The main attractions of Turin: list and description. How to make your holiday in Turin unforgettable Church of St. Francis of Paola
The Ligurians were the first to settle, but it is possible that they could have been Celts or Etruscans. In 28 BC. During the reign of Emperor Augustus, the settlement, which was part of the empire under the name Augustum Taurunorum, received a regular layout characteristic of Roman cities. In the Middle Ages, the appearance of Turin changed - the ancient buildings were replaced by chaotic medieval ones.
An important milestone in the history of the city was the 15th century, when Turin came into the possession of the Savoy dynasty. In 1563, the Dukes of Savoy moved the capital from Chambery (now in France) to Turin. During the Risorgimento, Turin became the first capital of the United (1861-1865). In 1884, the city hosted its first industrial exhibition. In 1899, the automobile concern began its activities. FIAT (Fabbrica Italiano Automobile Torino), which owns the largest Italian enterprises.
Having made up for the considerable damage that the First and Second World Wars caused to the city, Turin gained worldwide fame thanks to its industry. Now the leading industrial sectors are concentrated here: automotive, chemical, metallurgical and confectionery. However, it’s easy to breathe in Turin - the factories are located far from the center, and a huge number of squares, parks and boulevards have made the capital one of the greenest cities.
Getting to Turin:
Save in Turin:
The Torino+Piemonte Card serves as a pass to 160 museums, castles, fortresses and royal residences in Turin and throughout Turin. In addition, the card gives a discount on travel on public transport, theatrical and musical performances and excursions. Children under 12 years old can receive a card for free. Maps are sold in tourist offices and agencies, as well as in hotels.
IAT Tourist Office
- Via Garibaldi, 161
- 011 53 59 01,011 53 51 81
- Mon–Sat 09.30–19.00, Sun 09.30–15.00
IAT Tourist Office
- Porta Nuova railway station
- 011 53 13 27, 011 53 51 81
- Mon–Sat 09.30–19.00, Sun 09.30–15.00
Sights of Turin
All the sights of Turin can be visited within one day along the route:
PiazzaSanCarlo(Piazza San Carlo), dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, located near the station, in the middle via Roma. In the center of the rectangular square of the 19th century stands one of the symbols of the city - a statue Caval d'Bronze(Caval ‘ d Brons, we drink. dialect, "Bronze Horseman". 1838), a monument to the Duke of Savoy Emmanuel Philibert (1528-1580), during which the lands of the duchy, which included the modern one, were liberated from the French who occupied it, and Turin became the capital.
There are two baroque churches of the 17th century on it: San Carlo and Santo Cristina:
1. Chiesa di S. Carlo
2. Chiesa di S. Cristina
3. Turin Puppet Museum
Departs from the square via Santa Teresa (santa Teresa street), on which is located Puppet Museum(Museo della Marionetta). The collection of puppets and costumes reflects the history of Italian marionette theater, dating back to the 17th century.
- Puppet Museum in Turin - Museo della Marionetta
- Via Santa Teresa, 5
- Mon–Fri 09.30–13.00, 14.30–17.00, Sat 14.00–18.00, in advance only. order
4. Piazza Solferino
Via Santa Teresa goes to piazza Solferino (Piazza Solferino), in the center of which there is an equestrian monument to Ferdinand of Savoy, Duke of Genoa, Italian military leader of the 19th century. Here is also one of the main theaters of Turin - Alfieri(Teatro Alfieri, 1855).
5. Citadel of Turin
From piazza Solferini to via Cernaia (via Cernaya) you can go to Citadels (Cittadella, 1566). The pentagonal fortress was built by order of Duke Emmanuel Philibert immediately after the Dukes of Savoy made Turin the capital. Now in the building, from which only two floors remain, there is Artillery Museum(Museo Storico Nazionale di Artiglieria). More than 11 thousand exhibits are stored here: weapons from the Stone Age to the present, a collection of military uniforms from all over the world, as well as maps and documents related to military history. The museum is closed for reconstruction, which should be completed in 2011.
- Artillery Museum
- Citadella, corso Galileo Ferraris
6. Palace of the Academy of Sciences
Via Cernaia crosses via Accademia delle Scienze (via Accademia delle Scienze), where it stands Palace of the Academy of Sciences(Palazzo dell ’ Accademia delle Scienze , Guarino Guarini, 1679).
The palace is located Egyptian Museum(Museo Egizio), the collection of which is second only to the Cairo Museum and the British Museum in London, as well as Sabauda Gallery(Galeria Sabauda, Savoy Gallery) is one of the most significant museums. The gallery arose from the private collection of the House of Savoy; among the exhibits it is worth mentioning paintings by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Andrea Mantegna, Titian and Tintoretto.
- Egyptian Museum
- Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6
- Tue, Fri–Sun 08.30–14.00, Wed 14.00–19.30, Thu 10.00–19.30
- Sabauda Gallery
- Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6
- Tue–Sat 08.30–17.30, Sun 13.00–20.00, ticket valid for visiting the Egyptian Museum
7. Chiesa di San Filippo Neri
The eastern side of the palace faces the baroque Church of San Filippo Neri (Chiesa di San Filippo Neri, Filippo Juvarra, 1730). The neoclassical façade was built in the 19th century.
- San Filippo Neri
- Via Maria Vittoria, 5
8. Palazzo Carignano
Diagonally from the palace building, on piazza Carlo Alberto (Piazza Carlo Alberto) is baroque Palazzo Carignano (Palazzo Carignano, Gvarino Gvarini, XVII century), where the first king of the united Victor Emmanuel II was born. The first Italian parliament met here in 1860-1865. Now the palace houses ( Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento), which is considered one of the best museums dedicated to the period of the struggle for unification. To fully familiarize yourself with the exhibition, it is advisable to speak Italian.
- National Museum of the Risorgimento
- Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5
- Tue–Sun 09.00–18.30
9. Palazzo Madama
Within walking distance, on piazza Castello (Piazza Castello), located Palazzo Madama(Palazzo Madama, XIII century). This medieval castle was built in the 13th century, on the site of an ancient Roman gate, and fragments of the wall were used to build the towers. In the 17th century, the castle served as the residence of Queen Regent Maria Christina of France, which is why it received its current name, and in 1721 the façade of the palace was rebuilt in the Baroque style. In the middle of the 19th century, the Palazzo Madama was occupied by the Cenate, now it houses Museumancient art(Museo Civico d’ Arte Antica), where paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and jewelry are exhibited, from the Middle Ages to the late Baroque era.
