Galleria Subalpina

Galleria Subalpina is a nineteenth-century glass-roofed arcade in the centre of Turin, Piedmont, Italy, linking Piazza Castello with Piazza Carlo Alberto. It differs from a modern mall in being a historic covered passage, with iron-and-glass vaulting, decorative details and a quiet, elegant character that makes the walk through it a sightseeing experience as much as a shopping stop. The arcade holds a small number of independent shops, a bookshop, boutiques, cafes and a cinema.

The best-known occupant is the historic cafe and chocolate house Baratti & Milano, whose interior is a classic example of Turin's Belle Epoque cafe culture and which sells chocolates, gianduiotti and pastries. Vendors here are established local businesses rather than tourist-trinket sellers, so the proportion of authentic goods is high, although prices are on the upper end, which is reflected in the three-dollar price category. Prices are fixed and there is no bargaining. Cards are widely accepted. Non-EU visitors may be able to claim VAT refunds on qualifying clothing and gift purchases above the national threshold where shops offer the tax-free service, and receipts and passports should be shown at the till.

The arcade is short and can be walked in a few minutes, so the main points of interest are the glass roof, the cafe interiors and the bookshop. Eating options are limited to the cafes, where visitors can take coffee, pastries or an aperitivo. The atmosphere is calm and refined compared with the busy streets nearby, with the busiest moments around the coffee hour and early evening. Shops generally open Tuesday to Saturday from about 10AM to 7:30PM, while cafes tend to open daily, though hours vary by shop and should be checked locally. The arcade is a convenient pause between a visit to the Royal Palace area on Piazza Castello and a stroll toward the shops and arcades around Piazza Carlo Alberto.