Before the advent of modern plumbing, can you imagine sharing a bathtub with strangers? In the heart of Turin, stands the Bagni Pubblici, a testament to a time when bathing was a communal affair. The Bagni Pubblici, established before World War II, served a vital need in the working-class district of Barriera di Milano. Many homes lacked private bathrooms, making these public baths a necessity for hygiene and social interaction.
The Bagni Pubblici offered affordable showers, providing respite from the shared bathrooms and limited water access that many residents faced. The economic boom of the 1980s saw many buildings renovated and private bathrooms incorporated, leading to a decline in the use of public baths. By the turn of the century, only a handful of these establishments remained in Turin.
The Bagni Pubblici in via Agliè was one such place, resurrected during the 2006 Winter Olympics as part of the city’s “Frost Emergency” plan to provide shelter and sanitation for the homeless. However, what started as a temporary solution evolved into something much greater. The building found new life as a vibrant community center, thanks to the efforts of a local social cooperative.
Today, the Bagni Pubblici stands as a shining example of urban revitalization, offering a diverse range of cultural activities and social services. It has become a hub for the community, hosting everything from jazz concerts to sewing classes, art exhibitions to information points. The Bagni Pubblici, once a symbol of basic necessity, has been transformed into a beacon of community and cultural expression in the heart of Turin.