It is a city of majestic architecture, elegance and antiquity at the same time. From 1861 to 1865 it was the capital of all Italy, and now it is not only a beautiful city, but also a place of interesting cultural initiatives, such as the international Book Salon, or the Salon of Taste, which the organizers of the Slow Food Association are proud of.
Turin is a mysterious and two-faced city: together with Lyon and Prague, it forms the so-called "devil's triangle". And at the same time, it is here that one of the most famous relics in the world is kept - the sacred shroud. There are countless reasons to visit this wonderful city.
(Mole Antonelliana)
This building towering above the city - the symbol of Turin - was originally conceived as the main synagogue. In 1863, the construction of the tower began under the direction of the architect Alessandro Antonelli. When, by 1876, he decided, contrary to his original intention, to significantly increase the height of the tower, the Jewish community refused to continue to finance its construction. Only in 1889 the city authorities completed the construction. Now, on a modern panoramic elevator, you can go up to the very spire of the tower and see the whole of Turin under your feet. But 163 meters in height is not the only advantage of Mole Antonelliana. The building itself now houses the Museum of Cinematography, where you can get acquainted with the history of the big screen - from the birth of cinema to the present.
Mole Antonelliana. Photo paesionline.it
The museum is open all days of the week except Monday from 10.00 to 20.00, Saturday from 10.00 to 23.00. A full ticket to the museum costs 6.50 euros, a reduced ticket costs 2 euros. The rise on the panoramic elevator will cost 4.50 euros (preferential - 3.20). A single ticket "museum + sightseeing lift" costs 8 euros, reduced - 4.50.
Skyscraper Intesa Sanpaolo
Glass, steel and green oases. Mayor Fassino: "It will become another symbol of the city."
The skyscraper Intesa Sanpaolo, designed by the architect Renzo Piano, opened in the city center, between Corso Vittorio and Corso Ingilterra. The skyscraper, which will house more than 2,000 employees of Italy's first banking group, will be the new headquarters of Intesa Sanpaolo in Turin. The skyscraper is made in the style of eco-building: double cladding of the facade, geothermal power supply, LED lighting.
The project's chief architect, Renzo Piano, highlighted two important characteristics of his own work in Turin: "The skyscraper is self-contained (Energy Intelligence system) and open to the city, two key elements that today constitute the essence of modern architecture." Some floors of the skyscraper are actually open to the public, especially the last three floors, which are home to a greenhouse with a restaurant and cafe. As the mayor of Turin, Fassino, said, "the skyscraper will become a symbol of the city and of real modern innovation."
Address: Corso Inghilterra n°3
Piazza Castello
This area can be considered a real "foothold" of Turin: since the ancient Roman era, city life has always been seething here. The most important buildings of Turin overlook the square: the Royal Palace, the Royal Theater built in 1700, the regional government building, the Government Palace (currently the seat of the prefecture), the Armory and the Royal Library, which, among other things, contains the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
Piazza Castello. Royal Palace. Photo industriadelturismo.com
The four main streets of Turin originate from here: Via Roma, Via Pietro Micca, Via Po and Via Garibaldi, which, by the way, is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.
In the center of the square rises Madama's palace. Piazza Castello was designed in 1584 by Ascanio Vitozzi, when there was already a castle of the 13th century, which fit perfectly into the new project and was later decorated by Filippo Juvarra with a baroque facade.
Madama Palace (Palazzo Madama) and Museum of Ancient Art
It is located in the center of Piazza Castello, and its magnificent facade of the 18th century is perfectly visible from Garibaldi Street. The palace got its name in the 17th century, when the mother of Charles Emmanuel II, Maria Christina of France, who at that time ruled the country, chose the palace as her residence in 1637.
View of Madama Palace from above. Photo museionline.it
Currently, there is a museum of ancient art. The collections are located on four floors, traveling through which you can see a collection of works of art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, a collection of paintings from the 17th-18th centuries, see the famous "Portrait of a Man" by Antonello da Messina, stored in the Treasure Tower, and admire unique ivory products , ceramics, glass, fabrics and precious stones.
One of the halls of the museum of ancient art. Photo torinomia.com
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.00, on Sunday - from 10.00 to 20.00. Day off - Monday. The cost of a full ticket is 7.5 euros. The first Tuesday of each month, admission to the museum is free.
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (Duomo di San Giovanni)
The cathedral is dedicated to the heavenly patron of Turin - St. John the Baptist. It was built between 1491 and 1498 at the behest of Cardinal Domenico della Rovere and designed by the Tuscan architect Meo del Caprina. In the 17th century, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, designed by the architect Guarino Guarini, was added to the building.
Cathedral of John the Baptist and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. Photo comune.torino.it
This chapel houses the famous canvas, in which, according to legend, the body of Jesus Christ was wrapped after he was taken down from the cross, and on which the imprint of his image remained. Numerous pilgrims flock here to see the holy relic with their own eyes. Despite a strong fire on the night of April 11-12, 1997, which severely damaged a significant part of the chapel, the Holy Shroud was saved from the fire. Restoration work is still ongoing in the chapel itself, and the sacred canvas has since been stored in a special container in which certain atmospheric conditions are maintained.
