One of the most beautiful and oldest city parks in Italy can be found in Torino.
Stretching over 40 hectares along the left bank of the River Po, Parco del Valentino was created after 1850 as a romantic garden and was restructured in 1860-64 based on French architect Barillet Deschamps' design.
The vast area sloping down towards the river is filled with meadows, lanes and thickets comprised of conifers and deciduous trees, even rare specimens.
The rock garden and the rose garden created in 1965 are areas of botanical interest and the monumental (Fontana dei Dodici Mesi) Fountain of the Months is found in this part of the park (1898). As you stroll along the busy lanes, there is a magnificent view of the Po River and the hills in front of it.
Other points of interest include the medieval village, established in 1884 for the Italian General Fair, the Castello del Valentino, a House of Savoy residence, and the "Società Promotrice di Belle Arti" exhibition building.
In the Summer months there is an open-air cinema, rickshaw rides, cafes and bars situated on the river bank.
Parco del Valentino
Corso Massimo d'Azeglio
10123 Torino (TO)
Piemonte
Leave a comment