Valentino Park

The Valentino Park is a green icon in the heart of Turin, a place of great historical and natural beauty that extends along the banks of the Po River. This park, the oldest and most famous in the city, covers an area of 421,000 square meters and represents a perfect balance between nature and architecture, between past and present. The park was opened to the public in 1856, but even before its official inauguration, it hosted important national and international exhibitions. Its strategic location and elegant design have made it an ideal place for events of great importance. Not only a natural refuge, Valentino is also a place of cultural encounter, where history and modernity harmoniously blend. One of the most fascinating elements of the Valentino Park is the Valentino Castle, one of the royal residences of the House of Savoy and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle, with its style reminiscent of the castles of the Loire Valley, was built in the 17th century and now houses the Faculty of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Turin. This historic building not only adds a touch of grandeur to the park, but also represents a tangible link to the city’s rich Savoyard heritage. Within the park is also the Medieval Village, a charming village built in 1884 for the Italian General Exhibition. This village, a faithful reconstruction of a 15th-century village, includes houses, shops, and a fortress, offering visitors a journey back in time among ancient artisanal traditions and old-time atmospheres. Despite being intended as a temporary installation, the great success of the initiative led to its preservation as a permanent attraction. Valentino Park is also renowned for its rich botanical heritage, which includes about 1,800 tall trees and a remarkable variety of floral species. This green lung in the center of Turin is the ideal habitat for numerous bird species, including herons and mallards, which contribute to creating a serene and idyllic environment. Visitors can stroll through shaded avenues, relax in rocky gardens, or admire artistic fountains, such as the spectacular Fountain of the Twelve Months, a rococo-style work representing the months of the year through a play of allegorical figures. The park is also a reference point for art and culture, with numerous statues and monuments dedicated to illustrious Italian figures such as Massimo d’Azeglio and Cesare Battisti. The Valentino Arch, also known as the Artilleryman’s Arch or Triumphal Arch, is another point of interest that enriches the park’s historical and artistic panorama.