Things to Do at Parco del Valentino

Complete Guide to Parco del Valentino in Turin

About Parco del Valentino

Parco del Valentino stretches for 500,000 square meters along the Po River, created in 1856 as Turin's largest public park with medieval villages, botanical gardens, and the fairy-tale Borgo Medievale. Entry to the park is free, but the Medieval Fortress tour costs €6 ($6.54) - arrive early morning for peaceful walks before joggers and families fill the pathways. The park's centerpiece is the reconstructed 15th-century village built for the 1884 Italian General Exhibition, complete with authentic period buildings moved stone by stone from Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. Walking the tree-lined paths, you'll hear the gentle rustle of leaves overhead mixed with the distant sound of the Po River flowing nearby and children's laughter from playgrounds scattered throughout. The air carries the fresh scent of grass and river water, particularly pleasant during spring when magnolia and cherry trees bloom in clouds of pink and white. The Medieval Village feels genuinely transported from another era - cobblestone streets echo with your footsteps while artisan workshops demonstrate traditional crafts in an atmosphere that makes you forget you're in a modern city.

What to See & Do

Castello del Valentino

This 17th-century baroque castle is genuinely impressive, especially when you catch it from the river side. It houses part of the Architecture Faculty now, which actually adds to its charm rather than detracting from it.

Borgo Medievale

A meticulously recreated medieval village from the 1880s that's either delightfully whimsical or slightly kitschy, depending on your mood. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and it's worth exploring even if reconstructions aren't usually your thing.

Fontana dei Dodici Mesi

This fountain representing the twelve months is one of those details you might walk past initially, but it's worth stopping to appreciate the intricate sculptures and the way locals use it as a natural meeting point.

Po River Promenade

The riverside walkway offers some of the best views in the park, particularly toward the hills. It's where you'll find the most joggers early morning and the most romantic couples at sunset.

Giardino Roccioso

The rock garden is surprisingly peaceful and tends to be less crowded than other areas. It's the kind of spot where you might find yourself sitting longer than you planned, just watching the light change through the trees.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours daily, though it's obviously most enjoyable and safest during daylight hours. The medieval village has more restricted hours, typically 9am-7pm in summer and 9am-5pm in winter

Tickets & Pricing

Completely free to enter and explore. The Borgo Medievale castle interior charges a small fee (around €5) if you want to see the furnished rooms, but the village itself is free to wander

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall is ideal, though the park has its charm in winter too. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you prefer a more contemplative experience

Suggested Duration

You could easily spend 2-3 hours here if you're taking your time, or just 45 minutes if you're doing a quick walk-through. It's the kind of place that rewards lingering

Getting There

The park sits just 15 minutes from central Turin on foot. You can walk from the city center in about 15-20 minutes, and the stroll itself beats taking transport. Metro line 1 stops at Niza. That puts you at the northern edge. Various buses stop along Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, or you can drive-parking exists but fills up on sunny weekends. The best approach is walking from Piazza Castello down Via Po. You'll see how the city flows toward the river. Worth the extra steps.

Things to Do Nearby

Mole Antonelliana
Turin's iconic tower and cinema museum is about a 10-minute walk away. The views from the top are worth the elevator ride, and you'll get a great aerial perspective of the park you just visited.

Via Po and University Quarter
This historic street connects the park to the city center and has that wonderful university town energy, with bookshops, cafes, and students everywhere.

Murazzi del Po
The stone embankments along the river come alive at night with bars and restaurants. It's where many locals head after a day in the park.

Gran Madre di Dio Church
Just across the river, this neoclassical church offers great views back toward the park and the city. The short walk across Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I is lovely.

Tips & Advice

Bring a book or just plan to sit somewhere - this isn't really a park you want to rush through

The riverside path can get crowded with cyclists, so keep an ear out if you're walking with kids

There are several good gelato spots just outside the park entrances, which locals definitely take advantage of

If you're here in summer, the trees provide excellent shade, but the open areas near the castle can get quite sunny