Corso Palestro: an amazing market in the heart of Turin

In the beating heart of Turin, between via Cernaia and the fashionable via Garibaldi, there is a market specializing in clothing and household goods. Known as “The market of Corso Palestro”, this is one of the main markets in the central area of the city.

How to reach it

You can easily reach it on foot if you are already in the city centre, or by taking the metro and stepping out at the stop “XVIII Dicembre”, or 18^th December for those who are not familiar with Roman numbers.

If you are in Piazza Castello, the castle square, take Via Garibaldi, the longest road of the city free of cars. Go on until you cross a street whose name on you right is Corso Valdocco and on your is Corso Palestro. On your right, you will see a historical huge kiosk which sells any sort of sweets and nougat and serves coffee.

If you continue until the end of Via Garibaldi, you can reach Piazza Statuto. In this large nineteenth-century square you will notice a monument celebrating the construction of the Frejus tunnel.

But we are going to the market, so, turn left!

Let’s see what can you find

The market is open every day, from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 3pm and Saturdays from 7am to 7pm.

The stalls are arranged in two parallel rows in the center of the street. Tall and lush plane trees protect the entire pedestrian area. At its centre the space for the buyers, sellers or simply visitors who are here for a nice walk.

There are very few food stands. You can find a couple selling vegetables and fruit, one selling fish and few for bread and cheese.

Generally you come here for clothes, accessories, perfumes (yes, also original branded ones at discounted prices) and make up.

The surroundings

Characterized by a uniform nineteenth-century architecture, the buildings framing this market do not have a continuous commercial strip on the ground floor. On the contrary, you will notice but sporadic shops, cafes and little restaurants.

On your left, you will also find Museo della Resistenza. This museum is dedicated to the Italian Resistance during World War 2.

The market is mainly attended by workers from the nearby offices. It is considered an excellent alternative to traditional shopping.

The street, as well as our little tour which heads towards via Cernaia, ends in front of Caserma Cernaia.

This military facility hosts the school to become a Carabiniere.

If you turn left in the direction of Piazza Castello, after Caserma Cernaia, you will find the Mastio della Cittadella. This last fragment of a star-shaped urban fortification commissioned by Emanuele Filiberto and demolished in 1856.

If you turn right, you will stumble upon the old station of Porta Susa.

Where to eat or drink

All sorts of cafes and restaurants pinpoint this district. But if you are looking for a place to apologize, the Sorry Bar is what comes to help you 😉