- Museum of Ancient Art
- Palazzo Madama, piazza Castello
- Tue–Sat 10.00–18.00, Sun 10.00–20.00
10. Palazzo Reale
Left to piazza Castello adjoins piazzaReale(Piazza Reale, “Royal Square”), built in the 17th century according to Parisian models. On the northern side is located Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale, Amedeo de Castellamonte, 1658), which belonged to the House of Savoy. Today, part of the building has been turned into a museum, which you can visit with a guided tour and see the Baroque interiors.
- Royal Palace
- Tue–Sun 08.30–19.30,
- only with excursion
To the right of the Royal Palace is the building that houses the prefecture, Royal Library(Biblioteca Reale) and Royal Armories(Armeria Reale). The chamber (1837) and the library (1839) were founded by King Charles Albert of Savoy. In the halls of the Armory Chamber, in addition to a rich collection of weapons and military armor, you can see frescoes and sculpture from the 18th century, and the library houses almost 200,000 volumes and manuscripts, as well as works of Leonardo da Vinci, including his self-portrait.
- Royal Armories
- Tue–Sun 08.30–19.30
11. Teatro Reggio
The building is adjacent to the opera house Reggio theater(Teatro Regio, Benedetto Alfieri, 1738). After the fire of 1936 and subsequent reconstruction, only the façade facing the piazza Castello .
12. Church of San Lorenzo
On the western side of the square is located Church of San Lorenzo (Chiesa di S. Lorenzo, Guarino Guarini, 1687) with a small dome, a modest facade and a rich, recently restored Baroque interior.
13. Duomo of Turin
A few steps from the palace, on piazza San Giovanni (Piazza San Giovanni), stands the cathedral Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, Meo del Caprino, 1498), or Duomo(Duomo) is the only architectural monument of the Renaissance in Turin. In the 17th century, to store the famous relic - the Shroud of Turin - a baroque church was added to the cathedral Sacra Sindone Chapel(Cappella dellaSacra Sindone) with an interior made of black and white marble, crowned with a dome.
In 1997, there was a fire in the chapel, which seriously damaged the dome.
14. Roman theater
Not far from the cathedral there are the ruins of a grandiose Roman theater(Teatro Romano, 1st century) with a diameter of 72 m. The stage, seats for musicians and the first rows of the auditorium have been preserved.
15. Porta Palatina
Nearby, on piazza Caesar Augusto (Piazza Cesare Augusto), stands the gate of the fortified city of the Roman era - Porta Palatina (Porta Palatina). two polygonal towers were added later, in the Middle Ages.
16. Museum of Antiquities
Behind the Royal Palace is located Museum of Antiquities(Museo di Antichita), where exhibits from prehistoric times to antiquity are exhibited
17. Royal Garden
Royal Garden ( Giardino Reale).
18. Torre Mole Antonelliana
From the museum to corso Regina Margherita And corso San Maurizio you can go to the tower Mole Antonelliana 18 (Mole Antonelliana).
The tower is named after its creator, the Italian architect Alessandro Antonelli (1798-1888). In 1863, the Jewish community commissioned him to build a synagogue worthy of the new capital of the United Nations, but after the architect doubled the budget and also increased the planned height of the building by 100 meters, the contract was terminated and the tower was completed only in 1888, already with city money communes.
Until recently, the Mole Antonelliana was the tallest stone building in Europe (167.5 m). At the top there is a panoramic observation deck overlooking Turin and the Alps.
Inside the building is located the best in Cinema Museum(Museo del Cinema), where you can get acquainted with the early history of photography and cinema: costumes, scenery, books, magazines, posters, as well as ancient and modern equipment are exhibited here.
19. Piazza Carlo Emanuele II / piazza Carlina
Via San- Massimo (via San Massimo) leads from Mole Antonelliana to piazza Carlo Emanuele II , better known in the city as piazza Carlina (Piazza Carlo Emanuele Secondo, or Carlina). In 1674, Charles Emmanuel II ordered the Turin architect Amedeo di Castellamonte to build a square that was to become the new center of the city, but the Duke died a year after construction began, and the grandiose project was not fully realized. The huge square square was for a long time the place where the market was located, and during the French occupation (1798-1814) public executions took place here. In 1872, a monument to Camillo Cavour, the first prime minister, was erected on the square.
20. Victor Emmanuel I Bridge
WITH via San- Massimo can be turned to via Po (via Po), which ends at y Victor Emmanuel BridgeI(Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I, 1813), built at the beginning of the 19th century on the personal order of Napoleon. The impressive five-span bridge, 150 m long, seemed to the people of Turin to be one of the symbols of the occupation, and after the expulsion of the French they wanted to blow it up, but King Victor Emmanuel I opposed this.
Since then, the bridge has remained virtually unchanged, except for restoration in the 20th century.
On the other bank of the river is located PiazzaVittorioVeneto(Piazza Vittorio Veneto), one of the largest areas in Europe (40,000 m2). Mass events, festivals and concerts often take place here.
21. Chiesa Gran Madre di Dio
There is a church on the square Gran Madre di Dio(Chiesa Gran Madre di Dio, 1831), built in the neoclassical style, modeled on the Roman Pantheon. It was founded in memory of the restoration of the Savoy dynasty after liberation in 1814, and on the façade there is a Latin inscription:
Ordo Popvlvsqve Tavrinvs Ob Adventvm Regis - “The people of Turin in honor of the return of the king.”
22. Chiesa Santa Maria del Monte
To the right, on a high hill called by the Turinians La Collina(La Collina), the church stands Santa Maria del Monte(Chiesa Santa Maria del Monte, XVII century), which belonged to the Capuchin monastery. The church was seriously damaged during the Second World War and has recently been restored.
From the hill there is a wonderful view of the city.
23. Valentino Park
The main park of Turin - Valentino ( Parco del Valentino) - located along the left bank of the river and occupies 42 hectares. A model of a medieval city with a castle (1884) was built in the park.
24. Biscaretti di Ruffia Automotive Museum
If you walk from Valentino Park along corso Unita d’ Italia (corso Unita d'Italia), you can go to Biscaretti di Ruffia Automobile Museum(Museo Nazionale dell’ Automobile Biscaretti di Ruffia). 170 cars from Bugatti, Maserati, Lanci and Fiat are exhibited here, including the oldest car assembled in (1896) and the first Fiat (1899).
