Did you know Parco della Pellerina is Turin’s largest urban park? It spans a massive 837 220 square meters. That’s bigger than many city parks you’ll find elsewhere. Imagine strolling through its expansive green spaces. This wonderful park is officially called Parco Carrara but most Turinese call it Parco della Pellerina.
The name comes from a nearby farmhouse Cascina della Pellerina. Interestingly there are two theories about its name. One theory links it to the word ‘pellerina’. This word was used for buildings where insolvent debtors were displayed. Another theory suggests that the farmhouse offered refuge to pilgrims on the ancient Via di San Michele. This route led from Mont Saint Michel to the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo. Pilgrims passing through the area might have stayed there making the name ‘La Pellegrina’ a logical origin.
Parco della Pellerina wasn’t always a lush green oasis. The idea emerged in the early 1900s. Construction began in the 1930s and continued after World War II. The park’s current layout came about in the early 1980s. The Dora Riparia river which runs through it was significantly altered to create a more linear course.
Today Parco della Pellerina is a vibrant hub of activity. Turin locals love it. They use it for walks and jogging especially on holidays. You will find sports facilities here. There’s a swimming pool soccer fields a skating rink a BMX track bocce courts and tennis courts. There are even two artificial lakes home to ducks coots moorhens and swans. There is also a unique natural pond created after the 2000 flood. The pond is a significant feature as it’s the only natural wetland of its kind in Turin.
Since 2009 a section of the park north of the Dora has remembered seven Turin workers who died in a fire at the ThyssenKrupp factory in 2007. The factory stood opposite the park’s north entrance. The site is still waiting for a new purpose.
Parco della Pellerina has a rich history. It was the site of major concerts and shows in the 1980s. It also hosted the Pellerossa Festival from 1994 to 1996. The Traffic Festival in the 2000s brought in big names like Iggy Pop. Sadly the park has seen a decline recently. This is due to safety concerns and the frequent closure of the summer pool. However the spirit of this wonderful place endures.
So explore Parco della Pellerina. Discover its beauty its history its many recreational offerings. Enjoy this special place for yourself. You can find the Cascina Marchesa near the large lake. It is the organizational center for the annual Turin Marathon. It is a true gem in the heart of Turin.