What to do in San Salvario: the ultimate guide to the neighborhood

Condominio 25 Verde near Duparc Contemporary Suites

 

Laying on the left bank of the Po river, the district of San Salvario has gone from being a dangerous, unsafe neighbourhood, to becoming one of the trendiest areas in the city and the beating heart of the nightlife in Turin, over the course of only twenty years. While other areas might try to steal its thunder, San Salvario is the perfect spot to have a drink with friends or eat at some of Turin's coolest clubs. But young people looking for the best drinks and chats until the crack of dawn are not the only ones populating the neighborhood: San Salvario is also a multi-ethnic, multicultural and historical district, rich in green areas, churches and synagogues, fascinating portals, famous universities. Let's find out more.

Squeezed between the Po river and the railway line and stretching out from Corso Bramante to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the San Salvario neighbourhood is littered with treasures all to be discovered, both if you are a tourist passing through and if you were born and raised in Turin.

 

San Salvario: a bit of history

 

The history of the neighbourhood presumably dates back to the second half of the nineteenth century: a new regulatory plan filled the area of San Salvario, until that moment rather secluded and scarcely populated given its position outside the city walls, with churches, shops and new residents. With the construction of the Torino Porta Nuova station in 1860, the lower and middle class moved to the area, along with working-class people.

 

What to see in San Salvario

 

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is the one thing you can't really miss in the area, inside the Parco del Valentino and very close to the Castle of the same name. It was created in 1729 to be the Royal Botanical Garden, as per Vittorio Amedeo II's wish, and for educational, scientific research and study purposes as well. Here you will find two small greenhouses, a grove, an alpine forest and a garden. The Botanical Garden was completely renovated and reopened to the public in 1995, and although today it is part of the Department of Biology, anyone interested can visit and enjoy it.

Where: Viale Mattioli, 25

 

What to do in San Salvario: the ultimate guide to the neighborhood

What to do in San Salvario: a visit to the Botanical Garden of Turin

 

Parco del Valentino and Valentino Castle

Covering over 550,000 square meters, Parco del Valentino is the green spot of Turin, and one of the most popular parks: it is crowded daily with people running, walking, and riding their bicycles or rickshaws. Weekends at the Valentino are perfect for picnics and simply spending a few hours outdoor. Don't miss the Medieval Village, the Rock Garden and the Twelve Months Fountain.
Today, the Valentino castle is the home to the Faculty of Architecture, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the past, the splendid 16th-century river villa hosted, among others, Emanuele Filiberto and Christine of France.

Where: Corso Massimo d’Azeglio

 

Market of Piazza Madama Cristina

With all the colours and noise that are typical of all the other markets in Turin, several fascinating shops and stalls are waiting for you in the Market of Piazza Madama Cristina. When arriving from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the market will welcome you to the neighbourhood; thanks to its indoor structure, it is the ideal destination to find shelter during the constant autumn rain, or during sudden summer showers.
Once a month, the square also hosts the San Salvario Emporium, where a hundred artists and craftsmen from all over Italy gather to promote and sell their unique products.

Where: Piazza Madama Cristina

 

Synagogue

The most particular building, which undoubtedly stands out in the heart of San Salvario, is the Synagogue with its neo-Moorish style and its towers, domes and exposed stones. Built in 1884, the Synagogue managed to survive the bombings of the Second World War in 1942, which caused only some minor damages to internal elements. It was later restored. Today, the Synagogue can be visited upon reservation.

Where: Piazzetta Primo Levi, 12

 

Cesare Lombroso Museum

Founded in 1876 in Turin by Cesare Lombroso himself, the controversial doctor and anthropologist, you will be able to see documents, drawings, photographs and bodies of crime, made by interns in asylums and prisons, inside the Museum bearing his own name. This museum is the perfect destination for anyone who is fascinated by the world of criminal psychology and deviance.

Useful tip: using the exact same ticket, you will be able to visit also the Fruit Museum and the Museum of Human Anatomy in the same location. You can't miss them!

Where: Via Pietro Giuria, 15

 

25 Verde

25 Verde looks exactly like a proper forest you could live in. And, as a matter of fact, it is a house, but it looks like a forest. The house can be visited during special openings. 25 Verde is supported by a steel and green structure: the many plants and trees present are the representation of nature in its blooming and luxuriant state.

Where: Via Chiabrera, 25

 

What to do in San Salvario: the ultimate guide to the neighborhood

What to see in San Salvario: 25 Verde

 

Portone del Melograno (Pomegranate Portal)

The Pomegranate Portal, a true San Severo gem, is an iconic example of the ever-present Liberty style that decorates and embellishes many of the portals and buildings in Turin. Thanks to its refined look and its spectacular feel, it is arguably one of the most fascinating portals in the city: the structure is completely built in wrought iron, to represent two pomegranate trees intertwined. It was created in 1907 by the architect Pietro Fenoglio.