25. City Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art of Turin
To the west of Valentino Park is located City Gallery of Art Nouveau and Contemporary Art(Galleria Civica d’ Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, GAM), where paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries are exhibited, including works by Amedeo Modigliani and Pablo Picasso.
Tourists interested in the history of the city can visit Museum of the Defense of Turin against the French Army in 1706(Museo Civico Pietro Micca e dell’ Assedio di Torino del 1706 ), who bears the name of Pietro Micca - a Piedmontese soldier who, sacrificing his life, blew up the powder magazines in order to prevent French soldiers from breaking into the city. Maps, banners, weapons and military uniforms of the 18th century are displayed here.
Another attraction of Turin is the city’s numerous cafes, the most famous of which is CaffeFiorio. It was opened in 1780, and it was often visited by politicians of that time (the most famous of the regulars was Count Cavour), so that the people called this place “Cafe Machiaveli”. Now the cafe is famous for the fact that here you can try excellent ice cream and Turin chocolate with hazelnuts called “gianduia”.
Shroud of Turin
The Shroud of Turin is a four-meter linen cloth in which, according to legend, the body of Jesus Christ was wrapped after the crucifixion. On the canvas you can see the image of a man whose wounds correspond to the description of the Passion of the Lord. The origin of the image has still not been explained - many believers consider it a miraculous icon, and the opinions of scientists differ greatly. There are a variety of assumptions and hypotheses, but no traces of dyes were found on the fabric. The fabric of the shroud was dated to the 12th–13th centuries, but believers explain this by the fact that the shroud was restored several times. The Catholic Church has neither officially confirmed nor denied the status of the shroud as a Christian relic.
East of Turin
The fascinating history of the formation of this city stretched over centuries. And each new stage left its mark on the strict French streets that lined the north of Italy. It has been compared to Paris and Barcelona, and the fortuneteller Nostradamus wrote: “Here you can find heaven, hell, and purgatory.” Welcome to the mystical capital of Piedmont, Turin.
Most of the centuries-old attractions tell of the time when the capital of the Savoy State, which later became the Kingdom of Sardinia, was moved to Turin from France (Chambéry). An important role in the development of the current appearance of the city was played by the fact that in 1861 Turin was proclaimed the capital of a united Italy.
These days, the capital of Piedmont is the fourth largest city in Italy and the first in terms of the number of mysterious places.
Turin has a delightful sister city - Rotterdam. We recommend taking a look at the about page.
Royal Palace
There were glorious times in the history of Turin when it bore the proud title of the Italian capital. The streets, lined with memories of Versailles, were filled with politicians, scientists and intellectuals. And the population spent all their free time in local cafes, lost in the world of disputes of highly intellectual matters.
The Royal Palace keeps memories of those glorious times. Built in the 17th century, it is a model of its time. The interiors, tapestries and other furnishings have been preserved from the times of the Savoy royal family.
Don't miss the Chinese Cabinet, the Scissor Staircase or the Scala del Forbici, the Red, Blue and Throne Rooms.
Address: Italy, Turin, Piazzetta Reale, 1
Telephone:+390114361455
Operating mode: from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 to 19.30
Price: 6.5 euros.
Cathedral of John the Baptist
Most of the buildings in Turin were built in the 17th century, but there is also an example from the Renaissance - the Cathedral or Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (patron of the city). However, the architectural style is not the main thing that Turin residents are proud of when talking about their cathedral. The main thing is hidden inside - the Shroud of Turin is kept here.
According to legend, the crucified body of Christ was wrapped in it. The Shroud contains traces of wounds left by the crown of thorns. However, on ordinary days you can only see the relic from afar. Tourists who visit Turin on the eve of the day of John the Baptist (June 24) will be most lucky; at this time, by registering on the official website, you can usually see the shrine with your own eyes.
In addition, here you can visit the “Museum of Sacred Art”.
Address: Italy, Turin, Piazza San Giovanni,
Telephone:+39 011 813 8560
Operating mode: from Monday to Saturday from 7 to 12.30, from 15 to 19 hours, on Sunday from 8 hours.
Turin, like Barcelona, is called the city of one architect. Alessandro Antonelli became the Italian Gaudi. The Mole Antonelliana tower bears his name, which means “Antonelli's Community”.
The building was erected as a Synagogue. However, halfway through the work, the Jewish community ran out of money (one version!), and the tower was completed only after it was bought by the municipality for a state museum.
At the top of the 167-meter-high building there was then a sculpture of the “winged genius,” which today is located inside the tower. The fact is that more than 50 years ago the statue was demolished by lightning. Now the spire is topped with a 4-meter star.
At the top of the tower there is an observation deck, which, according to an old belief, is better not for students to climb, otherwise they may be left without a diploma. In addition, when going to the exam, Turin students try not to pass by the tower or look at its spire, as this promises failure.
You can ascend to the observation deck using a high-speed glass elevator.
Initially, the tower housed the Museum of Italian Unification, but for the last 15 years the Museum of Cinema has found its home here. Thematic souvenirs are sold on the ground floor. And in the five-level museum itself you can learn the entire history of cinema from its origins to the present day. Interesting exhibits include antique laterna magica projectors and modern movie cameras.
"Antonelli's Mass" is minted on Italian two euro cent coins.
Address: Italy, Turin, via Montebello, 20
Operating mode: from Tuesday to Friday from 10 to 20 hours, on Saturday from 10 to 23.
Price: ticket to the museum - 7 euros, discounted ticket - 2 euros. Elevator ride – 4.50 euros (preferential – 3.20). Museum + elevator - 8 euros or 4.50 at a discount.
However, to enjoy the panorama of Turin, you don’t have to climb to the Mole Antonnelliana observation deck. Amazing views of the city also open from the hill on which the Basilica of Superga, the main Catholic symbol of the city, is located. Here you can feel yourself in the role of King Vittorio Amadeus II and his cousin Eugene of Savoy, watching the siege of Turin by the French and Spanish back in 1706. If they won, they vowed to build a temple on this site. Is it worth talking about the outcome of the battles?
All the kings of the Savoy dynasty are buried in the basilica.
Address: Italy, Turin, Str. Della Basilica di Superga, 73.
Telephone:+39 0118997456
Operating mode: royal crypt and apartments daily from 9.30 to 19.30, climb to the dome from Monday to Friday from 10 to 18 hours.
