Turin - sights of the mystical intricacies of history. How to make your holiday in Turin unforgettable Famous traditional dishes of Turin

Turin was once an industrial city and was the capital of the Duchy of Savoy. Italian southerners came here to work at the huge Fiat car plant. They lived in the Mirafiori area, which was specially designated for immigrants. In the 20th century everything changed. In just 20 years, the industrial city has turned into a resort and sophisticated arts destination. It has everything your soul desires: the grandeur of the former political capital, the solemn Savoyard architecture, the connection with the majestic Alps, intellectual capital, the temptations of the Langhe, impeccable culinary traditions. Turin is a city where the voices of the whole world can accommodate and coexist peacefully, because it is very multinational.

This article will talk about where you can spend time in Turin. You will learn about the main attractions of the city and their features.

Turin Tower Mole Antonelliana or Cinematography Museum

The Turin Tower is rightfully considered the symbol of the city. It was designed and created by Alessandro Antonelli. Initially, this building was supposed to become a synagogue for the Jewish community living in the city. Today the height of the tower is 167.5 m. Initially, the architect made a project for the construction of a 113-meter tower, but later he decided to increase its height by 47 m, which the project’s customers did not like. This contributed to the fact that construction stopped. The continuation of construction was financed by the city municipality several years after the project was frozen, which gave the architect the opportunity to make some more adjustments and make the tower even larger than previously planned.

Since 2000, the Mole Antonelliana has housed a cinematography museum.

The variety of exhibits, along with a rich collection, allowed the building to enter the top 10 best cinematography museums in the world! Decorator François Confino created an unforgettable spectacle that amazes visitors with auditory and visual effects.

If you decide to climb the tower spire, you can do so by elevator.

Amazing Egyptian Museum

Carlo Felice founded the Museum of Ancient Egypt back in 1824. He acquired 5,628 Egyptian artifacts, which allowed him to create a unique museum of ancient civilization. Today there are more than 30 thousand artifacts here, supported by various funds.

The museum has been transformed. It was modernized in accordance with the historical value of the building, built in the Baroque style, but with the introduction of innovative advanced technologies.

The heart of the city is Castello Square

Piazza Castello was designed by the architect Vitozzi in the mid-1500s. The site is lined with porticoes and nearby buildings testify to the development of Turin, from the ancient Roman era to the present day.

In the center of Castello Square is the Madama Palace.

As well as the Royal Palace and Theater.

All central city streets begin from Piazza Castello.

Note! If you don't visit the heart of Turin, namely Piazza Castello, you will be missing out on a lot. And how can you not look into the Royal Library to see the beauty of Da Vinci’s self-portrait? Do not miss your chance!

The most important square of Turin - San Carlo

Piazza San Carlo can rightly be called the most important square in Turin. It changed its name many times. It hosts a variety of social and historical events, including concerts, celebrations of Juventus football club triumphs, live-streamed political debates and rallies.

In 2010, on the occasion of the display of the Shroud, the Pope met with the residents of Turin. Benedict XVI presided over a meeting with young people originally from Piedmont. If you want to visit the places where the Pontiff walked, then you should definitely visit Piazza San Carlo!

Note! The city's first bar was opened in Piazza San Carlo, where visitors can enjoy excellent hot chocolate. Therefore, if you love this sweet delicacy, then you are in Piazza San Carlo!

Royal Palace - residence of the Savoy dynasty

In the Royal Palace you can choose a variety of interesting excursion routes that reveal the historical background of the residence.

The library, which, by the way, houses the famous self-portrait of Da Vinci

The Chinese cabinet, luxurious furniture, majestic baroque ceilings, tapestries, portraits and many other features of the palace will tell you about the history of the building, dating back centuries.

The palace was developed at the end of the 16th century. In this unique place you can take beautiful photos and get a lot of positive emotions.

Church of St. Lawrence

The most beautiful place of worship in Turin is the Church of St. Lawrence, located on the corner of Via Garibaldi and Piazza Castello. The interior decoration of the temple is so rich that it is not inferior to any church in Turin in its splendor.

