Dora Park, Turin
Dora Park in Turin is located on the banks of the Dora Riparia River. This is a large post-industrial zone, reconstructed into a park from former factory premises. Have you ever watched the movie I Am Legend? So, if for a moment there will not be a single visitor in the park, you can feel yourself in a post-apocalyptic world, where nature slowly but surely occupies cities. This is a real paradise for the extreme youth of Turin, which also attracts a lot of tourists.
History of the park
In the second half of the 19th century, in many European cities there was a sharp jump in production. Turin was no exception, it was also covered by a wave of industrialization. Since factories and plants need water for work, many settled on the banks of the Dora Riparia River, having cobbled its banks into concrete. As time went by, the city grew, and businesses that once were on the outskirts, overgrew residential quarters.
By the end of the 20th century, most factory premises were abandoned. In 1994, the last plant was closed, and in 1995 the authorities decided to convert the vacant industrial territory. In 2004, a group of famous German architect Peter Latz won the tender. Architects and designers began active restoration of the territory. In 2007, the authorities set the task to finish work for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. This became the catalyst of the process. On May 4, 2011, the opening of the first 3 zones of the park took place. In 2012, the fourth was opened, and in 2015 – the fifth and the last.
Park and its attractions
The total area of the Dora Park is 45.6 hectares. This project became the largest for the group that created it. It was decided not to demolish many abandoned factory premises, but to transform them. Some elements have been removed, but many architectural installations have been created on the basis of others. The central element was the river, freed from excess concrete, it has gotten a new look. Composition was built around the whole landscape. Huge steel structures, passages and industrial premises alternate with green lawns and young trees, joyfully taking over the industrial spaces. The human realm of steel and concrete intertwined very organically with the creations of nature. Since there were 5 factories in the industrial area, the park was divided into 5 corresponding zones.
- Michelin. The territory of the former tire manufacturer for cars is the most spacious. Located on the south bank of the river, it has several cooling towers. These cooling towers rise above the beautiful green lawns and are interwoven with a variety of illumination. In the evening, a colorful light show appears in front of your eyes. The Environmental Museum is situated here.
- Vitaly. Located opposite of the previous zone, they are separated by a river. This includes the Corso Mortara zone. Huge hire of steel shops were situated here. The iron supports remained after the dismantling of the walls and the roof. These giants have a height of 30 m. Among them there are trimmed lawns. The area is framed by walls on which local artists create graffiti. There is also a skate park and a zone where various events are held.
- Ingest. The premises in this zone were converted into a large number of terraces and passages. In one of them, the so-called Hortus conclusus (an enclosed garden) was organized. Townspeople planted many home plants in it, to popularize gardening. A very interesting object in this area is the church Santo Volto. Built by the architect Marco Botta in 2006, it is not at all like a typical temple. Its bell-tower is an old factory pipe. A metal construction, symbolizing the crown of thorns, ascends along it in a spiral.
- Valdocco. Previously, there was a factory of the company Fiat. Nowadays, the riverbed in this place is still encased in concrete. Terraces with trees and benches are situated higher from it.
The park attracts tourists with its unusual industrial landscape. But it is even more adored by the local youth. Once closed spaces are now a place for active recreation. Amateurs are riding on skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles here. The expanses of the park are ideal for those interested in parkour. All blank walls are gradually being covered by graffiti. Well, this is a perfect example of how you can transform the abandoned territory into a lively park, which causes sincere enthusiasm.
How to get there
Dora Park is located north of the center of Turin. It takes about 40-50 minutes to get there from Piazza Castello, where the Royal Palace and many museums are located. You can use public transport. Trams № 3, 9, and buses № 22, 259TK go to the stop of Pier della Francesca. On the east side of the park there are Mortara and Livorno stops, which can be reached by buses № 52, 60, 67, 72, W60.