Price: entrance to the crypt and royal apartments - 4 euros for each ticket, climb to the dome - 3 euros.
Turin has long been not just the capital, but the intellectual and scientific center of Italy. So, at the beginning of the 19th century, the Piedmontese monarchs bought a collection of Egyptian antiquities: sarcophagi, mummies, papyri, “ushabti” figurines. Their first owner was the French consul in Alexandria Bernardino Drovetti. It was these exhibits that became the basis for the Turin Egyptian Museum. Now in terms of size and content of its collections (about 30 thousand exhibits), it is second only to the Cairo National Museum.
Address: Italy, Turin, ViaAccademiadelleScienze, 6
Telephone:+39 011 561 7776
Operating mode: from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 to 19.30.
Price:
- full ticket - 15 euros,
- preferential – 11 euros (15-18 years old), 3 euros (6 – 14 years old).
- Free – for children under 6 years old, military and disabled people.
Piazza San Carlo
This city square can rightfully be called an architectural monument of the 17th century. Spacious and symmetrical, like most Turin streets, it dates back to 1637. The designer of the square was Carlo Castellamonte. In the south, according to his plan, two churches were erected: Santa Cristina and San Carlo. On the other side, the Solaro del Borgo Palace has grown, which now houses the National Philharmonic.
Important attractions of the square include the cafes located here, most of which are as old as Piazza San Carlo.
Address: Italy, Turin, Piazza San Carlo
On the banks of the Po River in the very center of the city, Valentino Park, beloved by all Turin residents, is located, on the territory of which there is also a castle of the same name.
One can only guess where this name came from, or rather, everyone can choose an urban legend to their taste. Some argue that the matter is in the Church of St. Vitus, located on a hill that overlooks the park. It contains the remains of St. Valentine in a crystal casket. Others are convinced that the reason is that the park opened on Valentine's Day.
The park has a beautiful green area with many fountains and streams, which are masterpieces of architecture, a botanical garden, and medieval alleys. Not only tourists, but also local residents love to spend time here.
The Valentino Castle, located in the park, was built in the 13th century, but at the beginning of the 17th it was subjected to a major reconstruction, turning it into a classic example of the French style.
For more than 150 years, the castle has housed the Faculty of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Turin.
Address: Italy, Turin, Viale Diego Balsamo Crivelli (castle), Corso Massimo D’Azeglio (park).
Telephone: +39 011 090 6216
Price: for free
Car Museum
It is in Turin that an Italian museum of a similar focus was created not by chance, because the capital of Piedmont is the birthplace of the Fiat brand (the concern appeared here at the end of the 19th century). The historical complex has existed since 1932. Fans of legendary exhibits will be able to admire the first car created by the brand in 1899. In addition, here you can trace the development of other legendary Italian car brands: Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. A special place is given to foreign guests: vintage Ford and Rolls-Royce models. A huge exhibition tells visitors about Formula 1.
The English publication The Times noted the educational and scientific significance of the exhibition in 2013, including the historical complex in the ranking of the 50 best museums in the world. Automotive history in the exhibits took 35th place in it.
Address: Italy, Turin, Corso Unità d’Italia, 40
Telephone:+39 011677666
Operating mode: Mon: from 10 to 14, Tue: from 14 to 19, Wed-Fri: from 10 to 19, Fri-Sat: from 10 to 21.
Price:
- full ticket - 12 euros; preferential - 8 euros (persons over 65 years old, children from 6 to 14 years old, disabled people, groups of 15 people; students upon presentation of a ticket); school - 2.50 euros.
- Free for children under 6 years old, journalists, holders of a subscription to the museums of Turin and Piedmont and the Tourist Card Torino + Piemonte Card.
Turin is an interweaving of different cultures, centuries and traditions. It will attract lovers of ancient architecture, picturesque landscapes, amazing museums and mystical places.
Urban legends say that at the foot of Capuchin Hill, which is located opposite Valentino Park, is the border between light and darkness. And under the temple erected on it, the Holy Grail is buried. In addition, the capital of Piedmont, together with the French Lyon and the Czech Prague, forms the legendary “devil's triangle”.
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 significantly and acquired much of its fantastic architecture and cultural amenities.
Turin, damaged in World War II, was quickly rebuilt, and its automobile industry became a determining factor in the Italian economic revival. A fantastic combination of ancient and modern, as well as many of Turin's attractions, can be seen on a fascinating tour of the city.
Egyptian Museum. | Photo: Andrea Volpato / Flickr.
Opened in 1824 and housed in the Palace of the Academy of Sciences, this Turin institution houses the leading collection of Egyptian treasures outside of Cairo. Among its special exhibits are the statue of Ramses II, 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 moving, but Merit's plaster mask, covered in gold leaf and inlaid with glass inserts, is one of the most truly beautiful pieces ever displayed here.
Address: Museo Egizio, Via Accademia delle Scienze, Turin, Italy.
Museum of Castello di Rivoli. | Photo: Ralf Steinberger / Flickr.
The Castello di Rivoli Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1984, after enterprising Turin residents realized that contemporary art could become a unique feature of the city. The desire and drive to achieve results, not to mention good regional funding, has since become the envy of the art world of Milan, Venice and Rome.
The permanent collection of the museum presents a significant number of works from the arte povera movement, which fit perfectly into the historical environment, along with works of the trans-avant-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 historical 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 you 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 across three thematic floors. The first one can trace the chronology of cars, starting with the very first models, the second one is devoted to the design of the car, and the exhibition on the third floor raises the important topic of congestion and pollution.
Address: Museo dell'Automobile di Torino, Corso Unità d'Italia, Turin, Italy.
Architect, designer and artist Carlo Mollino, perhaps his city's most intriguing son, is the quintessential 20th-century Turin citizen.
The little-known Casa Mollino museum is a testament to his crazy and lush aesthetic, his master's skill, and his many obsessions. There he also took numerous theatrical erotic polaroid portraits.
Today, the devoted custodians of his eccentric legacy, compelling translators and storytellers, are father and son Fulvio and Napoleone Ferrari. 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 enjoy the same fame as its French counterpart, but it is nonetheless the largest royal residence in the world, having been saved from ruin by a 10-year restoration project costing €235 million.
