The monumental heart of Turin, framed by Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Reale, Teatro Regio and the Baroque church of San Lorenzo.
Piazza Castello is the monumental heart of Turin, Piedmont, and the natural starting point for any visit to the Centro Storico. The large square was laid out as the political centre of the Savoy capital and is surrounded by arcaded buildings and some of the city's most important landmarks. At its centre stands Palazzo Madama with Filippo Juvarra's Baroque facade, while the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) fronts the northern side with its gates and the Armeria Reale nearby. Also on the piazza are the Teatro Regio, the Baroque church of San Lorenzo with its elaborate dome by Guarino Guarini, and the entrances to the arcaded streets leading toward Via Po and Via Garibaldi. Visitors can walk the square in 20 to 40 minutes, but it is better treated as a hub: the museums and gardens around it can occupy a full day. Photographers often shoot Palazzo Madama from the northern side at morning light, and the Royal Palace gates and statues from the piazza's centre in late afternoon. The square is open at all times and free, and it hosts markets and events in some seasons. Crowds build around midday when tour groups pass through and thin out in the early morning. The evening is a good time to visit, when the arcades fill with locals having an aperitivo and the buildings are lit. The square is a ten-minute walk from Porta Nuova station and is served by many GTT bus and tram lines, making it easy to reach. Nearby cafes along the arcades offer a place to sit and watch city life. Visitors planning to enter Palazzo Madama or the Royal Palace can combine them with the piazza visit.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours (public square) |
| Typical visit | 20-40 minutes |
| Best time | Early evening, when the arcades fill for the aperitivo |
| Getting there | Central; 10 minutes on foot from Porta Nuova station or Porta Susa; many GTT bus and tram lines stop here |
| Address | Piazza Castello, 10122 Torino |
Location
Piazza Castello, 10122 Torino
45.0717, 7.6855 View on map
Highlights
- Palazzo Madama with Juvarra's Baroque facade
- Royal Palace gates and the nearby Armeria Reale
- Guarini's domed church of San Lorenzo
- Teatro Regio on the square's edge
- Arcades filling with locals at aperitivo time
Tips for visiting
- Visit early in the morning for empty photographs
- Return in early evening for the aperitivo atmosphere
- Use the square as a starting point for nearby museums
- No ticket is needed for the square itself
- Check local event calendars since markets and events can use the space
When to visit
Early morning gives quiet photographs, and early evening is best for the aperitivo atmosphere in the arcades.
Accessibility
The square is flat and paved, making it generally easy for wheelchairs and strollers, though cobbled sections can be uneven. Surrounding arcades are level.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should visitors spend in Piazza Castello?
The square itself takes 20 to 40 minutes. Visitors who enter Palazzo Madama or the Royal Palace should add several hours.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, the square is a public space that is open 24 hours with no entry charge. Museum buildings around it have separate tickets.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photographing the square and exteriors is allowed and popular, particularly in morning light.