Shroud of Turin. Photo deviaggio.info
In the lower church of the cathedral, the "Museum of Sacred Art" is open to visitors.
Egyptian Museum (Museo delle Antichità Egizie)
It has existed in Turin for almost two centuries and is considered second in importance after a similar museum in Cairo. The museum originates in 1826 from the collection of Carlo Felice, acquired from the French consul in Egypt, Bernardino Drovetti. Subsequently, the collection was significantly expanded largely thanks to the efforts of the Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli, who headed the museum in 1894 and organized the first Italian expedition to Egypt. Among the most interesting exhibits of the museum are the Turin papyrus (or royal canon), which helps to understand the succession of the successive rulers of Egypt, the papyrus of the gold mines, the untouched tomb of the architect Kha and his wife Merit. One of the latest significant acquisitions is the rocky temple of Ellisia, donated to Italy by the Egyptian government for its contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Egypt.
Museum exhibits. Photo sallyfischerpr.com
The Egyptian Museum is located in a 17th-century palace, which is also the seat of the Academy of Sciences. The cost of a full entrance ticket is 7.5 euros, a reduced ticket is 3.5 euros (including for young people aged 18-25), free of charge for those under 18 years of age, military and disabled people. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 to 19.30.
Basilica of Superga
Also known as the Royal Basilica of Superga, it rises above the hill of the same name in the east of Turin, offering magnificent views of the city and the Alps. The basilica was built by King Vittorio Amedeo II (designed by the Messinian Filippo Juvarra) as a gratitude to the Virgin Mary for the victory over the French, who besieged Turin in 1706, and is a true masterpiece of 18th century Baroque architecture.
Basilica of Superga. Photo abbeytravel.it
By the will of Vittorio Amedeo III, a crypt in the form of a Latin cross was built in the underground part of the basilica, in which the remains of representatives of the Savoy dynasty are located.
The Basilica is open to the public from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00 in winter and until 18.00 in summer.
Valentino Castle and Park (Castello e Parco del Valentino)
And the park of the same name is located in the city center, on the banks of the Po River. It is assumed that the name of the castle was named after St. Valentine, whose remains are kept in a crystal casket in the Church of St. Vitus, located on a hill overlooking the Valentino Park. According to another version, the opening of this park took place on February 14 - a holiday when every lady called her gentleman Valentine.
The castle itself was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a fortification, and in 1564 it was acquired by Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy. In 1620, Marie Christina of France had the castle rebuilt in the French style to remind her of the castles of the Loire. It is said that the duchess chose this castle specifically for meetings with her lovers, whom she then disposed of by throwing them to the bottom of the well...
The castle has a horseshoe shape with four towers and a courtyard with a marble floor. Today it is used for various exhibitions.
Castle Valentino. Photo visitporiver.it
The castle of Valentino is surrounded by a beautiful park where the people of Turin love to spend their time. In the past, flower exhibitions were held in this park, including Flor 1961 - from this exhibition in the park there were "Rocky Garden" and "Mountain Garden", rich in small waterfalls, streams and fountains. One of the park's most beautiful rococo fountains is the Twelve Months Fountain.
Fountain "Twelve months". Photo skyscrapercity.com
Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina)
It is the best preserved Roman gate of the 1st century BC, which served as the northern entrance to the ancient Roman settlement of Julia Augusta Taurinorum, on the site of which modern Turin arose. At the bottom of the imposing ancient structure, you can still see the furrows left by passing wagons. Two polygonal towers on both sides of the gate were built much later, in the Middle Ages. The name of the gate comes from the Latin Porta Palatii - "Palace Gate".
Palatine gate. Photo panoramio.com
How to get there
And it is best to go to the discovery of the sights of charming Turin by private car. For travelers, such an option is available as car rental in Turin. By ordering a car in advance, while still at home, you can save a lot. "Italy in Russian" advises you to turn to the services of the popular rentalcars gigantic service, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Italy.
For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi in Turin with a Russian-speaking driver. It is possible to pick up and order a taxi through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: You just need to choose where and where you need to get from. At the specified time, at the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.
The sights of which attract millions of tourists, preserved for posterity priceless architectural monuments - true examples of the heritage of the Italian land.
Each of its streets has its own secret or just an interesting story, which is why staying in this corner of Italy promises a lot of unforgettable impressions and bright events.
It was here that in 2006 the Olympics in Turin were held, which opened the city to the whole world, previously little known to the public.
What to see in Turin?
Attractions
According to avid tourists in Turin, in one day you can see the most important sights, among which the following are especially popular:
- Turin Cathedral or Cathedral of John the Baptist in Turin(Duomo di San Giovani) or the Cathedral - all these are the names of the same building in different years, was built in the period 1491-1498. in the center of the city, to which the Chapel of the Holy Shroud was added in the 17th century, where the Shroud of Turin is now located.
