Piazza Castello is the historic heart of Turin, a broad square where royal buildings, arcades and busy streets meet. At its centre stands Palazzo Madama, a striking blend of medieval castle and Baroque palace, with a grand façade designed by Filippo Juvarra.
The square developed around ancient fortifications and became a focal point of power for the House of Savoy, the dynasty that ruled Piedmont and later unified Italy under its crown. Palazzo Reale, the former royal residence, stands just beyond the square; nearby, the Church of San Lorenzo conceals an extraordinary dome by Guarino Guarini. Turin’s role as Italy’s first capital after unification in 1861 gives the setting an added historical weight.
There is plenty to see beyond the façades. Palazzo Madama houses a museum of ancient art, while the royal palace offers ornate state rooms and access to the Royal Armoury. The square is also a natural starting point for exploring central Turin: Via Roma, Via Po and Via Garibaldi lead away from it, and the surrounding porticoes shelter cafés and shops.
Visit early in the morning for a quieter look, or come in the evening when the façades catch the light and the cafés grow lively. Piazza Castello is about a 20-minute walk from Porta Nuova station and is served by trams and buses. If you plan to enter the museums, check opening days and ticket availability in advance, especially around holidays and busy periods.