Among Turin’s many hidden delights, hardly anyone is aware that in Piazza Castello - just steps from the Royal Library - there lies a small yet fascinating superstition blending history, tradition, and a hint of the esoteric. The star of this curious ritual is a bas-relief portrait of Christopher Columbus, which over time has become a popular urban talisman for seekers of good luck.

Crafted in 1923 by sculptor Dino Somà, the bas-relief was originally conceived as a memorial honoring Italian migrants in Latin America who had fought in World War I. It served as a heartfelt tribute to those who - though far from their homeland - remembered their roots and contributed to their nation's war efforts.

Originally installed as a solemn commemoration, the sculptural relief has, over the years, transformed into something quite unexpected: a local symbol of good fortune, attracting locals and tourists alike. Its lasting appeal lies in a quirky custom now rooted in Turin’s cultural fabric.

Legend has it that rubbing Columbus’s pinky brings good luck. This small ritual has grown so entrenched in local tradition that passersby often perform it almost unconsciously. Among the most dedicated devotees are university students, particularly around exam season. They come to Piazza Castello to seek a stroke of luck by touching that tiny bronze finger.

The outcome? The constant friction has worn down the metal to the point where the pinky frequently needed restoration or replacement. Over time, it’s become noticeably smooth, delicate enough to require regular upkeep to prevent it from wearing through entirely.

But Columbus’s pinky isn’t the only superstition woven into Turin’s streetscape. Not far away, in the mosaics under the porticoes of Via Roma, a mosaic bull sits quietly. Tradition claims that stepping on a particular part of this bull brings luck as well. Together, these urban charms form a quirky, superstitious walking trail through the heart of the city’s historic center.