Piazza San Carlo: The Heart of Turin
Explore the elegance of Piazza San Carlo, Turin's historical square with stunning Baroque architecture, vibrant cafés, and unique shopping experiences.
Piazza San Carlo is often referred to as the 'Salotto di Torino' or the 'living room of Turin,' and it truly embodies the spirit of this vibrant city. Surrounded by exquisite Baroque buildings, it serves as a magnificent gathering place for both locals and tourists alike. The square is flanked by two beautiful churches: Santa Cristina and San Carlo, both showcasing stunning architectural details that reflect the rich history of Turin. Walking through the piazza, visitors are greeted by an array of charming cafés and boutiques, making it the perfect spot to relax with a coffee while soaking in the lively atmosphere. One can't help but be drawn to the impressive statue of Emanuele Filiberto, the Duke of Savoy, located in the center of the square. This statue serves as a reminder of the city's historical significance and the role it played in the unification of Italy. The piazza often hosts various cultural events, markets, and festivals, providing a lively backdrop that changes with the seasons. Whether you're admiring the stunning architecture or enjoying a gelato in the sun, Piazza San Carlo offers a quintessential Turin experience. For those interested in shopping, the area is dotted with high-end boutiques and clothing stores, allowing visitors to indulge in some retail therapy. The square also serves as a gateway to explore the surrounding historical sites, art galleries, and museums, making it an essential stop on any tourist's itinerary in Turin.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and capture stunning photos of the piazza.
- Try a traditional Bicerin, a local coffee drink, at one of the iconic cafés around the square.
- Check the local event calendar for festivals or markets that often take place in the piazza.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to explore the nearby streets and attractions on foot.
A brief summary to Piazza San Carlo
- P.za S. Carlo, Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, 10123, IT
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of San Salvario, head towards Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Walk north along Via Saluzzo until you reach the intersection with Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Turn left onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and continue walking straight for about 10-15 minutes. You will pass through a few shops and cafes along the way. Once you reach Piazza Carlo Felice, you will see the entrance to the beautiful gardens of Parco del Valentino on your right. Continue walking straight, and you will see Piazza San Carlo on your left after crossing the intersection with Via Roma.
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Public Transport (Tram)
From San Salvario, walk to the nearest tram stop at 'Porta Nuova' (located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II). Take Tram Line 4 towards 'Fermata Porta Nuova' and get off at 'Piazza San Carlo'. The tram ride will take approximately 5 minutes. Make sure to purchase a ticket before boarding, which costs around €1.50 and is valid for 90 minutes on all public transport.
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Public Transport (Bus)
Walk to the nearest bus stop at 'Corso Vittorio Emanuele II / Saluzzo' located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Take Bus Line 13 towards 'Piazza Castello'. Get off at 'Piazza Castello', which is a short 5-minute ride. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to Piazza San Carlo. Just head southeast on Via Roma until you reach the piazza. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.
Attractions Nearby to Piazza San Carlo
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Monument to Emmanuel Philibert
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Isnardi of Caraglio Palace
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Turinetti of Pertengo Palace
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Do Eat Better Experience - Turin Food Tours
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Santa Cristina, Turin
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San Carlo Borromeo, Turin
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Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo
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Gallerie d'Italia - Torino
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Gates of Hell
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Piazza Cln
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Museo Egizio
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Chiesa di San Filippo Neri
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Auditorium Oratorio di San Filippo Neri
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Teatro Carignano
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Piazza Carignano
Landmarks nearby to Piazza San Carlo
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P.za S. Carlo
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Piazza C.L.N.
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Via Giuseppe Luigi Lagrange, 3
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Galleria San Federico
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P.za Carlo Alberto
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City Sightseeing Torino
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Monumento a Emanuele Filiberto Duca D'Aosta
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Monumento a Giuseppe La Farina
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P.za Giambattista Bodoni
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P.za Castello
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P.za Carlo Emanuele II
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P.za Castello, 189
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Piazza Palazzo di Città, 1
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Via Po
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Piazza San Giovanni