Parco del Valentino Language Download PDF Watch Edit Parco del Valentino (also known as Valentino Park) is a popular public park[1] in Turin, Italy. It is located along the west bank of the Po river. It covers an area of 500,000m², which makes it Turin's second largest park (Turin's largest park, the 840,000m² Pellerina Park, is Italy's most extended urban green area).[1]
The Parco del Valentino was opened by the city of Turin in 1856,[2] and was Italy’s first public garden.
Several now defunct paved street circuits held races in the park between 1935 and 1954. Some of the notable races on these were as follows:[3]
Buildings within the park include:[1]
The Botanical Gardens The Baroque Castle (Castello del Valentino) Medieval Castle and Village The Torino Esposizioni and Underground Pavilion Complex Società Promotrice delle Belle Arti Villa Glicini Enzo Ferrari's special bench.
It is the best known city park in the Piedmontese capital , second in surface only to the Pellerina Park , one of the historical and popular symbols of the city.
"... do you remember those evenings spent at Valentino, with the blond student, who held you close to your heart ..."
( Piemontesina bella , popular song from Turin ) The origin of the name is uncertain, but it dates back to the first Roman settlements ; from documents of the thirteenth century [2] , it seems there was an ancient chapel titled to San Valentino ( 176 - 273 ), preserving a part of the relics of the patron saint of lovers brought directly from Terni . It is not clear whether the chapel then fell into disrepair or was destroyed, but the relics were taken to the nearby church of San Vito , on the hill, across the river [3] . The Valentino area, on the other hand, was first inhabited by the Birago nobles, who built a villa there; then, Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia bought the whole area in the mid- sixteenth century . In 1630 - 1660 the castle of the same name was erected , an imposing building by Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte , used as a summer residence of the Savoy . The area passed from a simple river park of the Po to an organized structure with refined gardens. But it was not until the 19th century that the actual alteration works began in the current picturesque city park, according to the romantic project of the French landscape architect Barrillet-Dechamps .
On the occasion of the Italian General Exhibition of 1884 , the characteristic medieval village was built on the southernmost part of the park, based on a project coordinated by Alfredo d'Andrade , a lover of medieval architecture. The Borgo had to re-propose the architectural styles inspired by the Piedmontese and Aosta Valley castles of the Middle Ages , complete with a visitable fortress . While the medieval village is now used for periodic exhibitions and artistic-cultural events, numerous floral exhibitions have been held in the Park over the years (such as FLOR 61, set up on the occasion of the centenary of the Unification of Italy ), of which large flower beds, the Rocky Garden and the Mountain Garden, with waterfalls, fountains and small streams remain in memory. Besides the medieval village, the Parco del Valentino in Turin hosts other artistic works:
Fountain of the Twelve Months (or Ceppi ), an imposing monument by Carlo Ceppi consisting of a large Rococo basin surrounded by twelve statues representing the twelve months of the year, built in 1898 for the Expo relative to the 50th anniversary of the Albertine Statute Monument to the Artilleryman (also known as "Arco del Valentino" or "small Arch of Triumph"), triumphal arch located at the north entrance, at the beginning of Corso V. Emanuele II / Ponte Umberto I , erected in 1930 and dedicated to 'Artillery weapon, designed by Pietro Canonica [4] Equestrian Statue placed on the next floral trail entrance square to Torino Esposizioni , dedicated to Amedeo I (1845-1890), first Duke of Savoy-Aosta , monument work of 1902 by David Calandra Statue of Massimo d'Azeglio , work of 1873 by Alfonso Balzico placed on the homonymous...
Read moreParco del Valentino is not just a park; it’s a symphony of nature and history, a green heart beating in the soul of Turin. From the moment I stepped into its verdant embrace, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and wonder.
The river Po flows gently alongside, its waters reflecting the ever-changing sky, creating a serene backdrop that seems to slow down time. As I wandered through the lush gardens, each pathway led me to new discoveries: ornate fountains, statues whispering tales of bygone eras, and charming bridges that seemed to transport me to a world of fairy tales.
The park’s crown jewel, the Borgo Medievale, is a magical journey back to the Middle Ages. Walking through its cobblestone streets, I felt as though I had stepped into a living, breathing piece of history. The castle's towers, the quaint shops, and the artisanal workshops brought the past to life in the most enchanting way.
Every corner of Parco del Valentino is infused with a sense of romance and timeless beauty. Lovers strolling hand in hand, families picnicking under the shade of ancient trees, and artists capturing the landscape's splendor in their sketchbooks – all add to the park's vibrant, yet peaceful atmosphere.
In the heart of Turin, Parco del Valentino is a sanctuary where nature and history dance together in perfect harmony. It’s a place to lose yourself and find a deeper connection to the beauty that surrounds us. Every visit feels like a gentle, loving embrace, leaving you with memories that linger long after you’ve stepped back into the bustling...
Read moreThe Park of Turin. In its vertical extension from Corso Vittorio Emanuele southwards to Lingotto, it remember to the visitors the well-known Central Park. It often hosts stands and booths of international fairs and exhibits (b2c). Foreigners visiting Turin must have a relaxing walk in the big park to admire the longest Italian river and the other mighty side with the hill of Turin. The Valentino castle represent one of the two most beautiful historical buildings of the park, with the huge castle that is today the headquarter of the faculty of architecture (a branch of the Polytechnic of Turin). The latter looks like a small Versailles in the hearth of Turin. You can walk in the world, from New York to Paris in just some chilometers of the Valentino Park. Does it sound...
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