Turin

Fascinating Culture and History

Turin was the first capital of unified Italy and carries a royal legacy, with its majestic palaces, such as the Royal Palace of Turin and Palazzo Madama. The city also houses the Egyptian Museum, the second most important in the world for Egyptian artifacts, second only to Cairo's.

For art lovers, the Galleria Sabauda and the National Museum of Cinema – located inside the iconic Mole Antonelliana – are mandatory stops.

The Foundation of Turin (Torino): Origins and History

Turin, today one of Italy's main cities and capital of the Piedmont region, has a millennial history dating back to Antiquity. Its foundation is linked to ancient peoples and military strategies of the Roman Empire.

Pre-Roman Origins

Before the Romans, the region where Turin now stands was inhabited by the Taurini, a people of Celtic or Ligurian origin who settled in the Po River valley around the 5th century BC. They founded a small settlement called Taurasia, which later gave rise to the name Torino.

The Arrival of the Romans

In the 1st century BC, the Romans advanced into the region during their expansion campaigns. In 28 BC, Emperor Augustus officially founded a military colony on the site, called Augusta Taurinorum, as part of a plan to defend trade routes and control the Alps.

The city was built in the classic Roman style, with a grid layout (rectangular streets), a forum, thermal baths, and an amphitheater. Its strategic location, between the Alps and the Po River, made it a highly important administrative and military center.

From the Fall of Rome to the Middle Ages

With the fall of the Roman Empire, Turin experienced invasions by Ostrogoths, Lombards, and Franks. In the 6th century, it became part of the Lombard Kingdom and later the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 12th century, Turin gained autonomy as a free commune, but was soon disputed by regional powers, such as the Marquises of Montferrat and the Counts of Savoy.

The Rule of Savoy and the Transformation into a Capital

In 1280, Turin was conquered by the House of Savoy, a noble family that transformed it into one of their main centers of power. In the following centuries, the city grew in political and cultural importance.

In 1563, Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy transferred the capital of his duchy from Chambéry (in present-day France) to Turin, initiating an era of great development. The city gained baroque palaces, such as the Royal Palace, and modern fortifications.

Mole Antonelliana and National Museum of Cinema

Turin's great postcard landmark, this imposing and eccentric building houses the National Museum of Cinema, one of the most important in the world in its category. The transparent panoramic elevator takes visitors directly to the top of the monument, revealing a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire city against the majestic outline of the Alps.

Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) and Chapel of the Holy Shroud

Former official residence of the kings of the influential House of Savoy, the Royal Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its gold-covered halls and tapestries, the marvelous Chapel of the Holy Shroud (where the Holy Shroud was protected for centuries), and the vast Royal Gardens are absolute must-see stops for travelers.

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (Duomo di Torino)

Being the only and beautiful remaining example of pure Renaissance architecture in the city of Turin, this ancient and imposing cathedral houses within its interior the historic Chapel of the Holy Shroud, the mysterious and sacred cloth that allegedly wrapped the body of Jesus Christ.

Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)

World-renowned as the second largest Egyptian museum on the planet, second in collection of relics only to the Cairo museum itself. Its impressive and valuable archaeological collection includes perfectly preserved mummies, colossal statues of pharaohs, and dozens of fascinating artifacts from Ancient Egypt.

Castello Square (Piazza Castello) and Palazzo Madama

Considered the true geographical and historical heart of the city, the square is surrounded by imposing commercial and governmental buildings. Highlights include the fascinating Palazzo Madama, a mixed structure uniting an authentic fortified medieval castle with a splendid Italian baroque facade, as well as the traditional Teatro Regio, world-famous for its exquisite opera seasons.

Basilica of Superga

Located atop an imposing panoramic hill, this sumptuous baroque-style basilica offers a breathtaking aerial view. Beyond its architectural and religious value, Superga is a site of strong national memory: in 1949, the plane carrying the legendary Torino FC football team crashed against the back walls of the temple, tragically claiming the lives of the entire squad.

Valentino Park (Parco del Valentino) and Borgo Medievale

One of the most beloved and frequented public urban parks by Turinese locals, strategically located along the scenic banks of the Po River. The major focal points and Instagram spots here are the imposing Valentino Castle (noble heritage of the Savoy royal family) and the charming Borgo Medievale, a delightfully faithful period village reconstruction.