Currently, the Museum of Sacred Art is open on the lower floor of the cathedral, a visit to which makes it possible to see its exact copy.
The original is stored in a safe place and brought to the people once every 25 years, that is, already in 2025. Opening hours - daily 7.00-19.00 with a lunch break 12.30-15.00;
The Cathedral of John the Baptist in Turin was built between 1491-1498. downtown
- Egyptian Museum in Turin(Museo delle Antichita Egizie) - built in 1826 in the very center of the city and offers visitors rare samples of Egyptian expeditions, where you can look at the Turin papyrus - the royal canon and the rocky temple of Elisius, in total over 30,000 exhibits from different times of the reign of the pharaohs. Opening hours - daily 8.30-19.30, closed on Monday and December 25 on Christmas Day;
The Egyptian Museum houses the Turin papyrus and samples of Egyptian expeditions.
- Valentino Castle in Turin(Castello del Valentino) - built in the XIII century in honor of the saint of the same name on the coast of the river PO, for a long time played the role of a fortress, which resembles a horseshoe, has four towers and a courtyard with a floor of pure marble.
In the modern world, it serves as a place where exhibitions are held.
Opens at 9.00 and closes at 20.30 on weekdays, on weekends from 11.30 to 17.00;
- (Palazzo Reale) - located near Piazza Castello and was built in the 16th century, which is considered a true monument of art. Particularly impressive are the Royal Gardens behind the palace, where you can admire the numerous fountains and sculptures. Opening hours - from Tuesday to Sunday 8.30-20.30;
The Royal Palace of Turin was built in the 16th century
- Automobile Museum in Turin(Museo dell'Automobile) - in its modern form, the museum appeared in 2014, where, in addition to exhibits, you can go to the science center, restaurant and library.
Three floors of the building offer cars from different eras, starting from 1899.
Opening hours - Monday from 10.00 to 14.00, Tuesday from 14.00 to 19.00, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00, Friday, Saturday from 10.00 to 21.00;
- Palace Madama(Madama Palazzo) is a unique attraction under the protection of UNESCO, which keeps within its walls the Museum of Ancient Art. Here you can get acquainted with rare archaeological exhibits from the time of the Roman Empire. Opening hours - any day of the week except Monday from 10.00 to 18.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 20.00;
After watching the video, you will enjoy the views of this beautiful palace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Rl2m2aGzu8 - Mole Antonelliana is considered to be the symbol of Turin and impresses with its unusual tetrahedral shape of the building with a dome and a spire.
Tourists are invited to climb to the top platform on a panoramic elevator, from where a wonderful view of the whole city opens.
Opening hours - daily from 9.00 to 20.00; on Saturday until 23.00;
- Royal Theater(Teatro Regio) - the oldest theater in Italy, which was built in 1740 and can accommodate about 1750 people at the same time, working hours - daily from 10.00 to 19.00;
Royal Theater - the oldest theater in Italy
- Olympic Stadium(Stadio Olimpico di Torino) - located between the Egyptian Museum and the Royal Palace, today it is the home ground of the Torino football club and can accommodate up to 28 thousand people.
You can admire the sights of Turin by watching the video:
Holidays and festivals in Turin
Turin celebrates many holidays.
The brightest and most interesting of them, according to tourists:
What is the best thing to see in Turin? The place where the Olympic Games were held in Turin or the majestic museums of Turin should be decided by the vacationer himself.
Either way, it's definitely worth a visit.
Turin was actually the first capital of Italy and for many years was the cultural and economic center of the country. Located in northwestern Italy in the Po Valley, Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Turin, at various times, was occupied by other peoples and states. Between the 1300s and 1600s, the city grew considerably and acquired much of its fantastic architecture and cultural heritage.
Turin, which had suffered in the Second World War, was quickly rebuilt, and its automobile industry became one of the determining factors in the Italian economic revival. A fantastic combination of antiquity and modernity, as well as the many sights of Turin, can be seen by taking a fascinating tour of the city.
Egyptian Museum. | Photo: Andrea Volpato / Flickr. This Turin institution, opened in 1824 and located in the Palace of the Academy of Sciences, contains the leading collection of Egyptian treasures outside of Cairo. Among its special exhibits are the statue of Ramses II, which is one of the most important works of Egyptian art in the world, and an extensive collection of papyrus.
Here you can also see 500 funerary and household items from the tomb of Kha, the chief architect under the pharaoh, and his wife Merit, dating back to 1400 BC and found in 1906.
Both anthropomorphic sarcophagi are incredibly touching, but Merit's plaster mask, covered in gold leaf and inlaid with glass inlays, is one of the most truly beautiful pieces ever displayed here.
Address: Museo Egizio, Via Accademia delle Scienze, Turin, Italy.
