Does "ao virar" turn the verb into a noun?

Portuguese Questions Grammar
1

This sentence appears in Asking for Directions, Lesson 1:

É ali ao virar da esquina, à direita

Why is the verb virar preceded by an article? It appears to be saying, “at the turn of the corner.” Is this an example of a Portuguese grammar rule that turns a verb into a noun? So, o pular is a jump, and o gritar is a shout?

2

@sheepdog, right, infinitives may work as nouns in a sentence when preceded by an article. Other examples include “Esta região tem um falar característico” (This region has a distintive way of speaking), or “O teu andar é estranho” (Your walk is odd).

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