Huge, spectacular, regal, but strangely underrated, 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 by the former rulers are the vast garden complex, the sparkling stag fountain with water shows, the ostentatiously luxurious Grand Gallery, and the adjacent Capella di Sant’Uberto and Juvarra stables. 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.
The 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 armies led to the construction of a magnificent “wedding cake” on a hill near the Po River.
The Basilica of Superga, built by the architect Filippo Juvarra, became the last refuge of the Savoy family, and the luxurious tombs here, as well as the dome, make the site a very interesting place 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 were killed and their graves are located at the rear of the church.
Address: Basilica di Superga, Strada Basilica di Superga, Turin, Italy.
Turin Cathedral (Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista)
Turin Cathedral was built between 1491 and 1498 on the site of three 14th-century basilicas, which were previously the site of a Roman theater.
This church is extremely popular with tourists and parishioners as it houses a Christian relic, the Shroud of Turin, in which the body of Jesus Christ is believed to have been wrapped.
Unfortunately, the famous matter is not on display, but you can see where it was stored and watch a video about it.
The Romanesque bell tower looks much older than it actually is, having been designed by Juvarra and built in 1723. Just to the north lie the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheater, 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 extensive reconstruction, this important museum was reopened in 2011 on the centenary of the Risorgimento, the period of unification of fragmented Italy.
An interesting route through 30 magnificent rooms clearly demonstrates the creation of the 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 a united Italy met here from 1861 to 1864.
Address: Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano, Via Accademia delle Scienze, Turin, Italy.
Last minute tours:
On the roof of the Lingotto Fiere exhibition center, 3 km south of the centre, this cozy gallery houses the personal collection of late Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli. Among others, there are masterpieces by Canaletto, Renoir, Manet, Matisse and Picasso.
In addition to the magnificent paintings, you can see the famous test racing track, which is located right there on the roof of Lingotto.
Address: Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli, Via Nizza 230, Turin, Italy.
Castello Square.
Turin's central square is home to museums, theaters and cafes. The city's Savoyard heart, although dating from the mid-1300s, was largely built in the 16th to 18th centuries. Most notable here is the Palazzo Madama, partly reminiscent of a gloomy medieval castle with baroque elements and the original seat of the Italian parliament.
To the north is the exquisite façade of the Palazzo Reale, the royal palace built for Carlo Emanuele II in the mid-1600s.
Address: Piazza Castello, Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy.
Arte povera paintings by Mario Merz, a prominent representative of this trend, who was born in Milan but lived most of his creative life in Turin, can be seen in the building, which was converted from a former Lancia thermal station.
Exhibitions of his works and displays of Italian contemporary art are regularly organized here, and an international award ceremony for emerging artists is also held every two years.
Address: Fondazione Merz, Via Limone, Turin, Italy.
There is something to see in Turin for art lovers as well. GAM or Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea is one of the first museums of modern art in Italy, its holdings include 45,000 thousand 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's halls display paintings by Paolini, Boetti, Anselmo, Penone and Pistoletto.
Address: GAM - Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Via Magenta, Turin, Italy.
This classic contemporary gallery space, reminiscent of a white cube, was created by the influential Italian curator Francesco Bonami.
Its halls host excellent exhibition programs, with such eminent Italians as Maurizio Cattelan, and often provocative thematic shows that bring middle-aged Europeans closer to the younger generation.
Address: Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Via Modane, Turin, Italy.
The modern Juventus Stadium houses a museum that will dazzle you with its silverware, containing 32 Serie A titles and other themed exhibits, and a guided tour will proudly tell you how they were collected. On match days, while visiting the museum, you can see behind the scenes the team's preparation 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 magnificently 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 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 the personal art collection of the Savoy Monarchy, which was amassed over 400 years ago and includes gems by Van Dyck, Rubens and Lippi.
In 2012, the collection is housed in Manica Nuova, a new wing of the Palazzo Reale.
Address: Palazzo Reale di Torino, Piazzetta Reale, Turin, Italy.
Museum of Ettore Fico. | Photo: régine debatty / Flickr.
This truly exciting new space joins Turin's already brilliant collection of contemporary art holdings.
Situated in an old factory in a rapidly growing post-industrial area north of the Dora River, the museum stages three major shows a year, with high-profile monographic exhibitions as well as installations by contemporary artists, along with design, fashion and film screenings.
Also on display are the works of 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: Frédérique Voisin-Demery / Flickr.
Located in Mole Antonelliana, this fascinating museum will take you on a fantastic journey through the history of cinema. Among the items on display here are Marilyn Monroe's lace bustier, Peter O'Toole's robe from Lawrence of Arabia and the coffin of Bela Lugosi's Count Dracula.
At the heart of the museum, a huge temple hall is surrounded by 10 interactive chapels dedicated to different film genres.
Address: Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Via Montebello, Turin, Italy.
The former Fiat plant in Turin, one of the most famous examples of early 20th century industrial architecture in Italy, is located 5 km south of the city center. It was redesigned by architect Renzo Piano in the 1980s to house an exhibition center, university campus and hotel.
Address: Torino Lingotto Fiere, Via Nizza, Turin, Italy.
This castle, built in the 13th century in 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, most of the building houses a museum, with a total of four floors containing mainly decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the period of unification, along with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
Address: Museo Civico D'arte Antica - Palazzo Madama, Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy.
This 167-meter tower, which is the symbol of Turin with its distinctive aluminum spire, is depicted on the Italian two-cent coin. It was originally intended to be a synagogue when construction began in 1863, but the tower was never actually used as a religious place of worship and is now home to the National Film Museum.
To enjoy stunning 360-degree views, take the panoramic elevator to a height of 85 meters to the observation deck.
Address: Mole Antonelliana, Via Montebello, Turin, Italy.
Museum of the Shroud.
This interesting museum, located in the crypt of the Church of Santo Sudario, houses one of the most studied artifacts in human history - the Holy Shroud. Despite the questionable authenticity of the shroud, its history is a mysterious mystery with countless intrigues and revelations.
Please note that the shroud itself is not on display here, it 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 square meter French-style park descends directly to the banks of the Po River. Today, day and night, it is full of joggers, people taking leisurely walks and, of course, couples in love.
A walk southwest along the river takes you to the magnificent 17th-century Castello del Valentino, which only opens its doors for special events.
Address: Parco del Valentino, Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, Turin, Italy.
