The Piazza San Carlo is the perfect place to wander aroundand take in the sights of a classic Italian city or enjoy a rich espresso inone of the welcoming cafés. It has been a meeting place for the Torinese eversince it was built in the mid-17th century. It is located just south of centralTurin. In the center of the piazza stands the striking monument of EmanueleFiliberto, a Duke of Savoy during the 16th century.

Head to the piazza in the morning and enjoy a coffee at thefamous Café San Carlo or Café Torino. During past centuries the aristocrats andpoliticians that led the region frequented the coffee shops; to this day, theshops maintain their regal grace.

If you have a sweet tooth, visit ConfetteriaStratta, the best place in the piazza for a dessert or sweet treat for more thana century and a half. You’ll also find plenty of shopping throughout thesquare, with boutique international labels occupying many of the shops.

At the southwest end of the piazza the two churches of SantaCristina and San Carlo guard the entrance. Known as the “twin churches,” thetwo have distinct facades displaying the different architectural styles oftheir eras. Both are open to visitors.

During the evening the piazza is spectacularly lit up andoften very busy. The palaces and buildings that line the outer edges of thesquare take on a majestic quality when lit from below. Pass through the squareon your way to one of the many restaurants nearby or stop in for a drink at oneof the bars.

The Piazza San Carlo is located along one of Turin’s mainthoroughfares, Via Roma. Cars are not permitted inside the piazza, so it’s safefor children. Nearby you’ll find attractions such as the Egyptian Museum,making the piazza a great place to stop in for a coffee and a photo on your wayto other destinations.