Racconigi Castle: a UNESCO park with storks, Merlin's Grotto and the

Castle and park at a glance

Racconigi Castle belongs to the Savoy Residences inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The estate includes a park of about 170 hectares where storks return to nest each year, and hosts striking attractions like the Merlin's Grotto, the neogothic Margaria and the Royal Greenhouses.

History and architecture

The site dates back to the Middle Ages, but its current appearance reflects interventions from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Notable figures involved in its transformation include garden designer André Le Nôtre, architect Guarino Guarini and later architects who shaped interiors and landscapes. In the 1800s Pelagio Palagi reimagined many rooms, while gardener Xavier Kurten redesigned extensive green areas.

Merlin's Grotto

Located within the romantic park, this artificial grotto is finished with plaster and sparkling stone-like concretions that mimic natural stalactites and stalagmites. Dedicated to the legendary Merlin, the grotto is a picturesque example of the era's taste for symbolic and theatrical garden features.

Wildlife: the storks

Storks are among the park's most remarkable natural attractions. They return to the same nests on trees and Margaria towers from March through the summer months, adding a wildlife dimension to visits that complements the cultural heritage.

Margaria, Royal Greenhouses and the Princes' Garden

The Margaria, built in the 19th century, is a refined neogothic complex conceived as a working farm wrapped in a romantic castle-like shell. The Royal Greenhouses and the Princes' Garden — areas originally reserved for the royal family — complete the ensemble and are occasionally opened for guided tours and special events.

"Effimera": experiencing the park from April to October

From spring to autumn the estate hosts a series of initiatives to highlight the park's seasonal changes: live performances, open-air cinema, guided nature walks, astronomy evenings and family workshops. The program encourages slow, repeated visits across different months to discover varied corners of the park.

Practical information

• How to get there: Racconigi station on the Turin–Cuneo line; by car via A6 motorway, Carmagnola exit, then follow signs to Racconigi. Approximate driving time from Turin: 40 minutes.
• Opening hours: park opening times vary by season and may include weekends and selected weekdays.
• Tickets: separate fees for the castle and the park; concessions available for minors. Check official channels for current rates.
• Reservations: recommended for castle tours; the park is often visitable without booking except during special events.
• Updates: consult the official website of the Savoy Residences or regional museum portals for the latest program and access information.

Before visiting, verify schedules and any special openings: seasonal events may affect access to areas such as the Margaria and the Royal Greenhouses.