Palatine Towers (Porta Palatina)
Modest and not very popular among city guests, the Porta Palatina gate is, in fact, one of the best preserved Roman gates of the 1st century BC in the world. 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 Baroque twin churches in Piazza San Carlo was dedicated to the Catholic saint Carlo Borromeo by Charles Emanuele I in 1619, although the façade of the church dates only from 1834.
Address: Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo, Piazza San Carlo, Turin, Italy.
The San Severino Silvia and Mauro Museum is perhaps the most interesting contemporary private gallery in Turin. The exhibition could equally feature a local artist or an eccentric New Yorker.
Address: PRIVATEVIEW Gallery, Via Goito, Turin, Italy.
Turin grew out of a small Roman colony. Since the 10th century, the city was ruled by the Dukes of Savoy; after the victory of the movement for the unification of Italy, it was the capital of the Italian Kingdom for 4 years. During the reign of the Savoy dynasty, such architectural masterpieces as Palazzo Reale, Valentino Castle and Villa della Regina appeared in Turin. In the XV-XVIII centuries. Picturesque temples were erected, which still decorate the historical quarters of the city.
Turin is home to one of the best museums of Egyptian culture in the world, the shroud of Jesus Christ himself and a magnificent automobile collection with rare cars. Also in Turin, the famous Juventus team was born, whose victories at the championships never cease to delight fans.
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What to see and where to go in Turin?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
1. Piazza Castello
The architectural ensemble of Castello Square took shape towards the end of the 16th century. The architect A. Vitozzi worked on its appearance. The square is surrounded by the buildings of the Royal Theatre, Palazzo Madama, the Royal Palace, the Armory, the government house and the library. From here the four main streets of Turin diverge in different directions. Also on the square is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista).
2. Piazza San Carlo
One of the main squares of Turin. It arose in the 17th century after the city became the capital of Savoy. Due to the new status, there was a significant expansion of urban space. The final appearance of the area took shape by the middle of the 19th century, along with the installation of a monument to Duke Emmanuel Philibert, the ruler of Savoy. Piazza San Carlo was reconstructed in 2006 on the eve of the Olympic Games in Turin.
3. Mole Antonelliana
A tall tower that dominates the city's buildings. The building is easily visible from anywhere in Turin. The tower was built according to the design of the ambitious architect A. Antonelliano in the 19th century. The master received an order from the Jewish community to build a synagogue, but was never able to complete the grandiose project, as he died during the work. As a result, the Jews refused to further finance the work, and the city authorities bought the tower. In the 20th century, a cinema museum was located on its territory.
4. Palazzo Reale
Royal Palace of the Savoyard royal family. The palazzo was rebuilt from the old episcopal palace by order of Duke Emmanuel Philibert in the 17th century. The elegant royal residence is considered one of the most elegant creations of the Baroque style. The site is included in the UNESCO heritage list. In one of the wings of the palazzo there is an art gallery made up of paintings that once belonged to the Dukes of Savoy.
5. Palazzo Madama
The palace is located on Piazza Castello in the central part of Turin. It was built in the 13th century on the site of Roman buildings. Over the long history of its existence, the palazzo was used as a prison, a guest castle, the residence of dowager rulers, an art gallery and the seat of the Piedmontese parliament. The building has two different facades. The first is made in the style of a medieval castle, the second in the Baroque style.
6. Palazzo Carignano
A palace complex of impressive size, which was built in the 17th century for the family of princes of Carignano, the younger branch of the Savoy dynasty. It was here that Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy, was born in 1820. In the 19th century, parliament met on the territory of the palace; now the building houses a museum. The palazzo was built of red brick in the Baroque style according to the design of G. Guarini.
7. Valentino Castle
A French-style castle that was used as one of the residences of the Dukes of Savoy. The building was rebuilt in the 17th century by the will of Christina of France. By the 19th century, the heavily dilapidated castle came under the jurisdiction of the local university. After restoration work, the Turin Motor Show of 1900 was held on its territory. Currently, the Valentino Castle houses the university's Faculty of Architecture.
8. Villa della Regina
One of the many palaces of the Dukes of Savoy, built in the 16th century. The mansion was built for Victor Amadeus I's brother, Maurice, but soon the ruler's widow settled here, and the rebellious relative fled to Spain. The Dukes of Savoy owned Villa della Regina until the second half of the 19th century, when the building was sold. In the middle of the 20th century, real estate along with the land went to the state.
9. Basilica of Superga
A picturesque baroque church of the 18th century, built under Victor Amadeus II according to the design of F. Juvarra. The ruler swore on the top of the Superga hill in 1706 that if he defeated the French, he would build a temple in honor of the Virgin Mary. The result of the fulfillment of this vow was the construction of the basilica, since the French were ultimately defeated. Many representatives of the Savoy dynasty rest on the territory of the temple.
10. Cathedral of John the Baptist
Turin Cathedral of the 15th century, built on the site of a Roman amphitheater and three early Christian churches of the 6th-7th centuries. The temple is a famous place of pilgrimage. The cathedral complex includes the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, where one of the most important Christian relics, the Shroud of Turin, is kept. It is believed that this piece of cloth was used to wrap the body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross. The cathedral was built according to the design of B. di Francesco.
11. Church of Santuario della Consolata
The temple of the mid-17th century, erected on the site of an earlier church according to the design of G. Guarini, one of the best masters of the Baroque era. The most valuable relic of the temple is the icon of the Madonna and Child, which dates back to the 4th-5th centuries and is considered miraculous. Santuario della Consolata went through several restorations in the 18th-20th centuries. The observation area on the roof of the temple offers a magnificent view of Turin.
12. Church of Gran Madre di Dio
The temple is located on top of Capuchin Hill. It is believed that it stands on the very spot where the Holy Grail is hidden. Many superstitions and mystical legends are associated with the church. The building was built in the period 1827-31. in honor of the return from exile of King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia. The portico of the main entrance is supported by classical Corinthian columns, in general, the building resembles the Roman Pantheon.
13. Church of San Lorenzo
Temple of the 17th century, built according to the design of G. Guarini and F. Yuvar. The baroque façade of the building in light yellow tones fits perfectly into the architectural ensemble of Piazza Castello. The exterior of the church is distinguished by a large amount of stucco and decorative details. The building is topped with an octagonal dome. The interior of the temple is decorated with valuable paintings, statues, sculptures and antique furniture.
