Piazza Statuto, Turin

Piazza Statuto or Statute Square is one of the central areas in Turin. It is always a busy place since many streets lead here. Many tourist tours begin on the square. Moreover, it is popular among various esoterics. Locals, especially superstitious, do not regard this place with favor about this place and do not come here without need.

History of the square

The history of this place goes back to the distant era of ancient Rome. Back then this territory was located outside the city, and there was a necropolis on it. Later, in the Middle Ages, Porta Susa, the city gate, was located here. In the 13–14 century, the city grew and the new square near the walls has served as a place for public executions for a long time. The weapons occasionally changed: gallows, executioner's ax, guillotine. Executed who had no relatives were buried nearby.

After the unification of Italy, in 1864, buildings were constructed around the square. The works were carried out by the architect Giuseppe Bollati. Turin was supposed to become the state capital. However, in 1865 the decision was changed in favor of Florence, and then Rome. At that time, fierce battles took place on the square between the army and citizens who were dissatisfied with the idea. As a result, many protestors died. After that, the construction work on the square was nevertheless carried out using the city budget. Then the buildings were sold at auction. One hundred years later, in 1962, a large-scale protest of automobile plants workers took place on the square. And again, it was not without skirmishes and casualties.

Attractions of the square

Despite its bloody history, today the area is flourishing. The houses that were built in the 19th century and have porticos and arches typical for Turin neatly frame the spacious forum. Trees grow on its green lawns – you can relax on benches in their shadows. There are several very interesting sights located on the territory of this ancient square.

• Fréjus Fountain. It is a beautiful installation officially dedicated to workers who worked on the construction of the Frejus Tunnel built in the Alps. Opened in 1879. The fountain has a number of legends and traditions just like the square itself.
• Beccaria’s Spire. This is a geodetic obelisk installed on the square in 1808. It was created in memory of research conducted in 1760 in Rivoli by the local mathematician Giovanni Battista Beccaria, who calculated the length of the earth meridian. This small monument was named after him.
• BBPR Tower. This is a very interesting building with architectural design unusual for Turin. The tower was built in 1961 by BBPR Studio (name abbreviations of 4 architects). It is a prime example of the Milan school of brutalism.

Legends

Piazza Statuto is literally built on bones. This, as well as its location, contributed to the spread of various rumors, legends, and superstitions. In antiquity, this territory was located behind the western city walls where the sun went down and darkness set in. Many believe that the gates of hell are located under the fountain. Some also think that you can get to the ancient temple or the laboratory of warlocks through the sewers from Piazza Statuto. The esotericists are sure that the tops of the triangles of black and white magic come in contact on this square. By the way, the famous soothsayer Nostradamus lived somewhere nearby in 1566. Later that house was destroyed by fire.

This is why it makes sense to call the place the “black heart” of Turin. "White heart" is located on Piazza Castello according to local residents. For better or worse, enterprising citizens enjoy this fame. There are many shops with mysterious goods around here. Tourist tours through the mystical Turin begin on the square in the evening.

How to get

Piazza Statuto is located in the administrative center of Turin. The three largest avenues of the city intersect here: Corso Francia, Corso Principe Oddone and Corso Inghilterra. The Pietro Micca Museum is situated a few blocks south is. You can get here by trams № 10, 13, and by buses №13N, 29, 36, 46, 49, 56, 59, 71, 72, 94, 101. You need to get off at the Statuto stop. The subway stations XVIII Dicembre and Principi d'Acaja are 5 minutes away from here.