Museum of the Castello di Rivoli. | Photo: Ralf Steinberger / Flickr. The Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art was founded in 1984, after the adventurous people of Turin realized that contemporary art could become a unique feature of the city. The desire and desire to achieve results, not to mention good regional funding, has since become the envy of the art world of Milan, Venice and Rome.
The museum's permanent collection contains a significant number of arte povera works that fit perfectly into the historical setting, along with works from the transavant-garde, minimalist, body and land art styles.
Address: Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, Piazzale Mafalda di Savoia, Rivoli, Turin, Italy.
National Automobile Museum. | Photo: Alexander Schimmeck / Flickr. As the historic home of one of the world's leading manufacturers, and the "T" in FIAT stands for Turin, Turin is an obvious place for a car museum. This stunning modern museum, located about 5 km south of the city center, will not disappoint with its precious collection of over 200 cars, from an 1892 Peugeot to a red 1980 Ferrari 308.
The museum, instead of leaving you helplessly to contemplate boring engines, takes you on an exciting journey through three themed floors. On the first floor, you can trace the chronology of cars, starting from the very first models, the second is devoted to the design of the car, and the exhibition on the third floor raises the most important topic of the problem of congestion and pollution.
Address: Museo dell'Automobile di Torino, Corso Unità d'Italia, Turin, Italy.
Arguably the most intriguing son of his city, the architect, designer and artist Carlo Mollino is the quintessential 20th century Turinian.
The little-known Casa Mollino museum is a testament to his wild and opulent aesthetic, the craftsmanship of the craftsman, as well as his many obsessions. There he also shot numerous theatrical erotic Polaroid portraits.
Today, father and son Fulvio and Napoleone Ferrari are faithful guardians of his eccentric legacy, persuasive translators and storytellers. The museum will appeal to those who love 20th century art and architecture.
Address: Casa Mollino, Via Giovanni Francesco Napione, Turin, Italy.
It may not be as famous as its French counterpart, but it is nonetheless the largest royal residence in the world, saved from ruin by a 10-year, €235 million restoration project.
Huge, spectacular, regal, but oddly underappreciated, this UNESCO-listed Baroque palace complex was built as a glorified hunting castle in 1675 by the frivolous Duke of Savoy, Carlo Emanuel II.
Among the most important treasures left behind by the former rulers is a vast garden complex, a sparkling deer fountain with water shows, the ostentatious Grand Gallery, and the adjoining stables of Capella di Sant'Uberto and Juvarra. The last three were designed by the great Sicilian architect Filippo Juvarra in the 1720s.
Address: Reggia di Venaria Reale, Piazza della Repubblica, Venaria, Turin, Italy.
A promise made by Vittorio Amadeo II of Savoy in 1706 to build a basilica in honor of the Virgin Mary if Turin was saved from the siege of the French and Spanish army led to the construction on a hill near the Po river, a magnificent "wedding cake".
The Basilica of Superga, built by the architect Filippo Juvarra, was the last refuge of the Savoy family, and the magnificent tombs here, as well as the dome, make the object an interesting one to visit.
In 1949, the basilica gained notoriety after a plane carrying the entire Turin football team crashed into the church due to thick fog. All on board perished, their graves are at the back of the church.
Address: Basilica di Superga, Strada Basilica di Superga, Turin, Italy.
Turin Cathedral (Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista)
Turin Cathedral was erected between 1491 and 1498 on the site of three 14th-century basilicas, before the construction of which there was a Roman theater.
This church is extremely popular with tourists and parishioners as a place of storage of a Christian relic, the Shroud of Turin, in which the body of Jesus Christ is supposed to have been wrapped.
Unfortunately, the famous matter is not on display, but you can see the place of its storage and watch a video about it.
The Romanesque bell tower looks much older than it actually is, it was designed by Juvarra and built in 1723. A little to the north lie the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre, and a little further to the northwest is the Porta Palatina, the remains of a red-brick Roman-era gate.
Address: Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, Piazza San Giovanni, Turin, Italy.
After a major renovation, this important museum was reopened in 2011 on the centenary of the Risorgimento, that is, the period of unification of fragmented Italy.
An interesting route through 30 magnificent halls clearly demonstrates the creation of a modern Italian state. Many key historical events took place here in the Baroque Palazzo Carignano. Not only were Carlo Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele II born here, but the first parliament of united Italy met from 1861 to 1864.
Address: Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano, Via Accademia delle Scienze, Turin, Italy.
Hot tours:
On the roof of the Lingotto Fiere exhibition centre, 3 km south of the centre, this cozy gallery houses the private collection of the late Fiat chief Gianni Agnelli. Among others, there are masterpieces by Canaletto, Renoir, Manet, Matisse and Picasso.
In addition to the magnificent paintings, you will be able to see the famous test race track, which is located right there on the roof of Lingotto.
Address: Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli, Via Nizza 230, Turin, Italy.