14. Palatine Gate
Antique gate, whose age dates back to the 1st century BC. During the era of the Roman Empire, they were the passage to the city from the north. The Palatine Gate is located on the territory of the archaeological park, an excavation area created in 2006. The statues of Emperors Octavian Augustus and Julius Caesar, installed opposite the gate, were created in 1934. They are copies of original sculptures that have not survived to this day.
15. Teatro Reggio
Opera House of Turin, created in the 18th century according to the design of F. Juvarra. A few years after the start of work, the theater was closed by order of the king, and a warehouse was placed in the building. Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the opera stage again began to fulfill its direct functions. In the 20th century, the theater burned down twice, which is why only the façade remained of the original building. After reconstruction, the updated opera opened in 1973. Maria Callas sang at the premiere performance.
16. Egyptian Museum
The largest collection in Europe dedicated to the culture and history of Egyptian civilization. In terms of diversity and richness of the exhibition, the Egyptian Museum of Turin is second only to the museum of the same name in Cairo. The exhibition began with the private collection of Charles Emmanuel III, who was a keen collector of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum collections contain valuable papyri, mummies, statues, decorations from the tombs of pharaohs and much more.
17. National Automobile Museum
The museum exhibits more than 200 cars from different European countries. There are Italian cars from the late 19th century, Ferrari race cars, elegant Alfa Romeos, models from the Rolls-Royce concern, as well as cars that took part in famous races from the early 20th century. The museum was created in 1932 by the Italian aristocratic collector C.B. di Ruffia. Its exhibition is included in the TOP 50 best museums in the world.
18. Museum of Oriental Art
The museum exhibition is dedicated to the art of China, South and Southeast Asia, Tibet, Japan and Islamic countries. The time period that the collection covers is 3000 BC. -XVIII-XIX centuries In the halls of the museum, Chinese ceramics, Japanese wooden statues, rare manuscripts, sculpture, paintings, books, bronzes, Ottoman velvet and other valuable objects of art and everyday life are exhibited.
19. Juventus Stadium
City football stadium, home arena of the famous Juventus team. The complex was opened in 2011, it was built to replace the old Delle Alpi arena, which no longer met the needs of players and fans. Juventus is designed for 41 thousand spectators; during its construction, all current requirements for safety and comfort were taken into account. Due to the special shape of the structure, the playing field is perfectly illuminated.
20. Park Pelerina
A city park in the western part of Turin, covering an area of about 83 hectares. The park was named after one of the teachers of the University of Turin - M. Carrara, who did not pledge allegiance to Mussolini. The place is better known due to its informal name “Pelerin” in honor of the cheese factory of the same name, which is located nearby. The park has several football fields, a swimming pool, roller skating tracks and tennis courts.
When planning a trip to Italy, include Turin in your itinerary. Dozens of amazing city tours with large squares, green parks, luxurious shopping streets in the shadow of arcades and many attractions will not leave you indifferent.
brief information
Turin is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Italy, located in the northwest of the country in the foothills of the Alps, on a hillside in the Po Valley. Turin is not spoiled by the attention of tourists, like Rome, Florence or Venice, but it is definitely worthy of your attention. It is not for nothing that it is called “Italian Paris”.
The view of Turin in the evening and the Mole Antonelliana tower is mesmerizing
Today Turin is a large (130 km²) industrial center with almost a million inhabitants and is the capital of the Piedmont region. The history of the city begins in the 3rd century BC. e. from the settlements of Celtic and Ligurian tribes. Then it was a Roman colony, then the commune of Mark of Turin. And only in the 15th century, after Turin came into the possession of the Savoy family, the city began to grow rapidly, annexing neighboring lands. The Dukes of Savoy were given a royal title, and Turin became the capital of the kingdom.
How to get there
The most convenient way to get to Turin is by plane. As for Russia, there are direct flights from Moscow, as well as charter flights from St. Petersburg. You can get to Turin through Milan or Genoa, and from there by bus or train.
Turin has its own airport of international status, located 15 km from the center
According to my good friends, who have already visited Turin twice, it is more practical to get from the airport to the city center by bus. Firstly, the stop is located right at the exit from the terminal, and secondly, you will get to the city center. The ticket must be validated upon entering the bus. Buying it at the airport ticket office will cost less than buying it from the driver.
But you won’t be able to get to the center by train, since its final destination is the Torino Dora station, and not the central station. Therefore, you will have to change to a tram or bus going to your destination.
There is a well-developed railway connection between European countries, for example, from France, Germany, England, Spain, Turin can be reached comfortably and quickly by train. There are no direct tickets from Moscow, so you will have to get to Milan or Genoa via Nice. There are also bus routes, but they take longer and are more expensive. From the sea cities you can get to Genoa by ferry, and from there to Turin.
Porta Nuova is a modern train station in the historical center of Turin
What to see in Turin
The rich history of Turin still gives a special flavor to the atmosphere of the entire city. Walking through its streets, you can see stunning palaces and residences, museums and galleries, squares and arches covering the entire central part, giving it a magical aura.
The attractions in Turin are mostly historical and concentrated in the city center. The architecture of the buildings is dominated by the Baroque style - it is this that gives the city a lush and festive look.
The porticoes of Via Roma - one of the central streets - are made in the Baroque style
Based on the experience of my friends, it is better to book a hotel in the city center, not far from the railway station, then you can explore most of the attractions on foot. And if you prefer more remote areas, then choose a hotel near the metro. The Turin metro is the best way to get around the city. There are signs and boards everywhere, and if you use the metro map, the risk of getting lost is reduced to zero. Trains run every few minutes. It's much more convenient than the tram or bus, especially if you don't speak Italian and can't explain where you need to go. Italians are not very fond of English and prefer to communicate with tourists in their own language, so it would be a good idea to take a small phrasebook with you on your trip.
Squares of Turin
There are a lot of beautiful spacious squares with fountains and monuments in Turin. But the main and most visited of them are:
Address: Piazza Castello, Torino.
The famous Royal Palace on the central square of Castello now houses an art gallery
Address: Piazza San Carlo, Torino.
San Carlo - the main square of Turin - is especially beautiful in the evening
Address: Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Torino.
In Piazza Vittorio Veneto you can see a monument to the first king of Italy
Museums
In addition to city squares, which are attractions in themselves, museums are of particular interest to tourists:
Address: Via Montebello 20, Torino. Opening hours: from 9.00 to 20.00; Saturday - until 22.00, Tuesday - day off. Price: from 10 € to 16 €.