The Duke of Savoy promised in 1577 that if he defeated the French in battle, he would erect a church in honor of the saint, which would correspond to the calendar of that great and victorious day. Unfortunately, during his lifetime he was never able to build a temple, but he nevertheless restored the chapel, which he dedicated to St. Lawrence. After his death, 70 years later, after the Duke took an oath, the first stone of the temple was laid, dedicated to the 1577 victory over the French.

Witness to the Roman Empire – Madame Christina's Palace

Initially the palace was used as a fortress. Later it became a refuge for the Savoy family, and in the 14th century the palace was expanded by Louis Achaia. Subsequently, the status of the fortress for defense was changed and the structure turned into a palace for the duke's family.

The artistic impulse that was imparted to the palace after the reconstruction pleased Cristina of France, the wife of Vittorio Amadeo I. According to history, other regent widows also lived in this palace, which explains the unique name of the building - the Madame Palace.

The new facade of the palace was designed by the ambitious Filippo Juvarra, who decorated it with large windows, pilasters and Corinthian fluted columns. Subsequently, it began to be used for various purposes, today it has become a museum of ancient art.

Note! If you are captivated by the royal grandeur of architectural structures from past eras, then the Museum of Ancient Art, located in Madame Christina's Palace, will not disappoint you!

Palace of Carignano is a building in Turin that has several “faces”

The architect Guarini designed the palace in the late 1600s. Palazzo Carignano witnessed the birth of Carlo Alberto and later Vittorio Emanuele II. Great things happened in the Carignano Palace, among which it is worth noting the event of 1861, when the first parliament of the future state signed the treaty on the formation of Italy! Such a historical place cannot be missed if you are in Turin!

The building has several “faces”. The facade on the side of Piazza Carignano is made in the Baroque style of the 17th century, and on Carlo Alberto you can see the neo-Baroque of the 18th century.

Although this is not the only building that has a facade made on different walls in the styles of different centuries.

Cathedral or Duomo di San Giovanni Battista

The cathedral is the only example of an architectural building built during the Renaissance. The name is dedicated to the patron saint of the city - St. John the Baptist. The temple is the custodian of the famous Christian relic - the Shroud of Turin. According to legend, the body of Christ was dressed in it after the execution. If you are a believer who reveres Christ, then you will be interested in looking at the preserved shrine.

A chapel was made for the Holy Shroud, designed by Guarino Guarini. It connects to the Royal Palace.

Note! At the end of the twentieth century, there was a fire in the chapel, but the Shroud was not damaged.

The facade of the Duomo di San Giovanni Battista is made of white marble, which is decorated with bas-reliefs from the Renaissance, characterized by particular elegance and charm.

Panorama of Turin on Capuchin Hill

In Turin, on the right bank of the Po River there is Capuchin Hill. If you want to see the city from above, then you should definitely visit this hill.

The monastery of Santa Maria al Monte is located on it. Many believers find refuge here.

The Franciscan Capuchin Monastery can become a new calling for you if you suddenly get lost in the bustle of this soulless world. It is also worth noting that at the end of the 11th century, defensive fortifications, observation of the bridge over the Po River and a control point were located here. The history of the hill is very diverse.

Fans of modern technology and mechanical engineering will definitely love Lingotto, which is one of the largest multifunctional centers in Europe. Over the years of its existence, the plant has produced dozens of car models, including Fiat. In 1982, the plant's production activities ceased. The latest model released is from the Lancia Delta series. However, there is an exhibition center located in the Nizza Millefonti area, which will give you the opportunity to see models of previously produced cars and take pictures in front of them.

Turin has many more unique places, temples and other attractions. Needless to say, it’s actually better to see once than to hear many times! Lovers of active recreation will always have something to do in this city!

Turin (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Turin with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Turin (Italy)

Turin is one of the largest cities in Italy, the capital of the Piedmont region. Located on the Po River at the foot of the Western Alps, an hour's drive from the border with France and approximately the same distance from the Mediterranean coast. Turin is an elegant city with wide streets, squares, palaces and a unique metropolitan atmosphere. It stands out architecturally and culturally among all Italian cities and has important historical significance. After all, Turin is the first capital of a united Italy, the “cradle” of the Risorgimento - the national liberation movement for unification and freedom.

The city was for a long time the main residence of the mighty Savoy dynasty. During its heyday, its architectural brilliance rivaled that of Paris and Vienna: luxurious palaces, many beautiful buildings in the Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles. In addition, Turin is the capital of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and one of the main industrial centers of Italy.

