Turin, located in the north-west of Italy, is a city rich in history, culture and traditions. Capital of the Piedmont region, Turin boasts an artistic and cultural heritage of great importance, as well as being an important industrial and research centre. With over 875,000 inhabitants, Turin is the fourth most populous city in Italy and an ideal place for a journey of discovery and fun.
Founded by the Celts in the 3rd century BC, Turin has seen various populations pass under its rule, from the Romans to the Lombards, up to the Savoy dynasty who made it the capital of their kingdom in 1563. From the 17th century onwards, the city took the appearance of a European capital thanks to the numerous urban planning and architectural interventions. In 1861, Turin became the first capital of Italy, before being replaced by Florence in 1865 and then by Rome in 1871.
Among the main places of interest in Turin, the following stand out:
The Mole Antonelliana: symbol of the city, it is a neoclassical structure built between 1863 and 1889 by the architect Alessandro Antonelli. Initially designed as a synagogue, the Mole now houses the National Cinema Museum, one of the main tourist attractions of the city. The panoramic lift offers a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding Alps.
Royal Palace: residence of the Savoys, the Royal Palace is a Baroque work designed by the architect Ascanio Vitozzi in 1646. A visit to the palace allows you to discover the royal apartments, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, the Savoy Gallery and the splendid gardens.
Piazza Castello: heart of the city, Piazza Castello is surrounded by important historic buildings such as Palazzo Madama, home to the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, and the Teatro Regio, one of the most important Italian opera houses.
Piazza San Carlo: defined as the "living room" of Turin, it is one of the most elegant squares in Italy, surrounded by arcades and historic cafés such as the Caffè San Carlo and the Caffè Torino. At the center of the square is the equestrian monument to Emanuele Filiberto, known as the "Iron Head".
The Cathedral of Turin: dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the Cathedral is famous for hosting the Holy Shroud, the sheet that would have wrapped the body of Jesus after the crucifixion. The relic is only publicly displayed on rare occasions.
Turin is a city that offers a wide range of cultural and entertainment events. The city is home to several museums, including the aforementioned National Cinema Museum, the Egyptian Museum, which boasts one of the most important collections of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt, and the Automobile Museum, which celebrates the history of the Italian and international automotive industry.
Other places of cultural interest include the GAM (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art), the MAO (Museum of Oriental Art) and the Castello di Rivoli, home to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Among the most important cultural events in Turin, the Turin Film Festival is one of the most prestigious Italian film festivals, while the Book Fair is the largest book fair in Italy and one of the most important internationally.
Piedmontese traditions are also reflected in the local cuisine, with typical dishes such as mixed boiled meat, agnolotti, veal with tuna sauce and gianduiotto, a chocolate and hazelnut-based dessert. The winemaking tradition is equally important, with fine wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco and Moscato d'Asti.
Among the traditional events, the Fiera di San Giovanni, which is held every year on June 24 in honor of the patron saint of the city, is an opportunity to celebrate and discover the handicrafts and typical local products.
Turin is easily accessible thanks to the numerous transport infrastructures. Turin-Caselle Airport, located about 16 km from the city centre, offers national and international flights. The Turin Porta Nuova railway station is one of the most important in Italy and connects the city with the main Italian and European destinations.
Turin's public transport system is well organized and offers metro, trams and buses to get around the city. The Turin underground, inaugurated in 2006, extends for 15.1 km and has 21 stations. The ToBike bike sharing service and the car sharing system allow you to explore the city in a sustainable and practical way.
Turin is a fascinating city rich in history, culture and traditions. With its monuments, museums, squares and events, Turin offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor. Its privileged position between the Alps and the Po Valley makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural beauties of Piedmont and neighboring regions.