The Via Po is one of the most interesting pedestrian streets in Turin. Characterized by long arcades, imposing buildings and cafes, it connects the historic Piazza Castello to the Po River. The arcades had to ensure that the king could walk to the Piazza Vittorio Veneto while being protected from sun and rain.
Via Po Turin
Useful information
The Via Po is a straight street that starts at the Piazza Castello and ends at the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I over the river Po. From the central station Porta Nuova walk straight on in Via Roma. Turn right when you reach Piazza Castello and then take the second street on your right. This is Via Po. (Public transportation from the train station: Bus 68.)
History and description
The Via Po was constructed by Amedeo di Castellamonte in 1673.
The intention was to create a covered walkway to Piazza Vittorio Veneto for the king and his court. This was achieved by means of the arcades flanking the street.
In 1944, the street was severely damaged by bombings.
The street is 704 meters long and has a width of 30 meters. Its street level at the river is 7 meters lower than at the starting point. Only one side has covered porticoes.
Tourist attractions Via Po
The main sights are the Baroque churches of San Francesco da Paola and SS. Annunziata. The facade of the former constitutes the only interruption of the famous arches.
The arcades on the northern part of Via Po date back to 1819 and were designed by Ferdinando Bonsignore and Ernesto Melano.
The Palazzo dell’Università (n. 17) dates back to the early 18th century.