Geography and climate

Turin is located in the northwestern part of the Padan Plain at the confluence of the Dora Riparia and Po rivers near the foot of the Alps. The Po River divides the city into flat and hilly parts.

The climate is moderate with fairly hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in January (the coldest month) is about 1 degree plus. Most precipitation falls from April to June.


Practical information

  1. Population - 883.3 thousand inhabitants (the fourth largest city in Italy).
  2. Area - 130.2 square kilometers.
  3. Language - Italian.
  4. Currency - euro.
  5. Visa - Schengen.
  6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
  7. Turin has an efficient public transport system with buses and trams. There is also one metro line. Before you get on the bus, you need to buy tickets. Tickets for public transport are sold at tobacco kiosks.

  • Drive to the Basilica of Superga, which offers a magnificent view of the city.
  • Walk from Via Roma to Piazza Castello - the most elegant part of Turin.
  • Walk along the Po River embankment to Piazza Vittorio and the Gran Madre Church.
  • Dinner or visit the nightclubs and bars in the San Salvario area.

Story

Initially, on the site of modern Turin, there were settlements of Celts and Ligurians. In the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar founded a military camp here, which was renamed Augusta Taurinorum under Augustus. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Turin came under the control of the Lombards and later the Franks.

In the 13th century, the city became part of the possessions of the Savoy dynasty, and in the 16th century it acquired capital status. This time is the real heyday of Turin. Palaces and beautiful monumental buildings are built here. During the War of the Spanish Succession, the Dukes of Savoy defeated the French and took the title of kings. Turin is on par with other European capitals.


In the 19th century, Turin became the “cradle” of the national liberation movement, whose goal was the liberation and unification of Italy. Also for some time the city was the capital of the country. Currently, Turin is one of the largest industrial, technological and cultural centers in Italy.

How to get there

Turin International Airport is located 15 km north of the historical center. The main carriers are Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airlines and Alitalia. You can get from the airport to the center by train or bus. The SADEM bus runs every 15 minutes (30 minutes on Sundays) from the airport to Porta Nuova train station.

Turin is a major railway junction. There are three railway stations (stations). Porta Susa station serves trains to the northern regions of Italy (Milan, Venice, Aosta, as well as Paris), and Porta Nuova serves trains to the southern destinations (Genoa, Florence, Rome, Bologna).

The city has excellent accessibility by car. The A4, A5, A6, A21 and A32 motorways are nearby.

Food and drink

In the historical center of Turin you can easily find establishments for every taste and budget. High concentration of bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants in the San Salvario area.

The following dishes are popular from traditional (Piedmontese) cuisine:

  • Agnolotti del plin - stuffed pasta
  • Gnocchi alla bava - dough products with tomato and cheese
  • Tajarìn – thin pasta with egg yolk
  • Messer L"Agnolotto
  • Vitello tonnato - thin slices of veal with sauce

Attractions

The main attractions of Turin.

Mole Antonelliana is one of the symbols of Turin, a 19th century tower with a 168-meter spire. Construction of the structure began in 1863 by Alessandro Antonelli. It was planned that a synagogue would be located here. Now home to a cinema museum, the tower offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

The Basilica of Superga is a cathedral on a high hill east of the historical part of Turin. It was built in 1731 in honor of the victory over the French. It features beautiful Baroque architecture, rich interior decoration and many columns. The basilica is the burial place of members of the Savoy dynasty. From here you have stunning views of the surrounding area with the Alps in the background. You can get to the top either by car or by chain train. In 1949, a plane carrying the Turin football team crashed here.


San Giovanni Battista is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, a cathedral built at the end of the 15th century and dedicated to the patron saint of the city. The facade is made of white marble, and the nearby bell tower is built of brick. You can climb the tower. Inside you can admire fantastic frescoes and marble statues of famous religious figures. The main attraction of the cathedral and one of the main Christian shrines is Santa Sidone or the legendary Shroud of Turin - the shroud in which the body of Christ was wrapped. The shrine is located in a closed chapel and is not accessible to the public.


