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Turin's Embankment

Description:

Turin is one of those cities fortunate to have a river flowing through its heart. Down by the river you'll find the Torinese strolling, jogging, cycling, relaxing or just sitting on a bench in the shade probably chatting about politics or football.

Author: Adrian Petersen

Day 1 - Turin

This trip takes you on journey of discovery along side the River Po in central Turin. You will not find many international tourists in this area. The idea of this trip is to embark on a cultural walk taking you to places where the Torinese relax, stroll and do sports. This is part of the 'real' Turin, close to where I live, and is where I go for a walk or a cycle ride. I recommend that you travel light, wear comfortable shoes and keep your eyes open for the myriad collection of castles, palaces, parks, botanic gardens and even a submarine! Enjoy yourself, explore, take in the sights and you'll be good and tired by the end of the day, ready for a lovely meal, Welcome to the true Turin!

Start from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the largest porticoed space in Europe. Stroll south, down to the river bank at Murazzi from where you will see imposing neoclassical Chiesa della Gran Madre on the opposite side of the river. Heading down past the Murazzi arches, which once housed warehouses and boats, you'll see why Turin's embankment area is so popular in the summer. A line of bars, clubs and restaurants are now at the heart of the city's night life. On the opposite bank sits the Turin rowing clubhouse.

Further along you''ll come to the Botanical Gardens, founded in 1729 and the Castello del Valentino, dating back to 1630, with its French influenced roofs. The Parco del Valentino is adjacent to the castle and covers some 550,000 square metres. Originally designed during the first half of the 19th century, it is today Turin's "green lung" and one of the cities most popular recreation areas.

Next up is the Borgo Medioevale, designed in 1884 for the International Exhibition. An imitation, medieval Village of Turin, featuring houses, streets, squares, fountains, artisan workshops and a castle, Rocca overlooking the village.

Leaving the Borgo you'll come to the pretty bridge, Ponte Isabella. Don't miss, the rather unusual sight of a submarine, next to the bridge. It arrived in Turin in 1928 on the 10th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Now its time to cross the bridge and make your way back along the other side past the Circolo Eridano, a sports facility equipped with tennis courts, bowling greens and a pier for canoeing activities. The views across to the Borgo Medioevale and Castello del Valentino are memorable as you pass numerous sports clubs. Try and visit the Peyrano chocolate Factory a few metres away from the river at Corso Moncalieri 47 before arriving at the Re Umberto I bridge with Piazza Vittorio Veneto set out before you where you started from.

There are lots of places to stop for refreshments on this route whether it be for an ice cream, cup of coffee or a nice cold beer.

It really is worth the walk...

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