Piazza Castello is one of the popular things to see in Turin for locals to gather for after-work drinks due to its sophisticated atmosphere and constant tram traffic. The Royal Palace, the palace in the center known as Palazzo Madama, the opera house Teatro Regio, and many other significant landmarks can all be found in this incredible location.
Piazza Castello is an iconic and picture-perfect square situated at the centre of Turin, Italy. Regarded as the city’s historic landmarks and every traveller's favourite destination, it is a central hub for all political, cultural and social activities. The square is named after the Royal Palace or Palazzo Reale and the Madama Palace or Palazzo Madama, two significant architectural and historical buildings flank it. Once the residence of the Savoy dynasty, Piazza Castello is a UNESCO World Heritage site displaying a vast collection of art and historical artefacts. When exploring France tour packages, consider extending your journey to include a visit to Piazza Castello in Turin for a comprehensive European cultural experience.
Besides its exceptional exteriors, the palace’s interiors are truly breathtaking! Located close by the Piazza Castello is the famous Palazzo Madama, which displays a combination of medieval and baroque architecture. It is also home to the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art. Some major things which grab every traveller's attention are its grand staircase and richly decorated rooms. Not just Piazza Castello, the square features several other attractions, such as Itlay’s most renowned opera house and more, which makes it worth visiting. Furthermore, it is lined by several restaurants, cafes, and bars, ensuring your tastebuds are completely satisfied. Whether you are a fan of history or want to delve into the architectural beauty of the place, visiting Piazza Castello is a must!
• The Piazza Castello is the beating heart of the city and definitely worth a visit.
• Take advantage of the square's convenient connections to adjacent shopping districts and lively public events
• Explore the Palazzo Madama and learn about its thousand-plus-year history.
• Discover local art and crafts from antiquity all the way up to the 18th century housed in a castle with Roman beginnings and Baroque additions dating back to the 14th century.
• Visit the rooftop observation deck and botanical gardens while you're there.
• Take a stroll across the plaza to Palazzo Reale, which is open to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month
• Check out what's happening at the Teatro Regio, a stunning structure that is remarkable in and of itself. From October to June, it hosts 10 opera and ballet performances, has daytime exhibitions, and offers guided tours.
1. By car: Piazza Castello is 1.8 km from Turin city center. Using the Principe Amedeo route will take around 8 minutes.
2. By foot: Piazza Castello is approximately 220 km from Turin city center. Using the Principe Amedeo route, it will take approximately 3 minutes to visit.
You can explore the Piazza Castello all around the year.
1. Best season: The best season to witness the beauty of the Piazza Castello is winter.
2. Best day in the week: Weekends are the best days to explore the Piazza Castello.
3. The best time of day: Piazza Castello remains open all day. To avoid crowds, plan your visit between 10:00 and 11:00 AM.
Palazzo Madama is an exciting blend of medieval and baroque architecture. When it was built, it was a medieval fortress. Later, it was transformed into a grand palace in the 17th century by architect Filippo Juvarra. The building's two distinct sections reflect its historical evolution: the medieval rear portion and the elaborate baroque front façade. Inside, the palace houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art, which features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning from the Roman era to the Renaissance. One of the highlights is the grand staircase, a masterpiece of baroque design, and the opulent rooms that showcase Turin's artistic and cultural heritage.
Teatro Regio is one of Italy's most prestigious opera houses, and it was built in 1740. It adds a rich cultural dimension to Piazza Castello. The theatre has a long history of hosting world-class performances such as operas, ballets, and concerts. In 1936, the original building caught fire and was destroyed completely. However, it was rebuilt in the 1960s with a modern design by architect Carlo Mollino. The interior is known for its excellent acoustics and elegant décor, plush seating and intricate detailing. Attending a performance at Teatro Regio is a memorable experience, offering a glimpse into Turin's vibrant performing arts scene and its enduring passion for music and theatre.
Palazzo Reale is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the royal past of Turin. Built in the early 16th century, it was once the prime residence of the Savoy dynasty. One thing that grabs every traveller's attention is the palace's exterior, which features its classical façade and hints at the luxury within. Visitors can explore the richly decorated rooms, including the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Royal Apartments, each adorned with lavish furnishings, intricate tapestries, and stunning artworks. The palace also houses an impressive armoury with a vast collection of weapons and armour. The lush gardens surrounding the palace offer a serene escape and provide a beautiful backdrop for the majestic building.