The first structure was a fortress built by
Thomas I of Savoy around 1100 on a hill, to command the main southern access to
Turin. In the mid-15th century Yolanda of Valois, wife of Duke
Amadeus IX, turned it into a pleasure residence. Architect
Carlo di Castellamonte enlarged the construction substantially, and the interiors were redesigned by him and other local artists. The castle was the site of the marriage between
Maria Vittoria Francesca of Savoy to the
Prince of Carignano. It was also the place where
Maria Carolina of Savoy married
Anthony of Saxony by proxy in 1781. It was the scene of the death of
Maria Antonietta of Spain in 1785; she was the wife of
Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia. Victor Amadeus later died there in 1796. The castle was used extensively by the Savoyards, and was the first castle occupied in 1798 by the
French army, who retained it until 1814. Returned to
Victor Emmanuel I and later to his distant nephew
Charles Albert of Sardinia, Prince of Carignano, it became the residence of young family princes who studied here. King
Victor Emmanuel II preferred it to the
Royal Palace of Turin, and had numerous apartments furnished according to his tastes. In 1849, it was from this palace that emerged the famous Proclamation of Moncalieri, written by
Massimo d'Azeglio and signed by the King. The palace was later used by the queen mothers and royal princesses. Since 1921 it has been the home of the 1st Battalion of the
Carabinieri, but the historical rooms can be freely visited. On April 5, 2008, a fire broke out in the castle, damaging one of the towers and the hall of the proclaim. ==Overview==