Turin by Night: Evening Guided Walking Tour

With an experienced local guide, you will be captivated by Turin’s regal, sophisticated and aristocratic charm. Strolling along the city’s grand avenues and beneath its famous arcades, you will admire sumptuous Baroque buildings, historic cafés and monumental squares, fully understanding why Turin has been called the true “Queen of Italy.”

During this evening walk, illuminated by soft streetlights, you will discover the city’s history through its most iconic monuments and most lavish palaces. Your guide will lead you through stories of noble Turin families, court intrigues and mysterious presences, all the way to the legends of ghosts that, according to tradition, wander the city during the night.

Did you know that Turin is considered one of the most magical cities in Europe?

It is in fact Italy’s capital of the occult, located at the crossroads of the triangle of white magic (together with Prague and Lyon) and the triangle of black magic (together with London and San Francisco). Whether you believe in magic or not, Turin will win you over with its enigmatic, spectacular and surprising charm.

The itinerary begins in Castello’s Square and continues with an exterior visit to the Church of San Lorenzo and Turin Cathedral. After a short walk, you will reach the Palatine Gate, the oldest part of the city and guardian of its Roman heritage. The tour then continues to Palazzo Madama, where you will admire its wonderful façade while discovering its history, curiosities, anecdotes and hidden secrets.

Crossing Via Roma, Turin’s most famous shopping street, you will stop to admire the prestigious Galleria San Federico, where timeless beauty fills the air, before finally reaching the magnificent Piazza San Carlo. Continuing the walk, you will appreciate the grandeur of Palazzo Carignano, while learning about the history and cultural significance of this extraordinary building. The last unmissable stop is the Galleria Subalpina, before returning to Piazza Castello.

Get ready to take stunning photos: it is precisely after nightfall that every corner of Turin comes alive, revealing its beauty little by little.

Let yourself be guided on an emotional journey to discover an unusual, nocturnal and surprising Turin.

Important: the tour includes long walking stretches and is not recommended for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users. Comfortable walking shoes suitable for city walking are highly recommended.

What to Expect

Piazza Castello

Piazza Castello represents the heart of the city of Turin. Square in shape, it is surrounded by elegant arcades beneath which you will find charming shops and historic cafés. The square takes its name from the Aragonese Castle, which stood here until 1878. Over the centuries, it has been the backdrop for many historical, social and national events and a crossroads for intellectuals and artists. 

Today, in addition to numerous shops and cafés, Piazza Castello is home to important historic attractions such as Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Reale, Teatro Regio and the Church of San Lorenzo, just to name a few. Like every great city, Turin has its own good-luck ritual: under the arcades of the Prefecture there is a particular bronze artwork that millions of visitors rub every day as a gesture of good fortune. With our guide, you will discover the meaning behind this curious tradition.

Church of San Lorenzo

Located on the northern side of Piazza Castello, the Church of San Lorenzo was commissioned by the House of Savoy and built in Baroque style by the architect Guarino Guarini between 1668 and 1680. It is a truly unusual church: it has no façade and its bell tower is barely visible. Its eight-petaled dome is unique, thanks to the original alternation of concave and convex curves.

A place of deep spirituality as well as an artistic masterpiece, where geometry, light and theological and philosophical symbolism intertwine. Some even claim to perceive traces of esoteric presences here. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more.

Palazzo Madama

Standing right in the middle of Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama is one of Turin’s most important historic buildings. Its history mirrors that of the city itself: from Roman gate to medieval fortress, from castle of the Princes of Acaja to residence of the Royal Ladies of Savoy. In the 19th century, King Charles Albert housed the first Senate of the Kingdom of Italy here. Since 1934, it has also been home to the Civic Museum of Ancient Art. Its majestic Juvarrian Baroque façade conveys a sense of grandeur and elegance typical of Turin.

Turin Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is located just a few steps from Piazza Castello. Dating back to the 15th century, it is the only Renaissance-style church in the city and houses the Holy Shroud. The Chapel of the Shroud, designed by Guarino Guarini, was added in the 17th century to connect the Cathedral with the Royal Palace. 

A church with a long and mysterious history, marked by drama, conspiracies and assassinations… are you ready to uncover them?

Galleria San Federico

There is a place where the atmosphere of the early 20th century can still be felt: Galleria San Federico. Designed in Neo-Baroque style in 1931 by Eugenio Corte, commissioned by Senator Giovanni Agnelli, it once housed the editorial offices of the newspaper La Stampa. Inside, you will find elegant shops, representative offices and the historic Cinema Lux. Today, fully restored, the gallery has returned to its former glory and is truly an unmissable stop.

Piazza San Carlo

Considered Turin’s symbolic square, it often hosts cultural events and national and international gatherings. Dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo since 1618, over the centuries it has changed its name several times: Piazza Reale, Piazza d’Armi and Place Napoléon. 

Today it is known as the “living room of Turin.” In the evening, it impresses visitors with its harmony, the equestrian statue of Emanuele Filiberto, the arcaded palaces and the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo.

Palazzo Carignano

Built in the second half of the 17th century, requested by Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy-Carignano, Palazzo Carignano is a magnificent example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture and is part of the Savoy Residences, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was also the seat of the Subalpine Parliament and the first Parliament of the Italian Kingdom. Today it houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento and the Apartments of the Princes of Carignano.