Solferino Square, Turin

A majestic Piazza Solferino lies in the centre of Turin. This elongated forum surrounded by greenery is not just a place for a repose after a busy day. The square's landmarks won't let you luxuriate in the shade of trees. Piazza Solferino divides the architectural centre of Turin into two parts that date back to different historical epochs, thus representing the styles of baroque and classicism.

History of the square

Initially, Piazza Solferino was irregular in shape and at the end of the 18th century was located on the outskirts of the city. It abutted gardens and numerous buildings representing different architectural styles. At the time, it was called Piazza del Bosco or the Wooden Square.

In the early 19th century, the city began to expand under the influence of industrial development. Despite the war for independence with Austria in 1848-1849, the construction of new buildings continued. An ad hoc committee arranged a project competition to choose the design of a future square. The architect Carlo Promis gained victory. Huge in size, the square overgrew with sophisticated buildings.

In 1863-1868, the western part of the forum was built up with only a small patch of land preserved. Today, it is the Giardino di Via Bertolotti park. By 1870, the square acquired the present elongated shape and the name. The latter commemorates the battle of Solferino on 24 June, 1859, which ended the second war for independence with Austria in favour of a united Italy. 

Sights of Solferino

When the construction was completed, the square got its first monuments and edifices, which became the pearls of Turin. More than a dozen central streets converge in the square. The forum itself looks like a long and wide boulevard lined with trees. Copious lawns and flower beds, and the concentration of attractions per square metre are amazing. Let's take a look at some of them.

• Monument to Ferdinand of Savoy. It was established in 1877 in honour of the brother of the first king of a united Italy. The monument reminds of the battles of the war with Austria, 1848-1849, which ended in defeats. Although it can surely be called one of the city's symbols.
• Fontana Angelica. A beautiful sculptural composition was erected in the north of the square in 1929. In addition to its artistic value, it has a hidden magical symbolism, which attracts lovers of esotericism and Freemasonry.
• Monument to Giuseppe la Farina. The monument is dedicated to one of the ideologists of Risorgimento and the Minister of Education of a united Italy. It is a beautiful statue crowning the southern tip of the square.
• Alfieri Theatre. It is one of the biggest theatres in the city that was built along with the square in 1855-1859. Over the course of its existence, Teatro Alfieri suffered 5 fires and a bombing during World War II. Every time after being destroyed, the theatre rose like a Phoenix from the ashes: it was restored in accordance with original drawings.
• Ceriana Palace. The most beautiful building of 1878, designed by Carlo Ceppi for a family of bankers and manufacturers. Nowadays, it houses the Turin branch of Ersel, the company known all over the world. 
• Fiorina Palace. The red building designed by Carlo Ceppi was initially owned by the family of Fiorina. At the turn of 20th century, there was a bar that witnessed the signing of many agreements that led to the formation of the Torino football club. Now, this is an apartment building with shops on the ground floor. 

In addition to the above-mentioned old edifices, at the beginning of the 21 century, a few more attractions were built in the square. As the preparation for the Winter Olympics in 2004 was in progress, a double glassed-in pavilion, Atrium, was built. It hosted several competitions but after a series of discussions was demolished in 2010. The area underwent restoration and was reopened on 16 June, 2013. The monument to Giuseppe la Farina was reinstalled at its former location. A big blue-red sundial designed by Lucio Morra now adorns the centre of the square. The 4-metres high sculpture "Hoy es hoy" created by the Mexican Javier Marin hovers over the southern part of the square near Ceriana Palace.

On 30 March, 2016, the green zone in the centre was named after the Italian senator, Alfredo Frassati, who lived at the beginning of the last century. Interestingly, Solferino square was captured in the film "La seconda volta" (1995). Many scenes were shot right there.

How to get there

Solferino square is located in the historical part of the city. It connects three famous streets: Corso Re Umberto, Via Cernaia and Pietro Micca. Taking the latter one will get you to Castle square in 10 minutes. The public transport stop Solferino can be reached by the buses which follow the routes 14, 19, 29, 59, 63, 67.