Via Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of the most important shopping streets in Turin and also one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. It follows the route of what was already in Roman times an important road leading west.
A brief history of the Via Garibaldi in Turin
The street follows the ancient Roman decumano and medieval road, the Contrada di Doria Grossa. It became an important commercial street when the Savoys decided to expand the city westward. After a reconstruction of the city walls in 1702, the Via Doria Grossa and its parallel road Via Corte d’Apello were extended. This was done in 1711 under the direction of the architect Michelangelo Garove.
Filippo Juvarra was later commissioned by King Emanuele II to further develop the street, including renovating the facade of the Palazzo Madama.
What to see in the Via Garibaldi in Turin
Church of the Santissima Trinità
The Santissima Trinità Church (n. 7) was designed by Ascanio Vitozzi, who was also buried there. Juvarra was responible for some interior decorations and Angelo Marchini for the neoclassical facade.
Church of the Santi Martiri
The Chiesa dei Santi Martiri (“Church of the Holy Martyrs”) is located at the corner of the Via Garibaldi and the Via Botero. It was constructed for the Jesuit order, in the second half of the 17th century. Unfortunately, for lack of worshipers, the church was closed in 2013.
More churches
- San Dalmazzo Church
- Misericordia Church
Useful information
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi connects Piazza Castello with Piazza Statuto. From the Porta Nuova station, continue straight on Via Roma until you reach Piazza Castello. Via Garibaldi is the street that leads to this square on the west side.