The city is supposed to be divided into a "white" part and a "black" part. This distinction is based mainly on popular beliefs that associate different areas of the city with positive (white magic) and negative (black magic) energies. Traditionally, the east side of the city is considered to carry positive energies while the west side is associated with dark and mysterious forces.
I suggest you start the itinerary from the western part of the city, precisely at Piazza Solferino. You can reach the square using the M1 metro and get off at "XVIII Dicembre". Alternatively, you can take tram line 13 and get off at "Statuto".
Piazza Statuto is considered the dark heart of the city. The negative vibrations of this square are attributed to the fact that in this place was located the Val Occisorum, the place where those condemned to death were executed. Inside this square you will find two very well-known symbols of black magic:
Now proceed towards Piazza Solferino and at the intersection of Via Lascaris and Via San Francesco D'Assisi you can admire the devil's eyes. In the building near which the devil's eyes are located, there is a bank but at the time it is said that there was the headquarters of the Masonic Lodge. If you look carefully at the base of the building you can see two slits in the shape of eyes that will stare at you in a disturbing way. Originally these holes must have been either vents or light points for the underground rooms. Their particular shape has meant that they were identified as the eyes of the Devil.
Now proceed a few blocks towards Piazza San Carlo until you reach the Devil's Gate. This gate is linked to many disturbing stories of murders and mysterious disappearances: in its center stands out a knocker depicting Lucifer himself. Legend has it that the Devil himself built the gate and placed it there to imprison a sorcerer who had dared to summon him.
Not far from the devil's eyes is Piazza Solferino. The Fontana Angelica, in the center of Piazza Solferino, is one of the most enigmatic works of art in the city. The fountain is composed of two main sculptural groups representing male and female angels, as well as various allegorical figures. The male angel represents summer, with the figure of a young and vigorous man holding a torch, a symbol of light and knowledge. The female angel represents winter, depicted as an old woman with an unlit torch, a symbol of rest and reflection. For those interested in symbolism, the fountain represents a door to the mysteries that the city offers.
Proceed now towards Piazza Castello which is not only a center of great historical and cultural importance, but also a place with profound esoteric meanings. Contrary to Piazza Statuto, associated with negative energies and black magic, Piazza Castello is seen as the heart of white magic and the positive forces of the city. It is said that under Piazza Castello there are caves where ancient alchemists searched for the Philosopher's Stone. These undergrounds would have been places of study and practice of alchemy, dedicated to the transmutation of metals and the search for the elixir of long life.
Now head towards Piazza Vittorio Veneto leaving the Mole Antoneliana on your shoulders. One of the largest squares in Europe and the largest if we take the squares with porticoes. The peculiarity of this square is that it slopes slightly and for this reason it was used for a long time as a "parade ground" for military gatherings, under the Savoy kingdom as well as under the fascist dictatorship. The Po River, which flows near the square, has historically been considered a place of energetic power according to some esoteric traditions. Furthermore, being the nerve center of the city, Piazza Vittorio Veneto can be seen as a point of connection between terrestrial and cosmic energy, reflecting the esoteric philosophy of balance and harmony.
Now cross the Po River until you reach the Gran Madre di Dio, one of the symbols of Turin. The structure is very similar to the Phanteon in Rome and appears particularly imposing because it overlooks Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It should be noted that of the two statues on the sides of the staircase, the one represents a woman holding an open book in her right hand and a chalice in her left hand. It is said that the chalice is the Holy Grail, while the book indicates a point that should lead to the discovery of the chalice. In short, it is thought that the Holy Grail is in Turin, perhaps under this church.
In this itinerary through Turin, an interesting duality emerges between the "white" and the "black" part of the city, according to popular beliefs related to esotericism. The western part, represented by places such as Piazza Statuto and the Devil's Gate, is associated with negative and mysterious energies, symbolically linked to black magic. On the contrary, the eastern part, with places such as Piazza Solferino and Piazza Castello, is seen as a bearer of positive energies and symbolizes white magic. This itinerary not only explores the monuments and legends of Turin, but also invites us to reflect on the esoteric dualities present in the history and culture of the city.
Thank you for reading,
Explorer's Tale.
Last update: 09/08/2024
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In this article:
I am Alessio Lucciola, a passionate explorer who has recently discovered solo travel. Although I have always had a passion for adventure, it is only in recent years that I have embarked on this extraordinary backpacking journey.
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