All good things must come to an end and that includes vacations. For our last day in Italy we decided to tour the Royal Palace and visit the National Museum of Cinema. Neither has disappointed.
Royal Palace of Turin
The ballroom – musicians were in the balcony at the far end – built in music stands
One of the gallerys in the Armory Museum – real horses and armour
Relaxing watching a silent movie
The Palace was built for the House of Savoy in the 16th century and was later modernized. Included in the ticket are three museums- the armory, the library and the archeological museum. There is also an art gallery that includes much of the art collection of the Savoy family. It also houses the Chapel of the Shroud, in which the Shroud of Turin is on display from time-to-time. The Shroud actually belonged to the Savoy family until 1946 when both the Palace and all its accoutrements were turned over to the State.
We enjoyed lunch in a little cafe deciding to try the salami & cheese platter for a change from Pizza. It was more than enough for two!
The elevator is up in that square in the ceiling
Our afternoon visit was to the National Museum of Cinema. This was probably one of the most engaging museums we have visited in Italy since it was very much hands-on. It began with a collection of Maria Adriana Prolo’s which included all kinds of early pre-cinemagraphic machines and toys. Her Foundation supports the museum to which has been added film memorabilia including sets, costumes, posters, etc. from the Italian film industry. The musuem is housed in a very unique building which includes a glass walled elevator that rises to a panoramic viewing area 75 metres above the floor. The displays are housed on five floors that go around the outside of the building in an atrium type design. On the main floor is about 50 lounge chairs in which you can sit to watch silent movies on a large display screen and interesting projections on the ceiling way above you.
A rest back at the hotel, to avoid a passing thunder shower, provided a welcome pause before we headed out again for our final dinner in Italy. We decided to go to an Indian Food place that is highly recommended on Trip Advisor – enough pasta for a while! We sauntered back through town stopping for a cafe americano along the way. First stop is definitely going to be Timmies.
Tomorrow morning we have an early flight so will need to leave the hotel shortly after 7 a.m. in order to return the car, get our VAT refund and get through security. It’s been a real pleasure to travel with our son. He’s been patient, understanding, and it’s been fun to experience Italy with him. Thanks for a wonderful Christmas present, George, but most of all for the gift of your presence!
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