Venaria Reale
Located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) away from Turin proper, Venaria Reale is a commune (municipality) in the region of Piedmont. It was originally founded during Roman times, when it was known as Altessano (Autsan in Piedmontese), and divided into Altessano Superiore and Altessano Inferiore in the 16th century. Altessano Superiore then became the chosen location for the House of Savoy’s hunting palace, the Reggia di Venaria Reale.
Its historical center was built by Amedeo di Castellamonte (who worked in the Villa della Regina and the Palazzo Reale in Turin) in the 17th century specifically to serve as a scenic background for the royal palace.
Piazza dell’Annunziata
This square was conceived by Amedeo di Castellamonte as an interruption in the Via Maestra (now Via Mensa), which connects it with the Reggia di Venaria Reale. This served to create a stage pause in the approach to the royal residence before reaching the final view of the palace.
The square is dedicated to the Annunciation and is flanked by two churches: the Chiesa dell’Annunziata (Church of the Annunciation) and the Chiesa della Natività di Maria Vergine (Church of the Nativity of Saint Mary the Virgin).
Gold Colored Fox 