Crocetta
Turin's Crocetta district is part of District 1 of the city and is located south of the historical centre. As landmarks to identify it, you can consider it lies between Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Porta Nuova Station and the Caserma Monte Grappa barracks. It has a strategic location, is convenient to move around on foot and is well connected by public transport. This location makes it an expensive area in terms of the cost of houses and flats in Turin, but it is a safe and relatively quiet place. It has always had a reputation as a prestigious residential area and is still considered a middle-class neighbourhood. Moreover, it is known as the current location of the Politecnico di Torino, one of the most authoritative universities on a national and international level. The characteristic features of this area are the large tree-lined boulevards, the Art Nouveau buildings and the pedestrian area established in 1974. Still, it is also the district of the headquarters of trade associations and offices, including the Rector's Office of the Polytechnic. In addition, there are all the services one could need: gymnasium, bank, supermarkets, markets, shops, cultural attractions, restaurants, cocktail bars and so on.
Apartments in Crocetta
What to see and do
The district is home to some really interesting places to visit, such as Borgo San Secondo, which is the area between Corso Re Umberto and Via Sacchi. It was born as a result of Turin's demographic development and subsequent urbanisation, which also necessitated the construction of additional religious places. In fact, the Borgo takes its name from the church of the same name, still standing today, which was erected at the behest of St John Bosco, better known as Don Bosco. We continue towards the southwestern area of Crocetta, to Santa Teresina, which once again owes its name to the church of the same name.
The parish lay between Corso Einaudi, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi and Corso Mediterraneo and was dedicated to Santa Teresina, a French Carmelite nun later beatified. Strolling through the district will be pleasant thanks to the presence of the pedestrian area. Until 1909, it included Piazza d'Armi and was used for military musters and parades, today the space is mainly occupied by the Politecnico. In the area in front of the Poli, the residential area was built in the early 20th century and prestigious eclectic, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings were designed by some of the protagonists of the architecture of the time (Pietro Fenoglio and Giuseppe Momo). If you love art, you should know that in Crocetta there is the Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art), which has an artistic heritage of over 15,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and even drawings and engravings. You will also find the Museo Civico di Numismatica Etnografia e Arti Orientali whose collection comes from at least a century of the public and private collecting and boasts objects from America, Africa and Oceania. The district also satisfies the desire for the performing arts due to the presence of the Teatro Gioiello with its retro atmosphere that hosts a rich calendar of shows, including cabaret.
Where to eat and drink
We now set off on a little gastronomic tour of the neighbourhood. To sample some traditional dishes from Turin and Piedmont, Trattoria Cerere, a sober establishment with a homely atmosphere that perfectly expresses the culinary style. We continue with Trattoria Torricelli, an establishment between classic and chic, the menu offers a variety of first and second courses, such as spaghetti with clams or tender fillets of meat or fish. How can we forget the Crocetta restaurant, the district's namesake, a historic venue that offers a cuisine that is always meticulous, as is the choice of raw materials that make their dishes unique. You can eat risotto, pasta in various styles, Piedmontese classics and fish. In the northern part of the neighbourhood is Lève Ristorante, a chic venue serving fresh fish as well as first courses, where you can also enjoy excellent cocktails. A few steps away is La Conca serving hearty Piedmontese meat, fish and pasta dishes, accompanied by a selection of regional wines.
Another good option is Taverna delle Rose, a cosy place with brick elements and chequered tablecloths. Or Al Cacimperio Ristorante, a refined venue with old black and white photos, bottles on display on the shelves and an excellent menu of Italian first and second courses. There is no shortage of international offerings, such as Japanese cuisine at Restaurant Umi, Japs! Sushi and Noodles, Kombu, Sushi Dozo and Interesting Food: Sushi poke & Chinese cuisine. Or Shri Ganesh Restaurant for Indian specialities in a romantic venue with ornate wooden furnishings, which also offers vegan options. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pizza: Pizzeria La Margherita, Pizzeria La Rustica, A Casa di Pulcinella, with a wide choice also of burrata, focaccia and craft beers. If you are looking for a pizza by the slice, Romana mia, with its light dough and tasty toppings. If you fancy an Italian aperitivo, find it at Barido, with good cocktails and fresh snacks to accompany them; La Petite Cave, a wine bar with a vast assortment of wines; Alter Ego, where you can find charcuterie and cheese boards, excellent cocktails, open until late at night.
Where to go shopping
Noteworthy is the Mercato Della Crocetta, one of Turin's historical markets for the sale of food, both fresh and preserved, wines, but also goods, bags, shoes and clothes. It is held every morning during the week, on Saturdays until late afternoon and on the second Sunday of each month. It is frequented by locals and popular for a Saturday morning stroll apart from shopping. In addition, there are several clothing shops: Vanità, also stocked with underwear and swimwear; Ghirigoro, a multi-brand shop of women's clothing and accessories; Caramello, also a selection of quality clothing; Nanette, where you can find bags, dresses and coats.
There are also shops of better-known brands such as Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Igi&Co Store, Tigotà, Kiko, Bottega Verde, Sephora, L'Erbolario. In Porta Nuova there is a Unieuro point for electronics purchases and spread around the neighbourhood are TIM, Wind-Tre, Vodafone, Fastweb and Sky phone shops and other small shops for smartphone and computer repair. There is also a wide choice of gyms for room training and group classes, such as Fitness Garden, or solutions if you have little time, even 20 minutes at Fit & Go or Break Fit. Other solutions are fit boxing, power training and martial arts at Sonkei; Gymnastics for Health, Pilates Room, Crossfit, ballroom dancing, for example at Scuola di Ballo Stile Mingarelli, and dance, such as Ensemble. In general, the Crocetta district is well supplied with supermarkets, including the best-known brands (CRAI, Despar, Esselunga, Carrefour, Pam), retail shops, butcher shops, fruit and vegetable shops, pharmacies, pet shops, such as Bacio Bau, La Maison Pet Tres Jolie (grooming), Il Migliore Amico, Crocetta's Dog, Per Un Pelo. Lastly, shops for furniture and household items either specific, such as kitchen utensils or light bulbs, or for knick-knacks and everyday objects.
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