Via Po (Po Street), Turin

The Po Street (Via Po) is one of Turin’s most iconic streets, linking two of the city’s most important landmarks: Castello Square at its northern end and the grand Vittorio Veneto Square near the River Po. Built in the late 17th century under the rule of the House of Savoy, the street was designed with a uniform elegance that still defines its appearance today. Its long, straight layout and symmetrical arcades reflect the Baroque ideals of order and grandeur that shaped Turin’s urban development during this period.

The street is best known for its arcaded sidewalks, which stretch uninterrupted for nearly a kilometer. These covered walkways not only provide shade in the summer and shelter during rainy days but also create a distinctive rhythm of arches that is instantly recognizable. Beneath them, visitors find a lively mix of historic cafés, bookshops, boutiques, and pastry shops. Many of these establishments have been meeting places for intellectuals, artists, and students over the centuries, adding to the street’s cultural prestige.

The Po Street is also a cultural hub, lying just steps away from the University of Turin and several important institutions, including the National Cinema Museum and the Egyptian Museum nearby. Walking along the arcades, visitors encounter elegant façades, antique bookstores, and cafés where time seems to slow down. The street leads directly to Vittorio Veneto Square, one of Europe’s largest squares, opening up to views of the Po River and the Basilica di Superga on the hillside beyond.

For tourists, strolling the Po Street is both a journey through history and an immersion in Turin’s present-day lifestyle. Whether stopping for a coffee in one of its historic cafés, browsing old volumes in its bookshops, or simply enjoying the arcaded walkways, the street offers a quintessential experience of the city. It remains a place where history, architecture, and daily life blend seamlessly, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Turin.