Piazza San Carlo
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Piazza San Carlo, famously referred to by the citizens of Turin as the 'Salotto della Città' or the 'Living Room of the City.' This accolade is well-deserved, as the square represents the pinnacle of…
Listen in the app2The Caval d'Brons — Duke Emanuele Filiberto’s Monument
Dominating the center of the piazza is the magnificent bronze equestrian monument to Duke Emanuele Filiberto, known affectionately to locals as the 'Caval d'Brons.' Commissioned by King Carlo Alberto and executed by the sculptor…
Listen in the app3The Twin Churches — Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo
The southern end of the piazza is theatrically closed by two churches that appear nearly identical but reveal fascinating differences upon closer inspection. To the left stands the Church of Santa Cristina, built at the behest of…
Listen in the app4Caffè Torino and the Lucky Bull
Walking beneath the northern porticoes, you will find Caffè Torino, one of the most prestigious and historically significant cafes in the city. Founded in 1903, the interior is a feast of Liberty-style elegance, with its curved…
Listen in the app5The Palaces of Power — Noble Residences and Banks
The perimeter of Piazza San Carlo is lined with monumental palaces that were once the residences of the city’s most influential noble families. Today, many of these buildings serve as the headquarters for Italy’s major banking…
Listen in the app6Caffè San Carlo and Stratta — Confectionery Heritage
On the opposite side of the square, we find two other legendary establishments: Caffè San Carlo and the confectionery shop Stratta. Caffè San Carlo, opened in 1822, was the first cafe in Italy to be lit by gas, and it quickly…
Listen in the app7The Pedestrianization — Reclaiming the Urban Space
One of the most significant changes to Piazza San Carlo in recent decades was its complete pedestrianization. Before this transformation, the square was often congested with traffic and parking, which obscured its architectural…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our visit to Piazza San Carlo, we are left with a profound sense of the city’s heart and soul. This square is more than just a beautiful arrangement of stone and bronze; it is a living chronicle of Turin’s journey…
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What is Piazza San Carlo?
Piazza San Carlo is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Heritage |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 45.0665, 7.6815 |
| Last updated |
