Two Roman towers guard the entrance to ancient Turin
Just steps from the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, two red-brick towers have pierced the skyline for nearly two thousand years. Their stocky silhouettes, punctuated by twin-arched windows, stand in stark contrast to the surrounding Baroque facades. This juxtaposition defines the site, offering a direct encounter with Roman Turin, the Julia Augusta Taurinorum founded under Augustus.
Why visit the Palatine Towers?
The Palatine Towers originally served as the two gatehouses flanking one of the four entrances to the Roman city, the Porta Decumana, which marked the northern access to the castrum. Their lower sections, constructed of brick and dating back to the first century A.D., represent some of the best preserved ancient ruins in northern Italy.
During the Middle Ages, the ancient gate was repurposed into a palace, which explains the current name Palatine (from the Latin palatium). The lords of Turin resided here, adding crenellated upper stories that still crown the Roman bases. This layering of different historical periods on a single structure is an extreme rarity in Europe.
Spotting the layers of time
By examining the masonry, you can clearly distinguish three distinct periods. The Roman base features reddish brick with niches and twin-arched windows typical of Imperial architecture. Above that lie the coarser medieval additions with their battlements, followed by 19th-century restorations carried out in a neo-medieval style that gave the towers their current appearance.
Archaeologists have also uncovered the foundations of the Roman theater on the adjacent site. These ruins are visible from the square and accessible during guided tours organized by the Musei Reali (Royal Museums of Turin).
The site within its urban context
The towers stand on the Piazza della Porta Palatina, integrated into the Musei Reali complex, which also includes the Royal Palace, the royal gardens, and the armory. The setting is particularly photogenic in the late afternoon, when the low-angled light accentuates the color of the ancient bricks.
Pro tip: View the towers from the royal gardens rather than from the street. The unobstructed perspective allows you to take in all three superimposed historical layers, Roman, medieval, and modern, in a single glance.
Pros
- Rare and well-preserved Roman ruins in the middle of the city center
- Free access from the square, no ticket required for the exterior
- Located in immediate proximity to the cathedral and Royal Palace
Cons
- The interior is not open for independent visits, only via Musei Reali circuits
- Without a guide, the historical interpretation of the site remains difficult for an untrained eye
Opening hours
The Palatine Towers are a free-access monument located within the archaeological park. The site is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How long for this activity
Plan on about 30 minutes to admire the facades and walk through the adjacent archaeological park. One hour is ideal if you want to take the time to read the informational signs and observe the details of the brick ruins.
The Palatine Towers are one of the historic entrances to the city of Turin. These towers are in a great state of preservation. They are located in a lovely green space, which is very pleasant. I recommend stopping by to admire them and take a few photos, as it is worth a look.