Piazza Storica · 15 min a piedi
Piazza Storica · 15 min a piedi
Piazza Castello is the ceremonial and geographic centre of Torino, laid out in a quadrangular plan by architect Ascanio Vitozzi in 1587. At its heart stands Palazzo Madama — a building whose history runs from a Roman city gate (the Porta Decumana) through a medieval fortress of the Acaja family to the sweeping Baroque façade added in the 18th century. Today it houses the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica.
The square also opens onto Palazzo Reale, the former royal residence, making this single piazza the shared doorstep of two UNESCO World Heritage sites recognised as "Residences of the Royal House of Savoy." Porticoed streets fan out from every side, making it the natural hub for exploring the rest of the centro storico on foot.