Information
City: TurinCountry: Italy
Continent: Europe
Turin, Italy, Europe
Overview
Turin-called Torino in Italian-sits in northern Italy at the edge of the Alps, where cobblestone streets meet grand piazzas, and its long history weaves together art, culture, and industry.Turin, with its graceful baroque facades glowing in the late afternoon sun, is also celebrated as a center of Italian automotive and industrial design, and for its deep connection to the Royal House of Savoy.Let’s take a closer look at Turin-imagine narrow cobblestone streets and the scent of fresh espresso drifting from a corner café: 1.The Mole Antonelliana rises above Turin’s skyline, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, its sharp spire catching the afternoon light.It began life as a synagogue, but today it houses the National Museum of Cinema, where reels of old film glint under soft light.The building’s striking dome and slender spire soar 167 meters into the sky, earning it the title of Europe’s tallest masonry structure.You can ride a glass elevator to the Mole’s summit and take in sweeping views of the city and the snow-dusted Alps.Just a short walk away, Piazza Castello-the heart of Turin-is framed by grand, centuries-old buildings.Here you’ll find the Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale), once home to the House of Savoy, alongside the Palazzo Madama-a striking blend of baroque and medieval design that now holds the Museum of Ancient Art.The square buzzes with life, framed by elegant cafés, small shops, and cultural landmarks.The Royal Palace remains one of Turin’s most important and storied buildings.From the 1500s until the early 1800s, the Savoy Dynasty called it home, its halls echoing with the sound of polished boots on marble floors.The palace dazzles with grand architecture, lush gardens scented with jasmine, and rooms dressed in elegant, hand-carved furniture.Step inside to wander through the Royal Armoury, the Savoia Chapel, and the Royal Gardens, where polished steel and blooming roses hint at the splendor of royal life.Just a short walk away, Turin Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista) draws visitors with the Shroud of Turin, a relic some believe once wrapped the body of Jesus Christ.The cathedral is a striking piece of Renaissance design, its façade plain but graceful, like smooth stone warmed by the afternoon sun.The Shroud rests in a guarded chapel, seldom shown to the public, yet the cathedral still draws pilgrims from afar.Just a short walk away, Piazza San Carlo-often called Turin’s “drawing room”-unfolds with elegant arcades and sunlit stone.Magnificent baroque buildings ring the square, from the ornate façade of the Church of San Carlo to the twin towers of Santa Cristina.Cafes and graceful arcades frame the square, the smell of fresh espresso drifting through the air as you watch the crowd pass by.In the same city, Turin’s Museo Egizio holds one of the world’s greatest troves of Ancient Egyptian treasures, rivaled only by Cairo’s renowned museum.The museum showcases statues, mummies, ancient tombs, and fragile sheets of papyrus, giving visitors a vivid glimpse into Egypt’s rich and captivating past.The museum sits inside a stunning old building with carved stone arches, a real treat for anyone who loves history.Parco del Valentino, Turin’s best-known park, stretches along the Po River, leading to the elegant Castello del Valentino.It’s the perfect place to wander at a relaxed pace or spread out a blanket in the grass for a picnic.In the park stands the Castello del Valentino, a 17th‑century castle with pale stone walls, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.The castle now belongs to the Polytechnic University of Turin, but visitors can still wander its leafy gardens and the Borgo Medievale, a quaint, medieval-style village in the park.Just a short walk away, Piazza Vittorio Veneto stretches wide along the Po River, one of Turin’s grandest and most beautiful squares.Elegant buildings frame the area, and the streets hum with bars, cafés, and restaurants spilling warm light onto the sidewalk.From the square, you can take in sweeping views of the river and the hills fading into the distance, the air cooling as evening settles in-it’s perfect for a slow walk.Turin, birthplace of Italy’s automobile industry, honors that heritage at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, where gleaming vintage cars line the floors.The museum showcases classic cars, including a cherry-red Fiat, a sleek Lancia, and a roaring Ferrari.It traces the story of the automobile from its rattling, open-air beginnings to today’s sleek, high-tech models, making it a must-see for anyone who loves cars.Ten.Perched high on a hill just beyond the city limits, the Superga Basilica looks out over Turin and the rolling green fields that stretch to the horizon.The basilica, built in the 18th century, draws pilgrims from across the region and dazzles with its sweeping Baroque curves and gilded altar.Inside the basilica, you’ll find the tombs of many members of the House of Savoy, their names etched into cool marble.At Porta Palazzo, Europe’s largest open-air market, you can wander past stalls piled high with ripe peaches and fresh bread, soaking in the lively energy of one of Turin’s most vibrant neighborhoods.At the market, you’ll find everything from crisp apples and leafy greens to savory meats, rich cheeses, and fragrant spices.It’s the perfect spot to taste local treats-think earthy truffles, rich chocolate, and cheese that smells like the countryside.The Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, or GAM, ranks among Italy’s top modern art museums, showcasing a remarkable range of 19th- and 20th-century Italian works, from glowing Impressionist canvases to bold abstract pieces.The gallery sits inside a grand neoclassical building, its cool marble halls lined with works by Giorgio de Chirico, Carlo Carrà, and Amedeo Modigliani.The museum also puts on rotating shows of contemporary art, sometimes featuring pieces so fresh the paint still smells.The Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice rises grandly in the heart of Turin, its pale stone glowing in the afternoon sun, and stands as one of the city’s most important places of worship.It’s dedicated to Mary, Help of Christians-the Virgin Mary under a title cherished by believers.The basilica, tied to St. John Bosco-the founder of the Salesian order-holds graceful artwork and a quiet hush that makes you slow your steps.The Lingotto Building, once a bustling Fiat factory with the scent of machine oil in the air, now houses sleek galleries, lively shops, and the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli.Long ago, the rooftop held a sleek test track where Fiat cars roared through tight curves, and you can still spot its looping path from high above.It’s also home to the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli, where you can stand inches from paintings by Modigliani, Canaletto, and Tiepolo.Turin is known for its chocolate-especially the smooth, hazelnut-rich gianduiotto that melts on your tongue.Turin boasts some of Italy’s finest chocolate shops, like Caffè Al Bicerin, where you can sip the rich, layered Bicerin-espresso, thick chocolate, and cool cream in a small glass.The city’s also celebrated for its hearty cuisine, from plump agnolotti to garlicky bagna càuda and nutty toma cheese.Tucked behind the Royal Palace, Turin’s Royal Gardens offer a quiet stretch of green where you might hear leaves rustle above the city’s bustle.The gardens are beautifully landscaped, with shady paths beneath rows of trees, the splash of fountains, and statues catching the afternoon light.It’s the perfect place for a slow walk under the trees or a picnic with a blanket spread on the grass.All year long, Turin comes alive with festivals and cultural events, from lively street parades to open-air concerts in the piazzas.Among the standout events is the Torino Film Festival, a lively gathering that shines a spotlight on films from around the world, from quiet street dramas to sweeping epics.The Salone Internazionale del Libro, or International Book Fair, draws writers, publishers, and readers from every corner of the globe, filling the air with the scent of fresh ink and paper.In Turin, centuries-old palaces stand beside sleek cafés, a blend of history and modern culture that makes the city irresistible to travelers.You might wander through grand royal palaces, breathe in the cool air by the Po River, or savor rich chocolate and hearty local dishes-whatever you choose, Turin leaves you with memories you won’t forget.With its ornate Baroque facades, lively art festivals, and centuries-old piazzas, it’s a must-see for anyone passing through northern Italy.
Landmarks in Turin
