This is one of Turin's main squares and holds reminders of the city's long and continuing history. It is almost entirely surrounded by historic and interesting buildings including the Palazzo Madama, Royal Palace, Regio Theatre, Galleria Subalpina, Church of San Lorenzo, Royal Library which contains works by da Vinci, and the State Archives in Piazzetta Mollino. You can take a break under the porticoes to go shopping or to relax in one of the many cafés. Come winter, there is an open-air ice rink and in the summer, colorful flowerbeds.

This relatively small square is surrounded by places of historic interest. On the eastern side is the Carignano theatre and the historic Cambio restaurant. The opposite side of the square is completely taken up by the beautiful facade of Palazzo Carignano, whose curved lines represent one of the most original examples of Piedmontese baroque by Guarino Guarini in 1679. This was the Savoy residence, the home of the Subalpine House of Commons and of the first Italian parliament. Nowadays, it is the National Museum of the Risorgimento.

Piazza San Carlo, which splits Via Roma in two, is definitely one of the grandest and most stunning places in Turin. It was built during the middle of the 17th century and designed by the architect Di Castellamonte. Its two longest sides are surrounded by splendid buildings, while its most distinguishing features are the twin churches of Santa Cristina (on the left) and San Carlo, (on the right). In the center stands the equestrian statue dedicated to the duke Edmondo Filiberto. He is depicted brandishing his sword after the battle of Saint Quentin, symbolizing the end of the wars and the beginning of the reconstruction. Another interesting feature is a cannon ball embedded in the wall of one of the buildings.

The square found at the end of Via Po is rectangular in shape, with similar-looking palazzi on three sides and a fourth looking onto the River Po. The square was designed and built between 1825 and 1830 in the place where the 17th century Porta di Po by Guarini once stood. The square stands out for one main reason: it is one of the largest European 'terra battuta' squares, (this means there is no paving or cobblestones). Although the buildings seem to be on the same level, the road actually descends down to the river. Besides the square's beauty, Piazza Vittorio Veneto is also a great place to shop. There are a lot of stores in the area, such as Bertolini & Borse and Rider's Shop.

Via Roma starts at the southeast of Piazza Castello and ends up at Piazza Carlo Felice opposite the Porta Nuova station. It is divided midway by Piazza San Carlo, so that the traveler must walk through that plaza in order to complete a trip to the other end. Its present-day configuration is due to a renovation, which took place between 1931 and 1937. The side closest to Piazza Castello is reminiscent of the Baroque, whereas the second part is decisively Art Deco. By day it glitters with luxurious shops, which line the street, enhanced at night by neon lights.