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The street was already present during Roman times. It served as a connection between the Porta Decumana, now included in Palazzo Madama, and the Porta Pretoria at Via della Consolata. Despite remaining an important commercial route, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi was never renovated and gradually fell into disrepair.
Via Dora Grossa
In 1573, Emanuele Filiberto promoted a project to channel water from the nearby Dora. The purpose was twofold: to clean the alleys and promptly respond to fires. The street was then equipped with an open water channel in the center, taking the name Via Dora Grossa.
Starting from the victory of the siege of Turin in 1706, Turin grew in population, expanded, and underwent renewal. The master of urban renewal was undoubtedly Filippo Juvarra, who redesigned many of the central streets of the city, including Via Giuseppe Garibaldi (formerly known as Via Dora Grossa).
Under the impetus of Vittorio Amedeo II, the renewal project affected the entire district: Via Porta Palazzo (now Via Milano), Via del Senato (now Via Corte d’Appello), and Via Dora Grossa (now Via Garibaldi). Subsequent operations will also take place in Piazza Palazzo di Città.
Renewal of the Street
However, the works on Via Dora Grossa struggle to take off. The street is one of the main commercial arteries of the city, and although there are several incentives from the King and the city, the owners do not want to close their shops for building renovations. To expedite the process, King Carlo Emanuele III decrees that anyone who wants to participate in the renewal project can compel disinterested neighbors to sell them adjacent buildings.
Despite the slow progress of the works, it still became the main street of the city, housing institutional buildings and noble palaces. Given its importance and constant use by the Turin aristocracy in 1730, it was equipped with sidewalks (probably the first in Europe) and completely paved (one of the few in Turin).
In an edict from late June 1736, it is stated that the reason for the entire district’s renovation is due to three main factors. First, the need to accommodate the growing population by increasing housing capacity. Second, the requirement for more modern and functional buildings, both commercially and from a residential perspective. Finally, the desire for more modern, efficient, and dignified structures.
It’s worth noting that while there was initially a military defense purpose, the memory of the siege is now distant, and the focus is primarily on the commercial aspect. The edict specifies that the street will be dedicated to hosting particularly profitable shops, such as those dealing with gold, silver, or silk. There are no specific references to food or other types of commerce, implying that all the shops should be luxurious.
From via Dora Grossa to via Giuseppe Garibaldi
As mentioned, the works struggled to begin, so in 1739, Benedetto Alfieri, Juvarra’s successor, partially abandoned the aesthetic rigor of the original project. However, the imposing Palazzo Madama, which serves as the backdrop for the street, as well as its connection with Piazza Castello and the Royal Palace, still demanded the creation of a dignified, sumptuous, and high-ranking street.
In 1846, the street was equipped with gas lighting, and on June 5, 1882, it was renamed Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. It was completely pedestrianized in 1979.
What to see on via Giuseppe Garibaldi
What to see on Via Garibaldi In our days, it continues to be a purely commercial street. You’ll find shops of all kinds, bars, and ice cream parlors. Along the entire street, you’ll often come across street performers and artists.
Almost all the buildings on Via Garibaldi showcase exquisite wrought iron balconies, often with inscriptions identifying the old homeowners. Although somewhat hidden, don’t miss the visit to the Chapel of Bankers and Merchants.
At the height of Via della Consolata, there is a large square stone enclosed by four posts with chains. During excavation work, remains of Roman walls were uncovered. The city decided to keep them visible from the street by placing a transparent slab that allowed their view. Due to frequent passage, the glass deteriorated quickly and was subsequently replaced with the visible stone today.
Not to be missed is the Chemical Pharmacy Tullio Bosio. Truth be told, the pharmacy has been present since 1715, but it was only in the late 1800s that the Bosio family took over. However, it is Tullio Bosio who deserves credit for the rich and remarkable entrance facade, complete with a bust of the Greek physician Galeno. The interior consists of shelves along the walls and a counter from the early 1900s.