Piazza San Carlo
Turin’s “living room,” framed by twin Baroque churches and arcades, with century-old cafés on its sides.
Piazza San Carlo was built in the 17th century. At its center stands an equestrian bronze statue of Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy. At the south end, two nearly symmetrical Baroque churches, San Carlo and Santa Cristina, form the classic view. Under the surrounding arcades are historic cafés such as Caffè San Carlo and Caffè Torino. The pavement is inlaid with bronze bull emblems; legend says that stepping on one brings good luck. The square lies in the middle of Via Roma, about 10 minutes’ walk from Porta Nuova station, and you can browse the arcades for shopping along the way.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Museo Egizio
- Palazzo Carignano
- Palazzo Madama
- Piazza Castello
- Royal Palace of Turin
- Turin Cathedral
- Porta Palatina
- Quadrilatero Romano