Why go
Use the Po and the eastern hills to orient a walk beyond the palace streets. The city also receives the Dora Riparia, Stura di Lanzo and Sangone; that river setting makes a riverside stop a different experience from the dense historic centre.
The full story
Turin lies in northwestern Italy with the Alps on its northern and western horizons. To the east, hills rise beyond the Po. Three other rivers—the Dora Riparia, Stura di Lanzo and Sangone—join the Po system around the city. This setting explains why an outing along the river or toward the hills feels distinct from a route through Piazza Castello and the Roman Quadrilateral. The climate is less Mediterranean than many visitors expect from Italy. Winters can be cold and relatively dry, while summer heat is more noticeable on the plain than in the hills. Spring and autumn bring much of the rain, and summer storms can be intense. A clear day gives the best chance of reading the Alpine backdrop; in changeable weather, Turin’s arcaded centre offers a useful alternative to a longer exposed riverside walk.
Useful to know
- Check the forecast before planning a long Po-side or hill outing.
- Keep an arcaded centre walk in reserve for rain or strong summer sun.