of a long and tumultuous relationship with the castle.

Throughout its history, the Castle of Rivoli has seen its fair share of conflict and change. In 1184, a feud between the House of Savoy and the bishops led to significant damage to the castle. By 1273, the castle had witnessed the visit of King Edward I of England, who was returning from the Crusades. The 14th century saw the castle becoming the first place of public veneration for the Shroud of Turin, a significant relic in Christian history.

The castle experienced a period of decline until the mid-16th century when Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, took residence there due to the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis. This treaty forbade him from residing in Turin until he had a male heir. After the birth of his son, Charles Emmanuel I, in 1562, Emmanuel Philibert returned to Turin. During his stay, the castle underwent restoration by architect Ascanio Vitozzi, and further enhancements continued under Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte, including the construction of the Manica Lunga.

Architectural Splendor and Unfinished Dreams

In the early 18th century, the Castle of Rivoli faced devastation once again during the War of the Spanish Succession. French troops set fire to and sacked the castle. However, Victor Amadeus II regained control and initiated reconstruction efforts, first under Michelangelo Garove and later under Antonio Bertola. The ambitious project envisioned by Filippo Juvarra saw only partial completion, leaving an unfinished façade that still tells the tale of grandiose plans left unfulfilled.

Victor Amadeus II's later years saw him residing in the castle after his abdication. Here, he lived under house arrest with his morganatic spouse, the Marchesa di Spigno, following his failed attempt to reclaim power from his son, Charles Emmanuel III. The castle underwent further modifications to accommodate this period of confinement.

From Abandonment to Revival

The 19th century brought a period of neglect to the Castle of Rivoli. After Victor Amadeus II's death, the castle was largely abandoned until it was repurposed as barracks in 1863. A section of the castle was converted into a library two decades later. The edifice suffered significant damage during World War II, leading to a prolonged state of disrepair.

Restoration efforts began in earnest in 1979, spearheaded by Turin architect Andrea Bruno. By 1984, the castle had found a new lease on life as the home of the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, Italy's first contemporary art museum. The turn of the millennium saw further enhancement with the addition of a Michelin-starred restaurant, Combal.Zero, by chef Davide Scabin.

A Contemporary Cultural Beacon

Today, the Castle of Rivoli is renowned for its dynamic exhibitions and permanent collection that document crucial moments in the development of contemporary art. The museum's collection includes significant works from the Arte Povera movement and pieces by internationally acclaimed artists such as Maurizio Cattelan, Mario Merz, and Andy Warhol.

In 2021, the museum received a substantial donation of over 200 works on paper from Arte Povera sculptor Giuseppe Penone, further enriching its collection. The castle also houses the prestigious Cerruti Collection, featuring masterpieces by artists like Francis Bacon, René Magritte, and Pablo Picasso.

The Cerruti Collection and Garden

The Cerruti Collection, acquired in 2017, plays a vital role within the castle's complex. Villa Cerruti, with its unique garden, offers a serene escape with its monastic meditation area, agricultural sections, and panoramic views of the Alps. The garden, along with the castle's historic nymphaeum, provides a green lung for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Castle Library

Since 1999, the Castle of Rivoli's library has been a treasure trove of 20th and 21st-century art and theory. With around 44,000 books and periodicals, and an accessible video library, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers and art enthusiasts. The library is part of the Cobis Coordinamento delle Biblioteche Speciali e Specialistiche di Torino, a network of specialist libraries in Turin.

The Castle of Rivoli stands as a magnificent blend of historical intrigue and contemporary cultural vibrancy. Its walls echo with stories from centuries past, while its halls resonate with the creativity of modern art. A visit to this iconic landmark offers a journey through time, an exploration of artistic evolution, and an experience of Italy's rich cultural heritage.