Aurora & Vanchiglia
The Aurora district (or Borgo Aurora) is part of District 7 of Turin and is located in a semi-central position in the north of the city, in fact it borders the centre. It is one of the areas where the transformations that have taken place in the city and the contradictions in society are most evident. The district's industrial past has seen the process of globalisation and modernisation, and the eastern part, roughly between Borgo Rossini and Corso Palermo, is undergoing strong expansion. Conversely, the western part, around Corso Giulio Cesare to the Barriera di Milano and San Donato neighbourhoods, sees the presence of varied ethnic groups. Beyond the river Dora Riparia, on the southern side, begins the Vanchiglia district (or Borgo Vanchiglia), one of Turin's most historic districts and still belonging to Circoscrizione 7. Associated with this is the more recent Vanchiglietta district, which extends around Corso Belgio to the confluence of the Po and Dora Riparia rivers, including the Pietro Colletta Park. These areas are also central to the city and close to the University of Turin, which has led them towards residential development. In recent years, they have also established themselves as areas of artistic creativity and commercial activity in Turin. Craft workshops and various artistic and cultural realities still attract young people.
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What to see and do
To start getting acquainted with the Aurora district, there is nothing better than a nice walk along the Dora River, at different times of the day you will experience unique emotions. Near Corso Principe Oddone is the Basilica di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, a church dating back to 1860 with a frescoed dome housing the tomb of St John Bosco. Not far away is the Turin Arsenal for Peace, a former war arsenal, a weapons factory that has been converted into a place of brotherhood and hospitality. A home for young people seeking a place for meeting, culture, and dialogue. Also, part of the Arsenal complex is the Cortile del Maglio (Hammer Courtyard), characterised by a covered central square enclosed around the perimeter; it is the headquarters of the Association of the same name, which deals with the promotion and redevelopment of the district.
Between Via Bologna, Largo Brescia, Corso Palermo, and Via Ancora stretches Nuvola Lavazza, designed by architect Cino Zucchi, an ever-changing place housing the Lavazza Museum, the Piazza and La Centrale, an events space. The other futuristic structure in the area, in the Vanchiglia district, is the Luigi Einaudi Campus, one of the seats of the University of Turin, in particular the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences and Economics. Curved and sinuous lines characterise the building, and inside there is also the Norberto Bobbio Library and the Campus Café. For cinema lovers, the Cinema Fratelli Marx in the Vanchiglietta area offers art-house films in its three theatres. It is nice to stroll around the neighbourhood to discover the narrow streets and small squares. All the way to Pietro Colletta Park, a vast green area with walking and cycling paths, a swimming pool and picnic areas. Here you can relax, do sports or jogging, read a good book, or simply enjoy time in the open air.
Where to eat and drink
Let's start with a selection of trattorias in the Aurora district where you can taste Piedmontese recipes: Trattoria Valenza, with wooden furnishings, checked tablecloths and home-style cooking; Osteria del Balon, with agnolotti, tagliatelle and main courses, especially meat; La tana dei tre, for a relaxing evening of good food, including desserts. Also, worth trying are: Trattoria a Casa di Anna, where you can find fresh local products and quality raw materials; Trattoria Primavera, with its young atmosphere and excellent cuisine; or Osteria Povr'Om, with its retro and elegant décor reminiscent of the familiar ambience of the taverns of yesteryear. Moving towards Vanchiglia: Cà Dij Mat, Piedmontese cuisine and traditional dishes but presented with an eye to innovation, both in terms of cooking techniques and presentation. Trattoria Ala, homemade pasta, and meat dishes; Osteria Vanchiglia, an informal restaurant, excellent value for money, traditional dishes and good wine.
Between Aurora and Vanchiglia, there is no shortage of ethnic and international offerings, for example Al Andalus where you can try Moroccan cuisine, Gandhi Indian Restaurant, also with take-away service, or Karmacola, baked dishes in a location with ethnic furniture. Casa Armenia Ristorante, Armenian food and wines, Kiyomi Japanese Restaurant, for sushi but also Chinese cuisine, Casablanca Kebab, for sandwiches and dishes to eat there or take away, Habanero for Mexican cuisine. For vegetarians and vegans, a place to try is Soul Kitchen - Creatività Vegetale, which offers excellent first and second courses in a place with an intimate and cosy atmosphere; or Ya Ya Burger, vegetarian and vegan burgers and street food, also unconventional recipes with Asian influences. There are also plenty of variations if you are looking for a pizzeria, to name but a few: Pizzium, Il Pirata, Il Tegamino, A' Livella, Pizzeria Vanchiglietta but also many others. For those looking for an Italian aperitivo with a good glass of wine: Vineria 67, Edicola Vino e Cucina, BEVA Vini e Ristoro, Ciabót Enoteca. At Lumeria you will also find excellent drinks and snacks, or at Caffè Rossini for cocktails and snacks in a simple yet open late. In Vanchiglia: Bere in Tipografia, Margò, Botz, Funkiglia and many, many more.
Where to go shopping
If you are looking for real shopping with a capital S, then the advice is to move to the nearby historic centre where you will find the main shopping streets. But the Aurora and Vanchiglia districts also hold their own surprises. You should definitely not miss the large Porta Palazzo market, the heart of which is in Piazza della Repubblica. Every day here there are stalls selling fruit, vegetables, various general foodstuffs but also clothes, shoes, gifts and so on.
On the other hand, every second Sunday of the month from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. there is the Balon, an antiques market with more than 250 stalls. Here you can find vintage objects, clothing, books, vinyl, handicrafts, ceramics and even furniture. In general, throughout the area you will find various clothes shops, such as Bunet Abbigliamento or Viavai, design shops, such as Giano Design, bookshops, such as Libreria Libra, and any other shops that may be useful, such as supermarkets, including Conad, Carrefour, IN's, MD, as well as shops and pharmacies. These neighbourhoods are very well stocked for shopping of all kinds.
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