Piazza Castello. Museums, theaters and cafes are located in the central square of Turin. The Savoyard heart of the city, although laid down from the mid-1300s, was mostly built in the 16th and 18th centuries. The most notable here is the Palazzo Madama, partly looking like a gloomy medieval castle, with baroque elements, which is the original seat of the Italian parliament.
To the north is the ornate façade of the Palazzo Reale, a royal palace built for Carlo Emanuele II in the mid-1600s.
Address: Piazza Castello, Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy.
Paintings in the arte povera style by Mario Merz, a prominent representative of this movement, who was born in Milan, but lived most of his creative life in Turin, can be seen in a building that was converted from the former Lancia thermal plant.
It regularly organizes exhibitions of his work and expositions of Italian contemporary art, and also hosts an international award for emerging artists every two years.
Address: Fondazione Merz, Via Limone, Turin, Italy.
There is something to see in Turin and art lovers. GAM or Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea is one of the first modern art museums in Italy, its funds contain 45,000 paintings by European artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including di Chirico, Otto Dix and Klee.
This is an excellent place to expand your knowledge of the post-war period in Italy, as the museum exhibits paintings by Paolini, Boetti, Anselmo, Penone and Pistoletto.
Address: GAM - Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Via Magenta, Turin, Italy.
Reminiscent of a white cube, this classic contemporary gallery space was created by influential Italian curator Francesco Bonami.
Excellent exhibition programs are organized in its halls, with such eminent Italians as Maurizio Cattelan, provocative thematic shows are often arranged, bringing middle-aged Europeans closer to the younger generation.
Address: Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Via Modane, Turin, Italy.
The state-of-the-art Juventus Stadium houses a museum that will dazzle you with its silver, containing 32 Serie A titles and other themed exhibits, and on a tour you will be proudly told how they were collected. On match days, while visiting the museum, behind the scenes you can see the preparation of the team for the upcoming game.
Address: Juventus Museum, Via Druento, Turin, Italy.
Statues of the mythical twins Castor and Pollux guard the entrance to this beautiful palace. And according to rumors, they also guard the magical border that runs between the sacred and devilish halves of the city. Built for Carlo Emanuele II in 1646, the palace has splendidly decorated rooms with many luxurious pieces of furniture, porcelain and other decorative items.
The picturesque garden extending to the north and east of the palace was designed in 1697 by the landscape architect André Le Nôtre, who, by the way, also created the amazing gardens at Versailles.
When visiting the Royal Palace, you can see the Sabauda Gallery, which is a personal collection of works of art of the Savoy Monarchy, which was collected more than 400 years ago and includes precious stones from Van Dyck, Rubens and Lippi.
The 2012 collection is housed in the Manica Nuova, the new wing of the Palazzo Reale.
Address: Palazzo Reale di Torino, Piazzetta Reale, Turin, Italy.
Museum of Ettore Fico. | Photo: regine debatty / Flickr. This truly exciting new space joins the already dazzling collection of Turin's contemporary art foundations.
Housed in an old factory in a rapidly growing post-industrial area north of the Dora River, the museum hosts three major shows a year, with high-profile monographic displays as well as installations by contemporary artists, along with design, fashion and film screenings.
Also on display are works by Ettore Fico, the late Turin artist to whom the museum is dedicated.
Address: MEF Museo Ettore Fico, Via Francesco Cigna, Turin, Italy.
National Film Museum. | Photo: Frederique Voisin-Demery / Flickr. Located in Mole Antonelliana, this fascinating museum will take you on a fantastic journey through the history of cinema. Among the exhibits here are a lace bustier of Marilyn Monroe, Peter O'Toole's bathrobe from Lawrence of Arabia, and the coffin of Count Dracula Bela Lugosi.
At the heart of the museum, a huge temple hall is surrounded by 10 interactive chapels dedicated to various genres of cinema.
Address: Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Via Montebello, Turin, Italy.
The former Fiat factory in Turin, one of the most famous examples of early 20th century industrial architecture in Italy, is located 5 km south of the city centre. It was redesigned by architect Renzo Piano in the 1980s to house an exhibition center, a university campus and a hotel.
Address: Torino Lingotto Fiere, Via Nizza, Turin, Italy.
This castle, built in the 13th century in a medieval style with baroque elements on the site of an ancient Roman gate, was named after Maria Cristina, widow of Vittorio Amadeo I, Duke of Savoy from 1630 to 1637.
Today, the majority of the building houses a museum with a total of four floors containing mostly decorative art from the Middle Ages to the Unification period, along with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
Address: Museo Civico D'arte Antica - Palazzo Madama, Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy.
This 167-meter tower, symbol of Turin with its distinctive aluminum spire, is depicted on the Italian two-cent coin. It was originally conceived as a synagogue when construction began in 1863, but the tower was never actually used as a religious place of worship and currently houses the National Film Museum.
To enjoy a stunning 360-degree view, take the panoramic elevator up to a height of 85 meters to where the observation deck is located.
