The Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Turin has an area of around 38,000 m², which makes it one of the biggest squares of Italy. The locals call it simply Piazza Vittorio. It is the square where most of the important cultural events in the city take place.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto Turin
Useful information
Public transportation: Tram: 13 and 15. Bus: 13N, 30, 53, 55, 56, 61, 70 (stop 478, Piazza Vittorio Veneto).
History and description
The Piazza Vittorio Veneto has an area of around 38,000 m², which makes it one of the biggest squares of Italy. The locals call it simply Piazza Vittorio. It is the square where most of the important cultural events in the city take place.
The history of the Piazza Vittorio Veneto starts in the early 19th century. The square was part of a project that meant to enlarge the center toward the river. The original name was Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I. After World War I, the name was changed to the present one. After the Italians had defeated the Austro-Hungarian troops near a small town called Vittorio Veneto, and thus hastened the end of the war, the city council decided to rename one of Turin’s squares to commemorate the event. In the end they chose the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele because the locals already called it Piazza Vittorio anyway.
Both the Savoys and the fascists used the square to do military exercises.
Apart from its size, the distinguishing characteristics of the square are the porticoes and the lamps of the Impero type. The latter were placed in the square by Guido Chiarelli in th 1960s. Underneath the porticoes there are many pubs and bars and the square had become one of the favorite night time spots among the locals.
The area between the square and the river is known as the Murazzi. Especially during the summer months, this area is known for its exuberant night life.
One of the main events taking place during the year is dedicated to the patron saint San Giovanni Battista, celebrated with a firework festival.