The Piazza San Carlo acquired its nickname of “reception room of Turin” for good reason. It is located halfway between the city’s central train station and the famous Piazza Castello. The square is only accessible to pedestrians.
Piazza San Carlo Turin
Useful information
Piazza San Carlo divides the Via Roma, which connects the Porta Nuova train station with Piazza Castello, in two and is therefore easily reachable on foot. You cross the garden opposite the main station exit and continue into the Via Roma. After about 500 meters you will have the square in front of you.
History and description
It was constructed between 1642 and 1650 by the royal architect Carlo di Castellamonte. In past times, it served both as an exercise ground for the army and as a market square.
In the course of its history the Piazza San Carlo has also been known under different names. It used to be Piazza Reale, then it became Piazza d’Armi and during Napoleon’s reign it was called Place Napoléon. The Carlo it is named for is San carlo Borromeo.
What to see
On the southwest side of Piazza San Carlo are the (almost) twin churches of San Carlo and Santa Cristina.
One of the most interesting buildings in Piazza San Carlo is the Palazzo Solare del Borgo (n. 183), with beautiful decorations in its various halls.
The statue in the center of the square was created by Carlo Marochetti and depicts King Emanuele Filiberto.
What to do
The Caffè San Carlo and the Caffé Torino are two of the most famous cafes in the city and the pasticceria Fratelli Stratta, with unchanged interior since 1836, is also famous.