Porta Palazzo — Attraction in Turin

Piazza della Repubblika, known to Torinesi as Porta Palazzo is Torino’s largest square. Split neatly into two by the traffic-jammed thoroughfare of Corso Regina Margherita, it is for the most part a vast pedestrianized zone and so ideal for an evening passeggiata. Vast it is, intriguing it is also, but were it not for its daily morning market, it would be just an ordinary square where couples meet after a day at work in the city centre. Piazza della Repubblika is synonymous with the fine Italian habit of taking pleasure from strolling around market stalls and looking for preferred goodies one does not find elsewhere. Porta Palazzo’s combination of outdoor stalls and closed market halls is Europe’s largest and so an orientation visit is highly recommended. Otherwise, you can ask at the tourist office on Piazza Castello for a plan of the marketplace. In short, the 60 or more stalls on the southeast corner of the square (you find yourself right here if you enter from the Porte Palatine side) sell fruit and vegetables, mostly local produce from the Piemontese region. As one gets closer to the Corso, one finds raw or ground spices, meat and a rich variety of cheeses, the majority of which are homemade in the villages around the Aosta valley. On the southwest side of the square, a covered hall (a cold store in actual fact) sells all the varieties of fish in season, shark meat included. Several more stalls surround the fish market. These deal in clothing, indeed a really wide range of anything one may ever need. Most exhibits are made-in-China products, others carry the Lacoste or Adidas label. I am not competent to comment on the quality but buying branded goods at rock-bottom prices (12 Euro for a pair of Adidas trainers) makes one feel leery of the standard and truthfulness of the product. Make your way across the traffic jam on Corso Regina Margherita and you’ll reach the north side of the square. On your right are two covered halls, one of them is just a huge flower market. Oh, what a colourful market! Trimmed to perfection and ready to be presented to your lover tonight, each of the exhibited bouquets is a showpiece of hue, freshness and beauty. The other hall is dedicated to local delicacies: dried fruit, chocolate pralines, nuts and a vast selection of wines (both cheap table wines and rare varieties costing 80 Euro a bottle). Once out of the covered halls, one finds a hundred or more stalls that deal in household goods and electronics. The latest version of the Samsung mobile rubs shoulders with a collection of old Nokias, digital radios and touch-screen laptops rub shoulders with 40-year-old gramophones, the latest Fuji XT camera sits near a museum-piece Nikon box. All is for sale, it is just a matter of finding what you’re looking for. Every Saturday, the usual daily food market goes on holiday but the square is never left in utter desolation. Instead, a huge flea market takes over the Porta Palazzo square and the streets around it. Known as the Gran Balon, it is mostly a vintage market crammed with vast collections of cards, coins, stamps, old photos and much more. Try your luck to unlock one of the treasures hidden amidst the...

Porta Palazzo is a vibrant and expansive market that truly captures the essence of Turin's multicultural spirit. As Europe's largest open-air market, it offers an impressive array of goods—from fresh produce and meats to clothing and household items—making it a one-stop destination for both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is lively, with vendors enthusiastically engaging customers, creating an authentic and energetic shopping experience.

One of the standout features is the market's diversity. Strolling through the stalls, you're treated to a mosaic of cultures, with products and foods representing various international traditions. This multicultural blend not only enriches the shopping experience but also reflects Turin's inclusive community.

However, the market's bustling nature can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours. Navigating through the crowded aisles requires patience, and it's advisable to be mindful of personal belongings. Additionally, while the variety is vast, the quality of goods can vary, so discerning shoppers should take their time to select the best offerings.

In summary, Porta Palazzo is a must-visit for those seeking an immersive and culturally rich market experience in Turin. Its vast selection and vibrant atmosphere make it a unique destination, though visitors should be prepared for its...

Watch yourselves in this spot, having passed through several times to change trains or see the market, I am not completely new here, but this area is deceiving. At first, it seems manageable if you keep your guard up since it's busy and full of shoppers, too. Still, even though I was cautious, I was suddenly attacked unprovoked by a frequent loiterer there in broad daylight. When a bystander intervened so I could escape, he said robberies are common, and the same crazed woman attacked his wife. I recounted the story to the hospital workers, doctors I had to visit after, and a taxi driver. All agreed Porta Palazzo can be dangerous. They even told me not to bother with cops because it's too common. Locals in the square knew of the woman who attacked me; she was always around. You've been warned. My advice: visit at your own risk, keep nothing important in your wallet, and carry pepper spray you are prepared to use....