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The Giardino dei Ripari was built in the 1830s on the remains of the defensive bastions towards the Po River (hence the name Ripari), demolished by the French.
At that time, the entire Borgo Nuovo area was designated for noble residences. The Garden of the Ripari was intended to beautify the area frequented by the new bourgeoisie.
Equipped with wide avenues and hills, it extended from Piazza Bodoni to Piazza Maria Teresa. It also included the current Giardini Cavour and Aiuola Balbo. These are the three parts of the ancient gardens that have come down to us.
Designed by Giovanni Barone, the gardens were a real attraction in the city at the time.
In the center, there was a fountain, but the main attraction was the café La Rotonda, designed by Barnaba Panizza. With a circular plan, two stories high, and a terrace from which a small orchestra entertained passersby with music and concerts.
In a short time, the Garden of the Ripari became one of the favorite destinations of the Turinese. Subsequently, the need to create spaces for construction and the opening of the Parco del Valentino in 1858 led to the decline of the garden.
Giardino dei Riapri – Piazza Cavour
Not far from Piazzale Valdo Fusi, it is perhaps the most characteristic area of the ancient Garden of the Ripari.
The garden is built with hills and depressions due to the presence of the defensive bastions demolished by Napoleon in 1817. Here was the famous café La Rotonda by Barnaba Panizza, closed and then demolished in the second half of the 19th century.
The square is dedicated to Cavour since 1861, the year of his death.
Later, it was rearranged in its current version in 1872 by the architect Ernesto Balbo Bertone di Sambuy.
The Giardino Cavour houses two majestic monumental trees: a plane tree over 33 meters high and a ginkgo biloba about 27 meters high.
Among the many monuments in the garden, we remember those dedicated to Carlo Felice Nicolis Conte di Robilant, a politician, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, and a work in memory of Pinin Pacot, a Piedmontese poet.
Giardino dei Ripari – Aiuola Balbo
The Aiuola Balbo, rearranged in 1874 by Edoardo Pecco, is not far from the Giardini Cavour.
It consists of a large central basin with a fountain surrounded by several monuments of illustrious figures.
The main one is obviously dedicated to Cesare Balbo, who gives the garden its name.
Piazzetta Maria Teresa
Also in the same area is the charming Piazzetta Maria Teresa.
The Parisian atmosphere that was felt in the 19th century can still be savored today in Piazzetta Maria Teresa.
A quiet green space to rest and stroll among the residences of the wealthy bourgeoisie.
The square is overlooked by renowned buildings, including Palazzo Ponzio Vaglia, one of the first constructions by the young Antonelli.