Torino Palavela, Indoor arena in Turin, Italy
Torino Palavela, also known as Palazzo a Vela, is an indoor arena in Turin, Italy, on the bank of the River Po. It has a circular plan with a diameter of 130 metres and a roof that resembles a sail, and it can hold up to 12,200 spectators.
The building was constructed for the Italia '61 Expo and later renovated for the 2006 Winter Olympics. During that renovation, the original glass walls were removed and a new red structure was built inside the concrete shell.
The name Palazzo a Vela comes from the sail-like shape of its roof, a feature that locals often use to identify the building. Today it is a busy ice rink where you can watch figure skating and short track training sessions, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
The arena is easy to reach on foot or by public transport, and its main entrance faces the river. Inside, the layout is simple, with clear signs and wide concourses that make it easy to find your seat or the ice rink.
The arena appears in the 1969 film The Italian Job, where three Minis drive over its roof. This scene has become a cult moment for car fans and film lovers.
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