Turin was once Italy’s capital and it still shows in her regal charm, with her many interesting spots, from Piazza Castello to the Mole Antonelliana, in which resides the Museo del Cinema. One lesser-known quarter, but still very fascinating and worth a visit, is Aurora; a raw, rough and wholly local area. Take a look at what to see and do within this curious neigborhood’s borders…
Hop off cable car number four at Piazza della Repubblica, best known as Porta Palazzo, to visit one of Turin‘s most beautiful squares, along with Piazza San Carlo, just steps away from the City Hall. As the name suggests, this was once a very rich neighborhood. Now the plaza hosts a huge and folsky permanent market, where travelers can find pretty much anything at very reasonable prices!
Balon (pronounced buh-loon) is the biggest flea market in Europe. It takes place each Saturday morning and every second Sunday in Borgo Dora, one of the most characteristic boroughs of the area. Here, many antiquity shops put their merchandise on display, making strolling through the market a truly wonderful and often bizarre experience. Expect everything from antique night stands to piles of old TV remotes, from old comic books to used eyeglasses!
Take a break at the cozy Gelateria Popolare in the heart of Borgo Dora. Customers are welcomed in a colorful environment by friendly gelatai and can choose from a fair variety of flavors, among which, of course, is gianduja, a traditional type of chocolate made with local hazelnuts from Piedmont. Requesting their delicious whipped cream on top of the ice-cream is highly recommended!
As an award for the Best Borough in Europe, an anchored balloon was set in Piazza Borgo Dora in 2012. It flies up 150 meters above ground, from which tourists can admire the breathtaking landscape of Turin. If in groups larger than 10, it is best to make a reservation, otherwise information about opening hours can be found on the Turin Eye website.
Turin Eye, via Borgo Dora 1, Torino,Italy
A former arsenal, Caserma Cavalli was restored in 2013 and redecorated by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, now hosting Scuola Holden of Storytelling and Performing Arts. The place is constantly crawling with young creative minds at work, immersed in a colorful environment. It’s not unusual to hear students play the piano or discuss art here. Visitors can take a tour by appointment around the halls and the classrooms, the court and the General Store theatre on-site. On its front porch Scuola Holden established Fronte del Borgo, a space open to the public where free events are hosted and where visitors can rent books or play table soccer.
Scuola Holden, Piazza Borgo Dora 49,Torino, Italy
By Carlotta Bosi
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