Piazza Solferino and Fontana Angelica

Why is it significant?

Pause in the broad, tree-lined rectangular square of Piazza Solferino, one of the most refined nineteenth-century urban plazas in central Turin.

Key Facts

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Pause in the broad, tree-lined rectangular square of Piazza Solferino, one of the most refined nineteenth-century urban plazas in central Turin. Named in 1859 to commemorate the decisive Risorgimento Battle of Solferino and San Martino that opened the door to Italian unification, the square is dominated by an equestrian monument to Duke Ferdinando of Savoy, sculpted by Alfonso Balzico in 1877, showing the prince heroically dying alongside his wounded horse. But the square's most famous and debated landmark is the monumental Fontana Angelica, completed in 1930 by sculptor Giovanni Riva following a generous bequest by government minister Pietro Bassignana. The fountain features four colossal bronze figures representing the four seasons, which local esoteric scholars interpret as a veiled masonic allegory of the threshold guardians and the twin pillars of Solomon's Temple. Sparkling water jets create a refreshing contrast against the stone palazzi. The perimeter of the square features handsome stone arcades and historic pastry shops serving hazelnut baci di dama and hot chocolate.

Examine the two colossal bearded male figures representing Autumn and Winter: they pour water steadily from massive tipped amphorae, symbolizing the transmission of secret esoteric knowledge and Hermetic wisdom, while the two graceful female statues of Spring and Summer hold flowers and a child caressing a swallow, symbols of spiritual rebirth.

According to the legends of magical Turin, the invisible rectangular doorway formed by the empty space between the two male statues represents the gate to infinite knowledge or the eternal East, a puzzle that has fascinated occultists for nearly a century.

Notice the historic headquarters of insurance firm Reale Mutua facing the square: it was Italy's very first mutual insurance society, established in 1828 by King Carlo Felice.

Walk north along Via San Dalmazzo to arrive before the theatrical facade of Palazzo Birago di Borgaro.