Turin Attractions

Venue: The Castello and Borgo Medievale    When: Daily

The Castello and Borgo Medievale, a mock medieval castle and village, were built in 1884 as part of the first Italian General Exhibition. They rest among the greenery of the famous Valentino Park, mirrored in the River Po.

Created by a group of artists and intellectuals - coordinated by Alfredo D'Andrade in 1884 - the Medieval Village of Turin is a notable example of the 19th century reconstruction of late Medieval buildings and decorations. Over 40 places provided the inspirational models for houses, workshops, porticoes, fountains, fortifications, the castle and frescoes: a true round-up of 15th-century art and architectural masterpieces of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, some of which no longer exist.

In the village there are reconstructions of streets, houses, a church, squares, fountains, fortifications, decorations, frescoes and workshops. In the Fortress, the rooms and halls of a 15th-century lordly dwelling are reproduced and the tour is guided by an innovative multimedia system which accompanies visitors with lighting effects, smells, music, noises and words, plunging them into the atmosphere of a 15th-century castle. The tour is enriched by the "garden of delights" - vegetable gardens, plants, flowers and late Medieval style scenery.

A favourite with the kids, the medieval village gives a real feel of what life would have been during the Middle Ages.