Piazza Castello (Castle Square), Turin (must see)

The Castle Square (Piazza Castello) of Turin is the grandest place in the city. It is a vast, pedestrianized space. Dominating the center of the square is the Madama Palace (Palazzo Madama), with its unique double facade. It has a castle on one side and a palace on the other. The palace is currently home to the Civic Museum of Ancient Art (Museo Civico d'Arte Antica).

The most active period of the Castle Square development was between the 16th and 18th centuries. Porticoed buildings lining the perimeter were redesigned by architect Ascanio Vittozzi. Architects Amedeo di Castellamonte and Filippo Juvarra redesigned the Castle's facade in the Baroque style under Marie Jeanne of Savoy in 1721.

In and around the Castle Square are the Opera House Teatro Regio; the armory museum Royal Armory (Armeria Reale), built for Carlo Emanuele II in the 1600s; and the Church of San Lorenzo. Po Street, a gracefully arcaded street, connects Castle Square to the banks of the river. Gelateria Abela is available for ice cream breaks.

The Castle Square began to take shape in the 14th century when the House of Savoy demolished buildings to erect the original Madama Palace. Theatres, cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops abound. The square is busy day and night. Major roads, like Po Street, Roma Street, and Pietro Micca Street, originate here.