Murazzi del Po

The Murazzi del Po in Turin represent a historical and cultural area of great importance, located along the western bank of the Po River. Originally built in the 19th century, the Murazzi were created as embankments to protect the city from the river’s floods and as boat sheds for fishermen. The name “Murazzi” comes from the massive containment walls built to contain the waters of the Po, which still characterize this area today. Until the 1950s, the Murazzi were mainly used as docks for fishing boats and for commercial activities related to the river. Over time, this function evolved, transforming the Murazzi into a lively center for youth and cultural gatherings. In the 1980s, the area became one of the main places for nightlife in Turin, thanks to the opening of numerous bars, clubs, and discos that enlivened the city’s nights. The transformation of the Murazzi into a hub of nightlife brought international fame, attracting tourists and locals looking for fun and entertainment. This evolution was accompanied by the granting of licenses for the opening of nightclubs and the creation of a stable navigation service on the Po, with one of the embarkation points located at the Murazzi. The area has become a reference point for aperitifs, dinners, cocktails, and live music, offering a breathtaking view of the river and the city. However, the Murazzi area has also experienced difficult times. In 2012, a series of judicial investigations led to the closure of many venues due to administrative and health irregularities. This marked a period of decline for the Murazzi, with a significant decrease in visitors and the vibrancy that characterized them. Despite this, in the following years, several redevelopment projects were initiated to revitalize the area and restore its former glory. An important recovery initiative was launched by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, with a project aimed at transforming the Murazzi into an example of urban adaptation to climate change. The project involves the construction of floating structures that can rise with the river level, addressing the issue of recurring floods. This architectural innovation aims to preserve and enhance the area, making it a hub for education and community, as well as a center of tourist and cultural attraction. In 2014, the Municipal Toponymy Commission named the sections of the Murazzi north and south of the Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge after the Turin singer-songwriters Fred Buscaglione and Gipo Farassino. This choice reflects the deep connection between the Murazzi and Turin’s musical culture, celebrating two iconic figures of the city. A further sign of revival came in 2018 with the reopening of the first venue in the arcades, a Japanese-Brazilian restaurant, marking the beginning of a new era for the Murazzi. In January 2020, the mayor of Turin announced the start of work for the complete reopening of the area, although the COVID-19 pandemic caused some delays. In 2022, about half of the arcades of the Magazzini Devalle, on the right side of the Murazzi, were reopened to the public with new dining and entertainment activities. Today, the Murazzi del Po represent a perfect blend of history, culture, and innovation. The historic arcades have been transformed into modern and functional spaces, keeping the memory of the past alive and adapting to the needs of the present. This area continues to be a place for meeting and socializing, where you can enjoy a walk along the river, participate in cultural events, or simply relax in one of the many venues along the Po riverbank.