Piazza San Carlo and Equestrian Statue of Emanuele Filiberto
Why is it significant?
Step into the breathtaking symmetry and refined elegance of Piazza San Carlo, universally celebrated as the salon of Turin for the aristocratic harmony of its seventeenth-century architecture.
Key Facts
| Place | Piazza San Carlo and Equestrian Statue of Emanuele Filiberto |
|---|---|
| Address | Piazza San Carlo 156, 10121 Turin, Italy |
| Geo Coordinates | 45.06750, 7.68300 |
| Part of Walk | Piazza San Carlo, Egyptian Museum and Palazzo Carignano: The Elegant Heart of Turin |
| Generated | Generated |
Step into the breathtaking symmetry and refined elegance of Piazza San Carlo, universally celebrated as the salon of Turin for the aristocratic harmony of its seventeenth-century architecture. Designed in 1638 by court architect Carlo di Castellamonte for Regent Christine of France, the square measures one hundred and sixty-eight metres by seventy-six and is enclosed by uniform palazzi with continuous Doric arcades. Towering at the exact center stands the famous Caval 'd Brôns, the extraordinary bronze equestrian statue of Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, cast in Paris in 1838 by sculptor Carlo Marochetti: the iron-headed duke is dramatically captured in the proud moment of sheathing his battle sword after the decisive victory of Saint-Quentin in 1557, cementing the independence of Piedmont. Beneath the surrounding porticoes sit legendary historic cafes like Caffe San Carlo and Caffe Torino, where crystal chandeliers illuminate centuries of political and literary conversation.
Look down near the entrance to Caffe Torino beneath the western arcades to spot the polished brass plaque set into the stone pavement depicting a golden rearing bull: local folklore promises extraordinary good fortune to anyone who spins on their heel atop the bull, a daily ritual performed by thousands of residents and university students.
Caffe San Carlo, founded in 1822, served as the secret gathering haunt for Carbonari revolutionaries and Risorgimento patriots: here statesman Camillo Benso di Cavour, Cesare Balbo, and Massimo d'Azeglio met to plan the unification of Italy far from the listening ears of Austrian spies.
Examine the bronze relief panels adorning the pedestal of the equestrian monument: they depict with vivid anatomical realism the Battle of Saint-Quentin and the signing of the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559.
Turn east along Via Maria Vittoria and enter Via Accademia delle Scienze to reach the world-renowned Egyptian Museum.