Piazza San Carlo is one of the most beautiful squares of Turin, already parade and market square, it keeps the 17th century look of harmonious uniformity given to it by the royal architect Carlo di Castellamonte (1642-1650).
In the centre stands the equestrian statue of Emanuele Filiberto, portrayed by Carlo Marocchetti (1838) while he is sheathing the sword again after the battle of San Quintino in 1557, one of the most significant statues of the beginning of the 19th century (the so-called El Caval d'brons).
The short side of the square, on the south-west side is fenced by the almost twin façades of the churches of Santa Cristina and of San Carlo.