Liberty Tour in Turin between elegance and history

What is Liberty style in Turin and why visit Cit Turin and San Donato?

Liberty style, also known as Art Nouveau, is an artistic movement that influenced Italian architecture at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Turin is one of the Italian capitals of this elegant and decorative style. The neighborhoods of Cit Turin and San Donato contain the best examples of this architecture, with buildings adorned with floral motifs, arabesques, and refined details.

Where does the Liberty tour in Turin begin?

The tour begins at the D’Acaja metro stop, on Corso Francia. Following Corso Francia, you will encounter three emblematic buildings: Casa La Fleur, Villino Raby, and Casa dei Draghi. These represent the heart of the walk, a testament to the skill of architect Pietro Fenoglio, one of the leading figures of Liberty style in Turin.

Who was Pietro Fenoglio and why is he important in the Liberty tour in Turin?

Pietro Fenoglio was an engineer and architect, the main exponent of Liberty art in Italy. He designed over 300 works, many of which are located in Turin, in the neighborhoods of Cit Turin and San Donato. His ability to combine art and functionality has left an indelible mark on the city.

What are the most beautiful Liberty buildings designed by Pietro Fenoglio in Turin?

The masterpieces not to be missed are: Casa La Fleur, located at the corner of Corso Francia and Via Principi d’Acaja, famous for its bow window and details like the glass awning inspired by the Paris metro. Villino Raby, also on Corso Francia 8, which today houses the Order of Doctors and Dentists. Casa Macciotta, at the corner of Corso Francia and Via Bagetti, with its elegant wrought iron balcony.

What features make Casa La Fleur unique?

Casa La Fleur is a meticulously cared-for building in every detail: from the windows to the cast iron radiators. Fenoglio designed this place thinking of a home for himself and his family, although he never lived there. It is a perfect example of the poetry and refinement of Liberty style in Turin.

What can you see in the Palazzo della Vittoria, also known as Casa dei Draghi?

Located at the corner of Corso Francia and Via Palmieri, Casa dei Draghi stands out for its magnificent decorated entrance hall and the large dragon sculptures that adorn the facade. Designed by Gottardo Gussoni, a collaborator of Fenoglio, it has been the set of famous films such as Il Divo by Paolo Sorrentino.

How does the Liberty tour continue after Corso Francia?

After exploring Corso Francia, you can choose to delve into the San Donato neighborhood, full of eclectic, neo-Gothic, and Liberty-style villas and buildings, or head towards Piazza Benefica in Cit Turin, famous for its trendy clothing market and fashionable shops.

What does the San Donato neighborhood offer in terms of Liberty architecture?

San Donato presents a mix of styles, including Liberty, neo-Gothic, and neo-Renaissance houses. Here you can admire Casa Riva, an example of rationalist architecture with unusual details. Moving between Via Palmieri and Piazza Peyron, you will discover elegant and less touristy corners, perfect for a quiet stroll.

Why is Piazza Peyron a must-see stop?

Piazza Peyron is a small square that maintains an intimate and elegant atmosphere. In its gardens, there is also the “Cabina dell’Arte Diffusa,” a former telephone booth transformed into an exhibition space and cultural exchange point, a sign of how lively and creative the neighborhood is.

What other Liberty buildings are found on Via Cibrario?

Via Cibrario is known as “the street of gentlemen” due to its elegant Liberty-style buildings, where some of the Masters of Taste of Turin, gastronomic excellences of the city, live. Here you will find Casa Girardi and other prestigious constructions that well represent the Liberty style.

What is Piazza dei Mestieri and why is it relevant to the tour?

Piazza dei Mestieri is an example of urban redevelopment of a former industrial complex dedicated to tanneries. Today it houses artisan workshops, a restaurant, a brewery, and training spaces. It is a place that combines artisanal tradition and cultural innovation, perfect to include in the itinerary.

What can you visit in the park of the Palazzo di Giustizia and how is it dedicated to Lidia Poët?

In the park of the Palazzo di Giustizia, there is an area dedicated to Lidia Poët, the first Italian woman registered with the Bar Association. This dedication is reflected in the homonymous TV series that tells her life and the historical context of Turin. The park offers a moment of relaxation in a historical and symbolic context.

What are the gastronomic proposals in the areas of Cit Turin and San Donato?

In the neighborhoods, there are numerous bistros, cafes, and typical restaurants, such as the Papille bistro in a courtyard on Via Principi d’Acaja, or the crepes at Bariolè. For an aperitif or a beer, the most appreciated places are the Berlin courtyard of Piazza dei Mestieri or the kiosk in the park under the San Paolo skyscraper.

How to reach the Liberty neighborhoods of Turin?

Cit Turin and San Donato are easily reachable by metro, bus, or bicycle from the city center. The D’Acaja metro stop is the most convenient to start the tour, which is flat and suitable even for those who prefer quiet walks.