Category: TRAVEL GUIDE & ITINERARIES
🕔 5 min. reading
✍️ Turin Why Not!
title article:
Turin’s covered arcades: Discovering a Hidden Elegance
SUBTITLE:
Inspired by 19th-century Parisian arcades, Turin’s covered arcades (gallerie) are true urban salons built of glass, marble, and wrought iron. Featuring monumental architecture, historic cafés, boutique shops, and secret shortcuts in the city center, these three covered arcades showcase Turin’s regal and cosmopolitan soul. Here is your ultimate guide to exploring Galleria Subalpina, Galleria San Federico, and Galleria Umberto I.
quick table of contents
📍In this article:
- Galleria Subalpina: Art Nouveau Atmosphere & Literary Salons
- Galleria San Federico: The Hub of Cinema & Elegant Shopping
- 🍝 Recommended places to eat
- Galleria Umberto I: History, Markets & Local Wine Bars
- 🎟️ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
- 🏨 Where to Stay Near the covered arcades
- Practical Tips to Experience & Photograph the Arcades
before starting…
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UNDERGROUND TURIN
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. FIRST SECTION – Galleria Subalpina: Art Nouveau Atmosphere & Literary Salons
Nestled between Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Alberto, Galleria Subalpina (opened in 1874) is arguably Turin’s most enchanting passage. Designed by architect Pietro Carrera, this eclectic masterpiece stuns visitors with its high wrap-around balcony and glass-and-cast-iron ceiling allowing soft daylight to flood in.
Inside, time seems to stand still. It houses the historic Caffè Baratti & Milano, famous for its exquisite Gianduiotti chocolates, as well as antique bookstores, art galleries, and the vintage Cinema Romano.
. SECOND SECTION – Galleria San Federico: The Hub of Cinema & Elegant Shopping
Built during the 1930s in a sleek, imposing style connecting Via Roma, Via Giolitti, and Via Santa Teresa, Galleria San Federico represents Turin’s geometric modernization and elegance. Its T-shaped layout centers around a grand octagonal dome.
It is home to the historic Lux Cinema, one of Turin’s oldest and most iconic movie theaters, recently restored while retaining its period charm. The arcade also hosts high-end fashion boutiques, jewelers, and refined aperitivo bars.
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. THIRD SECTION – 🍝 Recommended places to eat
WHERE TO EAT (near arcades)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
Cianci Piola restaurant
An unconventional Piedmontese restaurant; don’t expect the usual dining experience here. However, the food offered is of excellent quality and fully respects traditional Piedmontese cuisine.
Arcadia Restaurant
A very refined and elegant place set in a historic location with a stunning dining room. It offers both a Mediterranean menu and a sushi menu, which you can mix and match however you prefer.
La Lampara Restaurant
This restaurant was born in honor of those fishermen, offering a Mediterranean cuisine alongside a pizza menu to appeal to a wider range of guests.
. FOURTH SECTION – Galleria Umberto I: History, Markets & Local Wine Bars
Located in the historic Quadrilatero Romano district, connecting to Piazza della Repubblica (home to the famous Porta Palazzo market), lies Galleria Umberto I. Built in the late 19th century on the site of the former Mauriziano Hospital, this passage retains a more authentic, local vibe compared to its grander counterparts.
Today, Galleria Umberto I houses the historic Mauriziana Pharmacy, local artisan shops, traditional wine bars, and restaurants serving authentic Piedmontese cuisine in a historic setting.
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. FIFTH SECTION – 🎟️ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
BEST GUIDED TOURS IN TURIN
(partner with somewhere TOURS & EVENTS)
UNDERGROUND TURIN – WALKING TOUR
MAGIC TURIN TOUR
. SIXTH SECTION – 🏨 Where to Stay Near the covered arcades
WHERE TO STAY (NEAR ARCADE)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
NH Torino Santo Stefano (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
large hotel that manages to combine attentive customer care, refined and elegant style and a high-quality, much-appreciated breakfast! It’s not always a given that big hotel chains prioritize guest attention; too often, the focus shifts solely to numbers. But here, hospitality comes first.
Alloggio fronte Egizio (Residence)
An outstanding location, just a few meters from Turin’s famous Egyptian Museum! Every detail of the apartment has been carefully designed, the furnishings are stylish, the atmosphere is elegant, and the warmth of the hosts completes the experience!
. SEVENTH SECTION – 🏨 Practical Tips to Experience & Photograph the Arcades
Best Times to Visit: Visit early in the morning to catch the best natural light coming through the glass domes and avoid peak crowds.
Best Photo Angles: Stand directly under the octagonal dome in Galleria San Federico or at the entrance stairs of Galleria Subalpina for perfectly symmetrical architectural photos.
Walking Itinerary: You can easily visit all three in a 45-minute stroll, connecting them smoothly via Via Roma and Via Milano.
Buy the Torino+Piemonte Card for free access to top attractions, and book your tickets for the Egyptian Museum and Mole Elevator well in advance!
