The stone embankment arches of the Po below Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with the river, the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge, and the Gran Madre church and Monte dei Cappuccini hill rising on the far bank, glowing at dusk.
The Murazzi del Po are the monumental nineteenth-century stone embankments lining the left bank of the Po in central Turin, capital of Piedmont, just below the vast Piazza Vittorio Veneto. A series of brick-and-stone arches and quays built to contain the river, the Murazzi sit right at the water's edge and long served as the heart of the city's riverside nightlife, while by day and at dusk they give some of the finest river views in Turin. Looking upstream from the embankment, the calm Po leads the eye to the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge, with the neoclassical Gran Madre di Dio church and the wooded Monte dei Cappuccini hill rising on the far bank, the whole scene reflected in the river. Photographically the spot is at its best at blue hour, when the bridge lamps, the floodlit Gran Madre, and the embankment lights glow against a deep sky and mirror in the still water; sunrise gives a quieter, softer alternative with mist sometimes rising off the river. The scene works year-round, with autumn and winter offering the crispest, clearest evening skies. The arches themselves add foreground texture and framing, and the quays are open and rarely crowded enough to block a tripod, especially early or at dusk before the bars get busy. There is no admission fee, the embankment being open public space; tripods are fine on the quays when kept clear of pedestrians, and an ND filter helps smooth the river for long exposures. Drone use over the city centre is restricted. Access along the embankment is largely level from the river-level walkways, reached by ramps and steps down from Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the bridge, making it an easy and convenient riverside subject in the heart of the city.
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- 16-50mm zoom plus a tripod for dusk reflections and an ND filter for long-exposure river frames.
Highlights
- Monumental nineteenth-century stone embankment arches on the Po
- Vittorio Emanuele I bridge leading the eye upstream
- Floodlit Gran Madre church and Monte dei Cappuccini on the far bank
- Reflections of the lit bridge and church in the calm river at dusk
- Brick arches as foreground texture and framing
Tips for visiting
- Shoot from the embankment up the river to the lit bridge
- Use the calm Po for reflections at blue hour
- Include the Gran Madre and Cappuccini hill on the far bank
- Frame through the brick arches for foreground interest
- Fit an ND filter to smooth the river for long exposures
When to visit
Blue hour for the lit bridge and church reflected in the river, or sunrise for soft light; autumn and winter for clear skies.
Accessibility
The river-level embankment is largely level, reached by ramps and steps down from the piazza and bridge, making it an easy central riverside spot.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What are the Murazzi del Po?
The monumental nineteenth-century stone embankment arches lining the Po below Piazza Vittorio Veneto in central Turin, long the heart of the city's riverside nightlife.
When is the best time to photograph them?
Blue hour, when the bridge, the floodlit Gran Madre church, and the embankment lights reflect in the calm river; sunrise is a softer alternative.
What is on the far bank?
The neoclassical Gran Madre di Dio church and the wooded Monte dei Cappuccini hill rise across the river beyond the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge.
Is it easy to reach?
Yes, the river-level embankment is largely level, reached by ramps and steps down from Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the bridge.