Address: Mole Antonelliana, Via Montebello, Turin, Italy.
Shroud Museum. This most interesting museum, located in the crypt of the church of Santo Sudario, keeps one of the most studied artifacts in the history of mankind - the Holy Shroud. Despite the dubious authenticity of the shroud, its history is a mysterious mystery with countless intrigues and revelations.
Note that the shroud itself is not on display here, but is kept in the Duomo, and is sometimes displayed by order of the Pope.
Address: Museo della Sindone, Via San Domenico, Turin, Italy.
Valentino park. Opened in 1856, this 555,000 sqm French-style park descends directly to the banks of the River Po. Today, day and night, it is full of joggers, leisurely walkers and, of course, couples in love.
A walk southwest along the river will take you to the splendid Castello del Valentino, built in the 17th century, which opens its doors only for special occasions.
Address: Parco del Valentino, Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, Turin, Italy.
Palatine Towers (Porta Palatina)
Modest and not very popular with the guests of the city, the gates of the Porta Palatina are, in fact, one of the best preserved Roman gates in the world of the 1st century BC. Together with the ruins of the Roman city walls, they form a small but beautiful open-air archaeological park.
Address: Porta Palatina, Piazza Cesare Augusto, Turin, Italy.
One of the magnificent twin churches in Piazza San Carlo, made in the Baroque style, was dedicated to the Catholic saint Carlo Borromeo, Charles Emanuele I in 1619, although the church facade itself dates only to 1834.
Address: Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo, Piazza San Carlo, Turin, Italy.
The Museum of San Severino Silvia e Mauro is perhaps the most interesting contemporary private gallery in Turin. The exhibition can equally represent both a local artist and an eccentric New Yorker.
Address: PRIVATEVIEW Gallery, Via Goito, Turin, Italy.
Known for its great theatres, pompous streets, amazing museums and incredible history. This is a city built in the Baroque, Gothic and Rococo styles. If you admire the culture of the Renaissance, adore the architecture of the neoclassical or modern era, then you need to pack your suitcase, backpack and rush to meet adventures!
After reading this text, you will learn about the main attractions of Turin and Italy, as well as see beautiful photos with a detailed description of the most interesting places.
city architecture
Mole Antonelliana
One of the most memorable sights of Turin is an amazing building - Mole Antonelliana. The Eiffel Tower is a symbol, and Mole Antonelliana is a symbol of atmospheric Turin. You may even have seen photographs with this building on postcards, magnets, souvenirs that tourists tirelessly bring with them in memory of their trip to. Today, there is a cinema museum in the building of Mole Antonelliana, which will pleasantly impress and surprise you with its expositions. Here you will learn everything about the history of cinema, from the work of the Lumieri brothers to the shocking works of François Ozon.
Mole Antonelliana can be found at: Via Montebello, Torino, Italy.
The museum receives guests almost every day from 9 am to 8 pm, and on Saturdays it works more - until 11 am.
Day off: Tuesday.
The ticket costs 10 EUR.
Basilica of Superga
Basilica of Superga- this is a historically rich baroque building, within the walls of which is the tomb of all Piedmontese kings, starting with Victor Amadeus I. The building of the Basilica of Superga was rebuilt into a temple, when Victor Amadeus II and Eugene of Savoy, watching in it how the Spaniards besiege Turin, made a promise, that if the city endures the struggle, they will build a magnificent temple here. And so it happened.
In this temple there is a memorial in memory of the death of the entire Torino football team. The tragedy happened in May 1949, when the plane collided with the dome of the Basilica of Superga due to thick fog. All passengers, namely 31 people, did not survive.
Contact phone: 011 899 7456.
Palace Madama
One of the most visited attractions in Turin is Palace Madama. This building was born in the distant Middle Ages. At that time, kings held receptions, political meetings, etc. here. It is very interesting why this place began to be called Madama's Palace. The fact is that at the beginning of the 18th century widows lived here - ladies of high birth who lost their husbands, for example, Marie-Christine of France. And in the twentieth century, the palace was transformed into a museum of ancient culture. The building of the Palace contains amazing expositions of Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Website of the Palace: http://www.palazzomadamatorino.it/it
Tickets cost about 10-12 EUR.
Day off: Tuesday.
If you want to see other architectural sights of the city, we suggest that you use this list to help you find out what you can see in Turin in one day:
- Palantine Gate(Torino, Via Porta Palatina);
- Cathedral of John the Baptist(Torino, Via 20 Settembre, 79);
- University of Turin;
- Church of San Lorenzo(Torino, Palazzo di Citta,);
- palace gate;
- Medieval town.
Main museums in Turin
Museum of Egyptian Culture in Turin is an unusual place with an incredible collection of expositions of Egyptian art. The pride of the museum Turin papyrus map, which is considered the oldest geographical map in the world.
In the 18th century, Charles Emmanuel III became interested in culture and ordered the construction of a museum, in which he transferred his huge collection of exhibits. Here you can see some burial items from the tombs of the beautiful Queen Nefertiti and the legendary Pharaoh Ramses II and much more.
