What Are the Must-See Sites in Turin, Italy?

Turin is a stunning city located in the northern part of Italy, being the capital of the Piedmont region. A city that is full of Baroque architecture, Turin has plenty of sightseeing spots which, when visited, will take a traveler on a journey of historical, cultural and architectural treasures. There are a number of must-see sites in Turin which no single trip to this amazing Italian city is complete without visiting. This guide compiles some of the best must-see locations in Turin to ensure the optimum travel experience.

Duomo di Torino (Turin Cathedral)

The Turin Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Torino, is one of the most iconic sites in Turin. It is a religious center for the Roman Catholics in Turin and also serves as a major tourist attraction in the city. The cathedral was built between 1491 and 1498 and is the home of the most famous relic found in the city – the Holy Shroud of Turin. Inside, one will find a breathtaking Gothic interior with rococo touches, immense side chapels and ornate shrines with beautiful fiberglass statues. The soaring front facade completes the grandeur of this magnificent building.

Palazzo Madama (Madama Palace)

The Palazzo Madama is one of Turin’s most important landmarks. As one of the oldest royal residences in all of Italy, the Palazzo Madama is an awe-inspiring building that was commissioned by Charles Albert of Savoy and later revamped by Filippo Juvarra. The palace is divided into two distinct parts, a Romanesque building with its dome tower dating back to the 13th century, and a Baroque palace that was completed in 1718. In its current form as an art gallery, visitors should take some time to admire Juvarra’s murals and its ornate decorations.

Mole Antonelliana

Perhaps the most renowned landmark of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana is an impressive building rising 167 metres high. It was designed by architect Alberto Antonelli in 1884 and completed 10 years later. Flashy decorative elements, neoclassical columns, renaissance arches and a mural depicting the allegory of Piedmont are some of its beloved features. The building also serves as home to the National Museum Of Cinema, showcasing three different floors dedicated entirely to the seventh art.

Basilica di Superga

The Basilica di Superga is one of Turin’s most important churches. Standing at its hilltop site, the church dominates the city skyline from its vantage point. The church’s interior features large curved balconies on either sides with gorgeous frescoes painted by celebrated artist Andrea Pozzo covering its walls and dome. On clear days, it offers an unforgettable view of Turin and the Alps beyond it. The basilica also doubles as a solemn reminder of a tragic air crash at Superga Hill on May 4 1945 which took the lives of almost all players of FC Torino including their manager at that time – Il Grande Torino

Piazza Castello

The Piazza Castello is a beautiful open space situated right in the middle of Turin’s shoppibg area. It is home to some spectacular buildings, statues and monuments. The area has been historically used by Savoy Monarch’s who had their palace located at this very piazza. When visiting Turin, spending an afternoon here, exploring it’s many attractions such as the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and Palazzo degli Acaja are highly recommended.

Valentino Park

Valentino Park offers travellers times of relaxation with beautiful views over Turin from it’s banks on the left bank of the Po River. Its rich botanical garden houses several conservatories that were built in 1856 and include more than 5500 plants from several parts of the globe. It also features a Baroque castle and a Medieval castle, which are accompanied by a tranquil lake and a myriad of hidden pathways around it that lead to rose gardens and neoclassical fountains making it one of the best oases in all of Turin.

Conclusion:

When travelling to Turin, Italy, there are many iconic attractions there that no visitor should miss out on exploring. From Duomo di Torino (the Turin Cathedral) to Palazzo Madama and Mole Antonelliana to Basilica di Superga and famous Piazza Castello, there are plenty of must-see sites that one visits to admire both historical and architectural wonders. Valentino Park is another great place to spend an afternoon while exploring magnificent conservatories and gardens in this amazing city. If you would like to learn more about Turin and its attractions www.turismo.torino.it is an excellent source where you’ll receive lots of useful information that will enhance your whole experience while traveling around Turin.