Carignano Square

Piazza Carignano is one of the architectural and historical gems of Turin, a place that embodies the richness of the past and the fervor of the Italian Risorgimento. This square, located in the heart of the city’s historic center, is surrounded by majestic buildings that tell centuries of history. The square is named after the majestic Palazzo Carignano, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture designed by the architect Guarino Guarini. The construction of the palace began in 1679 commissioned by Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia-Carignano. The curved facade and elaborate details of the palace make it a distinctive example of Piedmontese Baroque. Palazzo Carignano played a crucial role in Italian history: it is where Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of united Italy, was born, and where the Albertine Statute was proclaimed in 1848, one of the first steps towards the constitution of the Kingdom of Italy.Facing Palazzo Carignano is the Teatro Carignano, built in 1709 at the behest of Vittorio Amedeo I di Savoia-Carignano. Originally a pallacorda hall, the theater was transformed into a proper theatrical space that has hosted great names in Italian literature and theater, such as Carlo Goldoni and Vittorio Alfieri. This theater continues to be one of the most important in Turin, hosting numerous performances and shows.A short walk from the theater is the famous Ristorante Del Cambio, opened in the 18th century and frequented by illustrious figures such as Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, and Vittorio Emanuele II. The restaurant still retains the elegant and refined atmosphere of times past, offering its guests a high-level culinary experience.In the center of the square stands the monument to Vincenzo Gioberti, an Italian politician, priest, and philosopher who played a prominent role in the Risorgimento movement. The statue, created by sculptor Giovanni Albertoni, was inaugurated in 1859 and pays tribute to his memory and contributions to the unity of Italy.From an artistic point of view, the square is a true open-air museum. The Baroque buildings, with their elaborate facades and decorative details, offer a splendid example of 17th and 18th-century architecture. The care in the design and construction of the buildings reflects the importance that the Savoy family attributed to this area of the city.An interesting anecdote concerns the social life of Piazza Carignano. It is said that in this square, in the salons of Palazzo Carignano, numerous political and cultural conversations took place that influenced the course of Italian history. The meetings between intellectuals and politicians of the Risorgimento, held within these walls, helped shape the future of the country.