Where: Via Giovanni Argentero, 4

What to do in San Salvario: the ultimate guide to the neighborhood

What to see in San Salvario: admire the Pomegranate Gate iconic example of the Liberty style

 

San Salvario district: where to go to experience the nightlife

Via Sant'Anselmo, Via Belfiore, Largo Saluzzo and Via Giuseppe Baretti are the places to be if you want to experience the nightlife offered by San Salvario. These streets are lined with clubs where you can have a drink after dinner, enjoy happy hour or try foreign cuisines, and you will find they are busy any day of the week, until the crack of dawn. The area is definitely messy during the weekend, but rest assured, here is where you will find the real nightlife any day of the week.

 

Five tasty spots in San Salvario

 

Mara dei Boschi, for the best ice-cream

Almost every single Turin resident has gone through the ice-cream flavours listed on the blackboard-like wall in Mara dei Boschi at least once in their life. Be bold with the pairings, you won’t regret it. But don't forget to try marotto, a cold gianduiotto without any milk; only hazelnut and chocolate: too good to be true!

Where: Via Claudio Luigi Berthollet, 30

 

What to do in San Salvario: the ultimate guide to the neighborhood

What to do in San Salvario: enjoy the best ice-cream in the neighborhood from Mara dei Boschi

 

La Società dei Carbonari, for a typical dinner

In one of the arteries of San Salvario, Via Silvio Pellico, you can stop for a typical dinner at the La Società dei Carbonari. Among the Piedmontese proposals on the menu stand the Fassona meat tartare and the Piedmontese cheese board but there are also bolder dishes, with combinations to try. For dessert you can also find in the menu the Gelateria Mara dei Boschi, with its ice cream cup and the famous Marotto taste.

In summer the outdoor tables and the night that falls slowly have the taste of holidays, but do not worry that even in winter eating inside the restaurant is romantic and pleasant.

They are also open every night and on Sundays for lunch. You have no more excuses.

Where : Via Silvio Pellico, 7 bis/e

 

Officine Ferroviarie Brewery, for a burger to remember

If you’re craving for burger and chips late at night, this is where you have to go. Open until late every day of the week, Officine Ferroviarie is a go-to place, yet a bit underground. The underground is often used for concerts, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the railway is also open during the winter. Craft beers and American pub food, with several references to the railway world.

Where: Corso Germano Sommeiller, 12

 

Orso Laboratorio, the coffee you don't know yet

Right in front of the colourful market of Piazza Madama Cristina and yet slightly hidden from view, at Orso Laboratorio you will learn about coffee and its history. Because in this place, coffee is a proper art.

Where: Via Claudio Luigi Berthollet, 30h

 

Consulate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

The building which houses the Consulate of Vietnam is a real gem in the heart of San Salvario, with its enchanting library and a lovely garden hidden by vegetation. During summer evenings, lights and cocktails fill the building.

Fun fact: here you can also apply for a visa for Vietnam, for tourist reasons.

Where: Via Federico Campana, 24

 

What to do in San Salvario: the ultimate guide to the neighborhood

What to do in San Salvario: discover the Consulate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

 

Bicierin Ciclofficina con Cucina

Bicierin is the perfect place for all those bike riders who would never get off their two-wheelers to meet other bike-enthusiasts who share their passion. A cycle-workshop for broken bicycles and a coffee bar at the same time, here you can enjoy happy hour in the evenings, or brunch on Sundays. The world of bicycles is everywhere inside the diner, from the furniture to the decoration.

Fun fact: many of the products are locally made, and on Thursdays Bicierin turns into a venue for live music.

Where: Via Principe Tommaso, 26/G

 

Where to enjoy the view of San Salvario

And last, if you want to see San Salvario from an unusual perspective while having a meal only a few steps from the Synagogue, head to Eria. Dive into its delicious tapas and original dishes, sitting on the beautiful terrace hidden between the roofs of the neighbouring houses. Booking is highly suggested, even during the week, if you want to grab the most scenic tables with the best view.

Where: Via S. Pio V, 11

 

Where to sleep in San Salvario

A few steps from the wonderful Valentino Park, near the Medieval Village and the Castle, but in the heart of one of the nightlife districts, in the district of San Salvario, sleeping at the DUPARC Contemporary Suites can be the winning choice, whether you’re a couple or family. The spacious rooms, the silent Suites, the rich continental breakfast and the possibility of a hot SPA in which to relax after a whole day spent walking through the city, are the flagship.
You can explore the neighborhood on foot or by bike rental provided by the hotel.

DISCOVER OUR SUITES →

 

 

   WRITTEN BY: Elisa Midelio, Viaggiare con Serendipità