Carignano Palace (Palazzo Carignano)

Another dazzling gem of Piedmontese baroque, famous for its undulating red brick facade. The palace historically served as the official seat of the very first Parliament of unified Italy. Currently, its premises house the prestigious Museum of the Risorgimento.

Porta Palazzo Market

Proudly holding the title of the largest open-air market in all of Continental Europe. It is the perfect and most pulsing tourist spot to sample traditional cheeses, wines, cold cuts, and coveted aromatic truffles from the rich Piedmont region.

Lingotto and the Automobile Museum

The famous and gigantic former main Fiat factory was completely modernized and reimagined by architect Renzo Piano. Today, the complex functions as a dynamic shopping center and houses the fantastic National Automobile Museum. The most spectacular detail is that visitors can go up to the legendary oval car test track located on the building's rooftop.

Architecture and Unforgettable Tours

The city blends baroque elegance with modern touches, such as the Church of San Lorenzo and the futuristic Lingotto, a former Fiat factory transformed into a cultural center. A stroll along the Po River or through Valentino Park – which houses a charming medieval castle – is ideal for relaxation.

Extra Unique Experiences

• Visit the Santuario della Consolata, a spiritual refuge with absolutely stunning interior architecture.
• Explore the Mercato di Porta Palazzo, Europe's largest open-air market.
• Discover the Basilica of Superga, featuring panoramic city views.

Turin is also the spectacular gateway to the Italian Alps, perfect for those wishing to combine classic urban culture with spectacular mountain nature.

Turin's Gastronomy: Traditional Flavors and Piedmontese Sophistication

Turin is the cradle of world-famous delights, such as gianduiotto (history's first chocolate bar) and vermouth, an essential ingredient of Martini. Be sure to try typical dishes like agnolotti al plin (stuffed pasta) and bagna càuda (a garlic and anchovy fondue).

The Piedmont region is also famous for its elite wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, perfect for tasting in a traditional enoteca. Turin's gastronomy combines rural and aristocratic influences in a cuisine rich in robust flavors, local ingredients, and centuries-old traditions:

• Agnolotti del Plin: Small and delicate, traditionally stuffed with roast meat, vegetables, and cheese, served with butter and sage or ragù. The name comes from the gesture of "pinching" the pasta.
• Vitello Tonnato: A dish consisting of cold slices of cooked veal, covered with a rich cream of tuna, capers, and mayonnaise. A classic summer antipasto.
• Bagna Càuda: An authentic warm fondue based on garlic, anchovies, and olive oil, served with raw or cooked vegetables for dipping.
• Tajarin al Tartufo: Extremely thin egg pasta, finely combined with melted butter and abundant tartufo bianco (white truffle from Alba).
• Bollito Misto: A super generous stew bringing together different cuts of selected meats, served with traditional sauces like green salsa and fruit mostarda.
• Risotto alla Piemontese: Made with carnaroli or arborio rice, it features noble Barolo wine and is finished with Castelmagno or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, often enriched with truffles or porcini mushrooms. (Turin has its own dishes, and this recipe reflects local excellence).
• Bunet: A classic Piedmontese dessert. A dense chocolate pudding with crushed amaretti cookies, featuring an aromatic touch of rum and caramel syrup.
• Grissini Torinesi: Crunchy breadsticks born in Turin in the 17th century and served at every table as an accompaniment.

Block 1: Authentic and Cozy Corners

Informal spots with excellent cost-benefit ratios, ideal for tasting the soul of Piedmontese family cuisine.

• Pastificio Defilippis: Focused on fresh pasta. Highlight for agnolotti al plin and tajarin with truffles.
  Average price: €15 to €25 per person. Casual atmosphere with takeaway option.
• Pepino (founded in 1884): Serves Turinese classics like vitello tonnato and bread with garlic sauce, plus the iconic Gianduiotto (chocolate and hazelnut dessert).
  Average price: €20 to €35 per person. Super historic and relaxed atmosphere.
• Gofreria Piemontèisa: Fully specialized in gofri (typical regional savory and sweet waffles) with local cheeses or Nutella.
  Average price: €5 to €15 per person. Young and informal atmosphere.
• Tre Galli: Modernized regional dishes with great seasonal ingredients. Highlight for Barolo risotto and raw veal meat.
  Average price: €25 to €40 per person. Young and relaxed.