Website of the Egyptian Museum: http://www.museoegizio.it/
Working hours:
- on Monday - from 9 am to 2 pm;
- from Tuesday to Sunday - from 9 to 18:30.
The ticket price is 15 EUR.
National Automobile Museum- this is a very interesting place in Turin, where you will get acquainted with the history of the creation of the first cars, learn the names of famous people involved in cars, and, of course, see the legendary car models. If you watched the movie "Arizona Dream" and really wanted to be in Uncle Leo's store, then you will love this museum.
There is also a library with thematic literature, a cozy cafe and a science center. Today, this museum is considered one of the most popular places in Turin.
Opening hours of the automobile museum:
- usually the museum opens at 9 am and is open until 6 pm, but there are exceptions:
- Tuesdays from 14:00 to 07:00;
- Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm.
Ticket price:
- 12 EUR;
- pensioners, children from six years old, people with disabilities, students - 8 EUR;
- schoolchildren - 2, 5 EUR.
Turin squares
Castello Square is the heart of Turin. Here you can appreciate many of the sights of Turin in one day. In the center of the Castello is the magnificent Palazzo Madama, which is the main decoration of the square. Also nearby is the Royal Theater and the huge Royal Library. Here you will not get bored, as there are many shopping centers, a cinema, cozy restaurants and cafes on the square.
Piazza Castello can be easily found at: Piazza Castello, Torino, Italy.
Piazza San Carlo It is a favorite place for locals and tourists. Various events are often held here: music concerts, poetry evenings, festivals of young talents and loud celebrations of the sporting achievements of the Juventus football team. This is a favorite place for creative youth, the poetic elite of the city, who are used to spending their evenings in numerous cafeterias and restaurants. In San Carlo, you can always meet interesting people who will help you get to know this city better.
- Museum of the Risorgimento(Torino);
- Piazza and Palazzo Carignano(Piazza Carignano, Torino);
- Royal Theater(Piazza Castello, Torino);
- Cathedral of John the Baptist(Torino);
- Basilica of Superga(Torino).
In this video, a trip to Italian Turin by one tourist, I hope you will find his advice useful! Enjoy watching!
Where in Turin to go with children?
- Art & Cafe Le Meridien- this is the best cafe for children, where you will be provided with a nanny for your baby (Via Nizza, 230, Torino);
- car museum(Torino);
- Lingotto(Via Nizza, Torino);
- "Fratelli La Cozza"(Corso Regio Parco, Torino);
- Ecological Museum(Corso Umbria, Torino);
- "Ristohsawa"- this is a very suitable place for vegans, vegetarians, children and adults who suffer from allergies (Largo Montebello, Torino);
- Valentine's Park(Torino).
This wonderful city will not leave you indifferent. Turin will surprise you with its sights, beauties, history and hospitality.
If you have already been to Turin, please share your impressions and beautiful photos. And to those lucky ones who are just going to visit this atmospheric city, we sincerely wish you a successful trip and a sea of discoveries!
Italian Turin is one of the most popular tourist cities in Italy. The name of the city is translated as "small bull". The coat of arms of Turin depicts a golden bull. According to a local sign, it is believed that if you step on the belly of a bull, then wealth awaits you. In the city everywhere you can find the image of this animal.
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General information
Among the largest cities in Italy Turin ranks fourth. It is radically different in style from other cities in the country. Even having visited Rome, Naples and, tourists cannot imagine what awaits them in Turin. For example, there is a museum here, which has no equal in all of Europe - the Egyptian Museum. In terms of the diversity and richness of its exposition, it can even compete with the museum of Cairo.
On the map, Turin is located in the north of the country, in the Piedmont region.
From an esoteric point of view, the city is also very interesting. It is included in the so-called devil's triangle, the corners of which are Turin, Lyon and Prague.
What to see in Turin? In this city, be sure to visit:
- Piazza Castello;
- Castle Madama;
- Egyptian Museum;
- Royal Palace;
- Cathedral of John the Baptist.
City `s history
At the present time, it does not occur to anyone to doubt that Turin is an Italian city. During the years of its existence, Turin was not only Italian. Over the centuries, many armies have conquered it. The Romans laid the foundation of the city. In the 8th century, the Duchy of Langobard was located here, and in the 16th century, the Savoy dynasty ruled here. Turin was the center of the Sardinian kingdom and only much later - of Italy. Each new ruler tried not to destroy, but to strengthen, enrich and decorate the city.
The real development in Turin began after it became the capital of the Italian Republic. Changes, first of all, affected industrialization. Now only Milan can compete with Turin in terms of the level of industrialization in Italy. All over the world, this city is known as the place where FIAT cars were first produced. In general, cars have been produced here since the end of the 19th century. This is not only passenger, but also agricultural, commercial, industrial vehicles.
