The Parco del Valentino is the most famous park in Turin. It is located right in the center on the west side of the river Po. In addition to its natural beauty, you can also enjoy a recreated medieval village in this park, which was founded in the second half of the 17th century.
Parco del Valentino Turin
Useful information
Address: Corso Massimo d’Azeglio – 10100 Torino. Phone: +39 011 4438833. Opening times: From sunrise to sunset. Ticket price: Free.
History and description
The park is criss-crossed by hiking and biking trails and boasts a rich flora and fauna, with many local bird species. In addition, it is a place where concerts and other large public events are held.
Scattered throughout the park are fountains and statues.
The most striking fountain is the Fontana del Ceppi. Built in an art nouveau style, this fountain consists of a large pool surrounded by twelve statues. It is also known as the “Fountain of the Twelve Months” (Fontana dei Dodici Mesi).
The Medieval Village displays and explains the ancient crafts and traditions of the Piedmont region.
The Arco del Valentino is also called Arco dell’Artigliere. Yet another name for this arch is Arco di Trionfo, because it looks rather like the famous Paris arch.
The most notable statues are those of Massimo d’Azeglio (a politician, painter and writer of the 19th century), Ascanio Sobrero (a physician and chemist who, among other things, invented the sobrerol) and a bust of Cesare Battisti, a very nationalist politician of the early 20th century.