Via Po

The Basics

Built during a 17th-century urban renewal project, Via Po has been one of the city’s main commercial and transportation arteries for more than 300 years. Its porticoes connect to those in Piazza Castello and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, forming a covered pedestrian route that crosses the entire historic center and ends at the Po River. In addition to shops and boutiques, Via Po is home to the headquarters of the University of Turin and Caffé Fiorio, one of the city’s famous literary cafés.

Via Po is one of the most popular shopping streets in Turin, crowded with locals browsing the elegant boutiques late into the evening. Most private or small-group Turin walking tours or hop-on hop-off bus tours take in all or part of Via Po; it’s one of the top sights in the city along with the Duomo, Royal Palace, and Mole Antonelliana.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Via Po is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of walking.

• The street is an excellent spot for a snack or coffee break at one of the sidewalk cafés tucked under the porticoes.

• Most shops on Via Po are open until late into the evening, and accept credit cards or euros.

• The porticoed walkways are accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

Via Po is the main thoroughfare through the center of Turin, a short walk from the Porta Nuova train station and adjoining Piazza Castello and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It is also a major transportation hub, with a number of city tram and bus lines running its length.

When to Get There

The shops along Via Po are known for their holiday decorations, and the street is often closed to traffic during holidays and weekends, when pedestrians take over the porticoes and street.

The Piazzas of Via Po

Via Po was built to connect two of Turin’s most important squares: Piazza Castello, home to the Savoy Royal Palaces; and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, which is one of the largest squares in Europe and is bordered on one side by the Po River. Both of these sweeping public spaces and the elegant road that runs between them are must-sees in Turin.