La Pista 500 Rooftop Garden is an unusual viewpoint in Turin, set on the roof of the former Fiat factory at Lingotto. Gardens and contemporary art installations now share the space with the building’s historic test track, where newly assembled cars once took their first laps. Walking its curves offers a close-up view of the factory’s remarkable architecture as well as the city beyond.
Completed in the early 1920s to designs by Giacomo Mattè-Trucco, the Lingotto factory became a symbol of Turin’s industrial ambition. Raw materials entered at ground level and cars moved upwards through production to the rooftop track. After the factory closed in the 1980s, Renzo Piano helped transform the complex into a destination for culture, shopping and events. La Pista 500 adds a green chapter to that history, with a name that nods to Fiat’s iconic small car.
The rooftop is worth visiting for its mix of planting, industrial heritage and wide-open views. Look across southern Turin towards the hills beyond the Po; on clear days, the Alps appear on the horizon. The sweeping track also makes a striking subject for photographs, particularly in softer late-afternoon light. Pair a visit with the Pinacoteca Agnelli, whose art collection occupies the glass-topped structure above Lingotto.
Spring and autumn are pleasant times to visit, while summer afternoons can be hot on the exposed roof. Lingotto metro station is within walking distance; once inside the complex, follow signs for the Pinacoteca Agnelli and rooftop. Check current opening times and ticket arrangements before going, and bring a light layer if the weather is breezy.