The National Cinema Museum of Turin has a room with comfortable chairs for watching films
Address: Via Accademia delle Scienze 6, Torino. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday - from 9.00 to 16.30, Monday - from 9.00 to 14.00. Price - 15 €.
The unique Egyptian Museum in Turin attracts tourists from all over the world
Address: Corso Unità d'Italia, 40, Torino. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 19.00, Friday, Saturday - until 21.00, Tuesday - from 14.00 to 19.00, Monday - closed. Price - 12 €.
Museo Biscaretti di Ruffia - popular automobile museum, second largest in Europe with interactive activities
Palaces and residences
In Turin, it is worth visiting the famous royal castles and admiring their luxurious interior:
Address: Piazza Castello, Torino. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday - from 10.00 to 18.00, Tuesday - closed. Price - 10 €.
The Queen's Palace (Palazzo Madama) is distinguished by its facade: on one side there is a luxurious mansion, on the other there is a medieval castle
Address: Piazzetta Reale 1, Torino. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday - from 9.00 to 19.00. Price - 12 €.
The majestic Royal Palace amazes with the luxurious decoration of its apartments
Address: Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5, Torino. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 18.00, closed on Mondays. Price - 5 €.
The Carignano Palace of unusual architectural form is the best example of Italian Baroque
Cathedrals and churches
Turin has a lot of churches, cathedrals, and basilicas of different architectural styles. Most of them are located within the city, but there are also many in the surrounding area, for example, the famous Basilica of Superga and the Abbey of St. Michael (Abbazia or Sacra di San Michele). In the city itself, you should definitely visit the main temples:
Address: Via XX Settembre 87, Torino. Opening hours: from 8.30 to 12.00, from 15.00 to 19.30.
Turin's Cathedral of St. John the Baptist attracts pilgrims from all over the world
Address: Piazzale Monte dei Cappuccini 3, Torino. Opening hours: from 8.30 to 12.00, from 15.00 to 19.30.
The Church of St. Mary is located on the picturesque Capuchin Hill
Address: Piazza Gran Madre, 4, Torino. Opening hours: from 7.30 to 19.00.
The Church of Our Lady of the Great is the only temple built on the model of the Roman Pantheon
Turin in different seasons
Museums, palaces, basilicas and other attractions of Turin are open to visitors all year round. From July to August there is an influx of tourists - this is the holiday period for schoolchildren and students, and therefore many families plan a vacation for these months.
Turin is beautiful at any time of the year:
The oldest resort in Italy, Sestriere, is located one hundred kilometers from Turin.
Spring walks in Valentino Park are a wonderful form of relaxation for tourists and townspeople
Murazzi is a lively area on the banks of the Po River with vibrant nightlife
In autumn in Turin you can taste real Italian young wine made locally
What to visit with children
If you are planning a holiday with children, then there will be entertainment for them in Turin. The whole family can visit the water park, zoo, or take the child to the Children's City and Trampoline Park:
Acqua Joy water park with a large outdoor pool is ideal for the whole family
Blu Paradise Water Park features a variety of water attractions
The pool of the Atlantis water park in Pinerolo Park is a popular holiday destination for residents and visitors of Turin in the summer
Zoom is a unique biopark where animals are kept in conditions close to natural
Address: Via San Quintino 28 10121 Torino.
The Three Oaks Amusement Park is a great place for lovers of rope courses and interactive games
Address: Via Crea, 10–10095 Grugliasco Torino. Opening hours: on weekends and holidays - from 10.00 to 20.00, on Friday - from 16.00 to 20.00.
In the unique children's city GruCity, a child tries on his favorite profession, dressed in a themed costume
Address: I Viali Shopping Park, Nichelino, Torino.
Bounce Trampoline Park offers great fun while jumping and tumbling on elastic mattresses and air cushions
How much time to spend exploring the city?
In one day you will be able to explore the historical part of the city: Castello Square with nearby objects - the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, the Cathedral and the chapel with a copy of the Shroud on display, the Palatine Gate. You can go up to the Mole Antonelliana observation deck, walk along the Po River embankment to the Church of Our Lady of the Great, and finally take a stroll through Valentino Park.
Video: tour of the historical part of the city
In 2-3 days you can explore popular museums, the Palazzo Reale complex, and walk to Superga Hill, where the basilica is located. The journey to it on foot will take about two hours, but you can use the funicular, which will take you to the hill much faster. The funicular (Sassi stop) is easily accessible by bus from Piazza Castello or Piazza Vittorio.
The funicular going up the Superga hill to the basilica of the same name is waiting for its passengers
If you climb the tower of the Church of the Virgin Mary, an incomparable landscape will open before you: a view of the city, the Po River, and the Alpine peaks.
The view of Turin and the Alps from the Superga hill in the evening is truly stunning
For a more detailed acquaintance with the monuments of history, architecture and art of the city of Turin, you will need at least five days, plus another two should be devoted to exploring the surrounding area, because there are no less interesting objects there. Just look at Venaria Reale, which is called the “Italian Versailles”. Also interesting are the royal hunting castle of Stupinigi, the summer residence with the Racconigi park, and the Abbey of St. Michael.
Video: Royal Palace Venaria Reale
My friends who visited the Venaria Palace last year told me that you can get there by a special Venaria Express bus, running from Via Fiochetto to the castle itself. The bus makes stops at Piazza Vittorio and Piazza Castello, so you can board it wherever is most convenient for you. From Tuesday to Friday, bus fare is €1.70, meaning you can use a regular public transport ticket. You can buy it at newspaper and tobacco kiosks. On weekends and holidays, tickets are sold by drivers. The fare is 7 €.
The choice of hotels to stay in Turin is quite large - from budget to luxury apartments. Room prices start from 50 euros.
Tourist plastic card Torino+Piemonte will allow you to save on visiting museums
Sabauda Gallery is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month.
In many museums in Turin, children under 15 years old have free admission. During brunch hours in Turin bars and cafes you can have a delicious dinner for only 6 euros
Bicherin is a traditional drink of Turin, made from coffee, cream and chocolate Turin trains travel without a driver, so the view through the front glass is very impressive The bull is the symbol of Turin, so its images can be found everywhere Navigate the variety of Turin attractions, hotels and hostels, restaurants and A tourist map will help you find cafes, bars and nightclubs. The main attractions of the central part of Turin can be easily found using a tourist map