What is Turin all about?

Turin is a city located in the north-western region of Italy best known for its vibrant art, cuisine, and culture. Founded in 28 BC, Turin was a Roman capital and was once known as the Rome of Italy. It is a city of great beauty and has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists visiting Italy.

The city is full of sites and attractions, including the Piedmont Vineyard, which provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of the area’s natural landscape, as well as its delightful wines. The area is also home to some of the country’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals and is home to some of the oldest universities in the world, including the University of Turin. In addition to its cultural attractions, Turin offers a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing.

The city also boasts an incredibly rich culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafés specializing in regional dishes. The bustling nightlife scene is another draw, as it is home to a number of bars and clubs as well as an array of festivals and events throughout the year. Turin also serves as a great base from which to explore nearby cities and towns, such as Milan.

Turin is perhaps best known for its association with the Shroud of Turin, one of the most recognizable and mysterious relics in the world. The Shroud is kept in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, which was built in the 15th century. It is said to be a piece of linen cloth, believed by some to have been used to bury Christ after his crucifixion. While its authenticity remains a point of debate, the Shroud has become an important figure in Catholic devotion, with pilgrims traveling from around the world to see it during its annual display each Easter Sunday.

Overall, Turin is an amazing and diverse city that offers plenty of interesting sites, attractions, and activities for visitors to enjoy. With its beautiful landscapes, renowned universities and churches, cuisine, nightlife and festivals, it is no surprise that it has become one of Italy’s most popular destinations. Turismo Torino e Provincia provides visitors with additional information about what to see and do during their time in Turin.

An Insider’s Guide to Turin – Discovering the Charm of Northern Italy

Turin, the charming capital of the Piedmont region in northern Italy, is a hidden gem that is often overshadowed by other Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. With its elegant architecture, rich history, and authentic cultural experiences, Turin is a city worth exploring. In this insider’s guide, we will show you the best things to do, see, and eat in this underrated city.

Attractions

Turin is a cultural hub that is home to many historical monuments, charming shops, and numerous museums. Some of the must-visit attractions of Turin include:

– Mole Antonelliana: This towering monument, built-in 1863 and measuring 167 meters high, dominates the skyline of Turin. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

– Royal Palace of Turin: This splendid palace, built-in 1646, was the home of the House of Savoy, a ruling family of Italy. The palace is now a museum displaying collections of art, furnishings, and artifacts.

– Egyptian Museum: Turin boasts one of the oldest and most significant Egyptian museums in the world, with over 30,000 artifacts and the only intact Egyptian temple outside of Egypt.

– The Basilica of Superga: Perched on a hill overlooking Turin, this 18th-century baroque basilica is a landmark of the city. Visitors can reach the basilica by a funicular and admire the breathtaking view of Turin from above.

Dining

Turin is the birthplace of the famous Italian aperitif, Vermouth, and is known for its robust culinary scene. Eating locally in Turin means indulging in a variety of traditional Italian dishes with Piedmontese specialties. Some of the best dining spots in Turin include:

– Del Cambio: Located in the heart of the city, this landmark restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with classic Piedmontese recipes that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.

– Trattoria Al Gatto Nero: Tucked away from the tourist crowds, this small family-owned trattoria offers mouthwatering dishes such as agnolotti, a ravioli-like pasta stuffed with meat, herbs, and cheese.

– Pasticceria Gertosio: This local pastry shop serves the best Turin’s specialty, the Gianduja chocolate, made from a blend of cocoa, hazelnuts, and sugar.

Cultural Experiences

Turin is home to various cultural institutions, museums, and theaters, making it a thriving arts and culture scene. Some of the cultural experiences to explore in Turin include:

– Theaters: Teatro Regio and Teatro Carignano are two historic theaters that host various opera and ballet performances throughout the year.

– Galleria Sabauda: Located inside the Royal Palace of Turin, the Galleria Sabauda displays a vast collection of paintings by Italian Renaissance masters like Botticelli, Raphael, and Parmigianino.

– Shroud of Turin: The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist houses the Shroud of Turin, a linen cloth that some believe to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Tours of the shroud are available, but reservations are necessary.

Local History

Turin has a rich history that dates back to the Roman period. It served as the first capital of the unified kingdom of Italy and played a crucial role in Italy’s unification movement. Some of the historical landmarks and monuments that will take you back in time include:

– Palazzo Madama: This historical building is one of the best-preserved examples of civil architecture in Turin. It was constructed in the 15th century and served as the home of various noble families in the past.

– Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano: The museum of the Italian unification movement houses a vast collection of artifacts and documents that narrate the history of Italy’s unification.

– Piazza Castello: Located in the heart of Turin, the Piazza Castello is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most significant attractions, including the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, and the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Off the Beaten Path

Turin has some hidden gems worth exploring that are off the typical tourist route. These include:

– Porta Palazzo Market: Known as the largest open-air market in Europe, the Porta Palazzo Market offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of locals in Turin. The market features fresh produce, flowers, artisan products, and more.

– The National Cinema Museum: Housed in the impressive Mole Antonelliana, this museum presents the history of cinema and is one of the few museums in the world to cover the history of moving images from their inception to the present day.

– Valentino Park: Located along the Po River, Valentino Park is a serene oasis in the middle of the city. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or rent a bike to explore the park’s vast expanse.

Final Thoughts

Turin is a city that deserves a place on every traveler’s itinerary in Italy. With its fascinating history, rich culture, and amazing culinary scene, Turin provides an authentic Italian experience that is unmatched. Plan your trip today and experience all the charm that this hidden jewel has to offer.