Savoy family CHAPEL OF THE SHROUD OF TURIN

The House of Savoy, one of the oldest dynasties in Europe, was formed in the 10th century in the Kingdom of Burgundy, later obtaining the County of Savoy and the Duchy in the 15th century. From 1485, they claimed the crowns of Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Armenia. In the 16th century, the Savoys shifted their interests to Italy, relocating the capital from Chambéry to Turin in 1563. In the 18th century, they acquired royal dignity over the Kingdom of Sicily (1713) and subsequently over Sardinia (1720). In the 19th century, with Charles Albert and Victor Emmanuel II, they led the Italian unification. From 1861, they were the royal family of Italy until 1946, when the monarchy was abolished. During Mussolini's regime, they obtained the crowns of Ethiopia (1936) and Albania (1939). In 1947, the republican Constitution exiled the former kings and their male descendants. In 2002, Victor Emmanuel of Savoy and his son swore allegiance to the Constitution. In 2003, the male descendants of King Umberto II were allowed to return to Italy.