If you look at the map of Italy, you can see that the most important transport routes of the country pass through Turin.
Comparisons to Paris
Often Turin, whose sights are distinguished by elegance and grace, is called "Italian Paris".
Usually, Italian old buildings are only of historical value and do not differ in external beauty. The same cannot be said about the buildings of Turin. Moreover, local buildings not only look great, but also form a harmonious composition. All of them are built in the same artistic style. Descriptions of sights cannot convey the beauty of local architecture. You can appreciate it only in photographs or by coming here in person.
Castello Square
There are two special squares in Turin - Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello. The heart of the city is the square, or, as they call it here, Piazza Castello. The architect who designed it, Ascanio Vitozzi, was inspired by the 13th century Madama Castle located here.
Elements of the architecture of the palace can also be found on the square. On the sides of Piazza Castello are the city theater, the Royal Palace, the library. The palace library contains a masterpiece of world art - a self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci.
Palazzo Madama
Castle, or Palazzo Madama often referred to as two-faced. This is because it is made in the Baroque style on the outside, and in the medieval style on the inside. On old maps of the city, an ancient Roman camp is marked on the site of this object. Its layout was reflected in the architecture of the Palazzo.
The name of the castle is associated with Margaret of Austria, who lived here. The inhabitants of the city called it “Madama” among themselves, and therefore the name of the Palazzo Madama was quite attached to the whole building. During a tour of the castle, you can see household items from the times of Margaret of Austria. There is an exhibition of paintings and jewelry from those times.
For comparison, visit another palace in Turin, the Palazzo Reale, or the Royal Palace. Princess Christina of France lived here in the 17th century.
Cathedral of John the Baptist
This cathedral was built during the Renaissance and is a typical representative of the architecture of that era. The Cathedral of John the Baptist is very popular among tourists from different countries. There are also many Russian tourists here. The fact is that it contains one of the most famous Christian relics - the Holy Shroud. The same Shroud, in which the body of Jesus Christ was wrapped after his death, is kept in the chapel of the building.
In the last century, a fire broke out in the cathedral. After him, security measures were strengthened here - the Holy Shroud is protected by six layers of bulletproof glass. So that from time to time the fabric does not collapse - it lies in a special container where a constant temperature is maintained, there are no bacteria and a special mixture of argon, nitrogen and oxygen is pumped. The relic is shown to the parishioners of the cathedral once every 25 years. The next time the Shroud will be taken out of the container will be in 2025.
Not far from the cathedral is the Shroud Museum, where you can learn everything about this artifact.
Mole Antonellana Tower
This tower, like the Royal Palace in Turin, is one of the main symbols of the city. She is known for her shape. Mole Antonellana Tower made in the form of an inverted glass. Its height is 167 meters. It is the tallest man-made tower in the world.
Inside the building there is a cinema museum. It occupies five floors. The exposition of the museum tells the history of Italian cinema from its inception to the present day. There are books, posters, drawings, photographs, one way or another related to Italian cinema. The total number of presented exhibits is about 20 thousand.
One of the halls of the museum is equipped so that You can watch 20 movies at the same time. The screens here are not only on the walls, but also on the ceiling of the room. The museum boasts a huge collection of films, more than 12 thousand tapes. It stores paintings of completely different genres, different periods of time and directors.
There are also special active rooms in the cinema museum, where any visitor can transform into a movie hero.
Museum of Egyptian Culture
This Turin museum houses tens of thousands of exhibits, many of which are absolutely unique. The most famous of them:
- golden mask;
- Sarcophagus of Merit and Kha;
- Pharaoh papyrus.
The founder of the museum, Carlo Felice, bought many of the artefacts here from the French ambassador, who lived in the Egyptian capital two centuries ago. Since then, the collection of Egyptian antiquities has grown every day.
Superga
History of the Basilica on Superga Hill closely related to the Savoy dynasty. In 1706, Duke Victor Amadeus I. I. swore that he would build a basilica on the hill if he won the battle with the French. He won and kept his oath. The temple was built in honor of the Virgin Mary. The work was carried out for 14 years. Superga boasts of his collection of portraits of pontiffs. There is also a portrait of St. Peter.
Since 1884, a funicular has been operating here, delivering parishioners to the hill.
In 1949, the basilica was badly damaged.. It was hit by a plane with the Italian football team "Torino". Football players and journalists who flew with them died. It was decided not to repair the damaged walls of the basilica. In memory of this event, a memorial was erected near the basilica.
Culinary Attractions
Turin - the culinary capital. The city is rightly proud of its traditional cuisine - risotto, grissini bread sticks, meat "bollito". All these dishes were invented here and it is here that they are prepared in a special delicious way. Many local recipes feature a variety of cheeses.
Love for sumptuous feasts originated in the city in the Middle Ages. During the feasts of that time, many dishes remained uneaten. The next day after the holiday, local chefs prepared new dishes from the products left over from the feast. Many of those dishes have become very popular and even traditional in Italy.
