Turin Attractions

Venue: Parco del Valentino    When: Daily

Valentino is one of Turin's most charming parks, stretching over 40 hectares along the left bank of the River Po. It features endless green spaces, including Italy's second-largest botanical garden, a medieval village, the Società Promotrice di Belle Arti exhibiting building and an outstanding 18th-century castle.

The park was originally designed in the 17th century by Carlo Cognengo di Castellamonte but was revamped two centuries later by French landscapist Barrilet-Dechamps. There were further renovations in 1884, when Portuguese artist Alfredo d'Andrade thoroughly reorganised the park's landscape and supervised the construction of the medieval village for the the Italian General Exhibition.

Exhibitions have been held at the park ever since, along with various flower shows, including Flor'61, which inspired the creation of the Rock Garden.

The castle is undoubtedly the park's most famous feature. Particularly noteworthy are the Central Hall and the Hunting Room on the first floor, which have rich stuccoes and allegorical frescoes, while the pavement of the large courtyard is chiaroscuro stonework, displaying its original design motifs.