Royal Encounters and Architectural Splendour. Unveiling the Thriumphal Entry of Queen Christina of Sweden into Turin (1656)

This essay examines Christina of Sweden’s triumphal entry into Turin in 1656, highlighting her interactions with one of the city’s most notable residents, Christina of France. While her entries to Rome are well-documented, via her entry to Turin, this study explores their deep friendship through unpublished letters at the State Archive of Turin. The analysis explores the architectural and symbolic elements of Christina of Sweden’s entry, highlighting the political and royal significance of ephemeral decorations like the honorary arch. It offers a nuanced perspective on her influence, illustrating the intersection of diplomacy, power, and culture in seventeenth-century court life.