Palavela

The Palavela is a multipurpose arena in Turin, instantly recognisable by its distinctive sail-shaped roof. It served as the host venue for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating® Final (Junior & Senior) from 5 to 8 December 2019.

Originally built for the Italia 61 exhibition celebrating the centenary of Italian unification, the Palavela was extensively renovated in 2004 by the renowned architect Gae Aulenti ahead of the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games. During the 2006 Olympics, it hosted the figure skating and short track speed skating competitions.

The Palavela's striking sail-shaped silhouette has long made it one of Turin's most iconic landmarks, a building that bridges the city's exhibition history with its modern sporting identity. When the world's best figure skaters arrived in December 2019 for the ISU Grand Prix Final, the arena transformed into a stage for athletic excellence and artistic expression. Senior and junior competitors alike took to the ice beneath that unmistakable roof, delivering performances that would define the season. For spectators, the venue offered more than just a competition space; it was a celebration of the sport, with the building's dramatic architecture serving as a fitting backdrop for the precision, grace, and power on display.

Getting to the Palavela is straightforward for visitors arriving from anywhere in Turin or beyond. The arena is well connected to the city's public transport network, making it convenient for fans attending training sessions, competition days, and the gala exhibition that concluded the event. Those travelling from further afield found that the venue's central position within the city meant easy access from major transport hubs. The surrounding area offered ample opportunities to explore Turin before or after the skating, with the city's renowned cafés, historic streets, and cultural attractions all within reach. Whether arriving by tram, bus, or on foot, the journey to the Palavela became part of the overall experience for many visitors.

For the athletes, the Palavela represented the culmination of months of preparation, as the Grand Prix Final brought together the season's most accomplished skaters across all four disciplines. The arena's Olympic pedigree added a layer of significance to every performance, reminding competitors and audiences alike that this ice had hosted champions before. The atmosphere inside the venue during the event was electric, with passionate figure skating fans filling the stands to witness history in the making. From the junior ranks showcasing emerging talent to the senior stars battling for gold, the Palavela proved itself once again as a worthy home for one of the sport's most prestigious competitions.

How to Get to the Palavela

The Palavela is well connected to Turin's public transport network. Visitors could reach the venue by bus and other local services. For detailed route planning, attendees were directed to consult the Moovit public-transport guide for the Palavela.

A seating plan of the arena was also available to help ticket holders locate their sections before arriving.