Attractions in Center (Torino)

I Portici di Torino

The city is famous for its porticoes which wind for kilometres through the roads of Turin. Protected from bad weather, one can combine a visit to one of the historical areas with some shopping or a drink in one of the historical cafés. An ideal route is to leave from Piazza Vittorio to arrive in Piazza Statuto passing through Via Po, Piazza Castello, Via Roma, Corso Vittorio, Corso Vinzaglio, Via Cernaia and Corso San Martino. Do not miss Via Pietro Micca which links Piazza Castello with Piazza Solferino and Via Cernaia.

Via Garibaldi

This street starts at the north-west side of Piazza Castello and ends in Piazza Statuto. Past Via Dora Grossa are the traces of the antique roman city. Along the road are buildings of historic interest alternated with churches and all kinds of shops. The street comes alive and is crowded mostly on Saturday afternoons, when, along with Via Roma, it is a favourite place with the Torinesi to take a stroll in their free time.

Via Po

This was the base of the city extensions during the 17th century, planned by Amedeo di Castellamonte, uniting Piazza Castello and Piazza Vittorio. Flanked by buildings on both sides, which are perfectly in proportion both in height and length, there is a rare uniformity in architectural style which leads towards the Po. Along the porticoes are a lively mix of colourful shops and bars which means that there is always something going on at all times of day and night.

La Cittadella

This is the only remnant of the grandiose, pentagonal fortress which once extended to what are today Corso Inghilterra and Corso Vittorio. It was built in 1564-68 and impetuously demolished in 1856. It survived numerous sieges including the hardest one in 1706 during the famous Pietro Micca episode. During the siege, the battle mostly took place in the various tunnels hollowed out under the walls. To prevent an attack by the French who were trying to enter the city through underground passages, Pietro Micca did not hesitate in sacrificing his own life exploding a mine which stopped the advances of the enemy.

Palazzo di Città

In the Piazza Palazzo di Città, formerly known as Piazza delle Erbe, is the town hall, with a very simple facade, which was built in the second half of the 17th century. Both inside and outside, the portico there are several 19th century statues dedicated to various notables of the city. The extreme right of the Palazzo is made up of the base of a tower which was never finished. In the centre of the square is the Monument to the Conte Verde, Pelagio Pelagi.

Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano

The Palazzo Asinari di San Marzano was built between 1684 and 1686 to a design by Michelangelo Garove and is one of the baroque palaces for which Turin is so famous. The interior was renovated in the 18th century. It is not open to visitors but anyone who manages to peep in will be able to admire the hall with columns, the monumental staircase and the courtyard of honour.

Palazzo Cavour

Camillo Benso Count of Cavour was born and died here. The building is in baroque style and was built in 1729 to a plan by Gian Giacomo Plantery. It is a shame that it is not open to the public, as the hall with sailing vaults and lunettes and the two internal courtyards, linked on an axis, are worthy of attention.

Palazzo Chiablese

Palazzo Chiablese, now head office of the government department responsible for the environment and historical buildings, is located along the left side of the Royal Piazzetta and is directly linked to the Royal Palace. It was built in the 17th century and renovated by Benedetto Alfieri in 1740 in the Torinese, baroque style.

Palazzo d'Azeglio

The Palazzo d'Azeglio is now the home of the Luigi Einaudi Foundation and the Luigi Firpo Foundation. It was built, as a noble, baroque style building, between 1683 and 1689, to a plan by Michelangelo Garove. The current, main façade and the courtyard of honour is the work of Filippo Castelli. Some of the rooms have paintings by Francesco Gonin and 18th century decorations in plaster by Giuseppe Bolina.

Palazzo Guarene (Palazzo d'Ormea)

Palazzo Guarene, which is now called Palazzo d'Ormea, abandoned for many years, was built by the Count Carlo Giacinto Roero di Guarene and the façade was modified by Filippo Juvarra. The windows of the palace are particularly special, as they are alternate rectangular and semicircular shapes.

Palazzo Birago di Borgaro

This is one of the most beautiful private palaces in Turin. It was built in 1716 and is one of the first works of Filippo Juvarra. The façade is remarkable, animated by alternating windows with lunette and triangular shapes and a female figure in the background.

Real Basilica Magistrale dei SS. Maurizio e Lazzaro

The Basilica was built in 1679, according to a design by Bettino, a colleague of Lanfanchi. The inside is built on an octagonal design, surrounded by stone columns by Gassino. C.B. Mosca designed the facade and the dome which were completed only in 1836. There are also splendid paintings by Morirai and Gino and a group of papier-maché works, in the sacristy, which are attributed to Ladatte. The silver crucifix dates from the 18th century.