Piazza Castello is the main square of Turin, located in the historical center of the city. Four main Turin roads converge here: the pedestrian street Via Garibaldi, Via Po, Via Roma and Via Pietro Micca. The area has a square shape. Almost in the center is the architectural complex of Palazzo Madama, in the north - the Prefectural Palace and the Royal Armory, in the east - the Regio Theater, in the west - a couple of mansions and the Church of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Reale and the Litoria Tower, in the east - the Subalpina Gallery.


Palazzo Madama is the central building of Piazza Castello. The modern building is based on a 13th century castle, built on the ruins of the eastern Roman gate. In the 15th century the castle was expanded and in the 18th century it was significantly rebuilt in the Baroque style. Currently, within the walls of the palace there is a museum with exhibitions of stone works, sculptures, jewelry, paintings and furniture.


Palazzo Reale is a royal palace, a magnificent building from the 16th century. The building has a simple design and a square layout. The facade is decorated with white stonework and is decorated with many small decorative windows, which add grandeur and formality to the palace. Inside there are many richly decorated rooms.


The Church of San Lorenzo is a small 17th century religious building next to the Palazzo Reale. This is a true Baroque masterpiece from Guarini. Architecturally, San Lorenzo is considered one of the world's greatest churches for its unusual and bold dome design.


Piazza San Carlo is a beautiful baroque square formed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Named after the influential Archbishop Charles Borromeo. In the center of the square stands a bronze statue of the Duke of Savoy, and on the edges are the churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo. The square of the piazza is framed by arcaded and marble buildings, which give it wonderful symmetry.


Church of the Virgin Mary

The Church of Our Lady is a beautiful Baroque basilica founded in the 11th century. Located in the small square Piazza della Consolata, about 5 minutes walk west of the Piazza della Repubblica. A triangular pediment adorns the entrance and is supported by four large stone columns. Inside the basilica there is a lot of marble, gold and religious iconography. The main altar has several religious frescoes and detailed paintings, while the small altar is decorated with a gold relief of the Virgin Mary


The Egyptian Museum is one of the most interesting museums in Turin. Located between Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo. This museum, dedicated to ancient Egyptian archeology and history, contains a huge number of valuable exhibits.


Porta Palatina is a 1st century Roman gate, the only one surviving of the four ancient entrances to the city. The three-story wall is built of brick and connects a pair of polygonal brick towers. Nearby are the ruins of a Roman theater.


Allianz Stadium

Allianz Stadium is the home arena of the famous football club Juventus, one of the most famous stadiums in the world with a capacity of more than 40,000 people.


Parco Valentino is one of the largest park complexes in Turin. Its main highlight is a replica of a medieval village, built at the end of the 19th century.

Italian Turin is one of the most popular cities among tourists in Italy. The name of the city translates as “small bull”. The coat of arms of Turin depicts a golden bull. According to local superstition, it is believed that if you step on the belly of a bull, wealth awaits you. In the city you can find images of this animal everywhere.

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General information

Among the largest cities in Italy Turin is in fourth place. 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 that has no equal in all of Europe - the Egyptian Museum. In terms of the variety and richness of its exhibition, it can compete even with the Cairo Museum.

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 part of the so-called diabolical triangle, the corners of which are Turin, Lyon and Prague.

What to see in Turin? In this city, be sure to visit:

  • Piazza Castello;
  • Madama Castle;
  • Egyptian Museum;
  • Royal Palace;
  • Cathedral of John the Baptist.

City `s history

At present, it does not occur to anyone to doubt that Turin - Italian city. Over the years of its existence, Turin has been not only Italian. Over the centuries, many armies have conquered it. The foundation of the city was laid by the Romans. In the 8th century, the Lombard duchy 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 - the Italian one. 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. The changes primarily affected industrialization. Now only Milan can compete with Turin in terms of industrialization in Italy. This city is known throughout the world 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 transport, but also agricultural, commercial and industrial transport.

If you look at a map of Italy, you can see that the country’s most important transport routes pass through Turin.

Comparisons with Paris

Often Turin, whose sights are distinguished by elegance and grace, is called "Italian Paris".

Typically, Italian ancient buildings are of only historical value and are not distinguished by external beauty. The same cannot be said about the buildings in 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 attractions 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 it is called here, Piazza Castello. The architect who designed it, Ascanio Vitozzi, was inspired by the 13th century Castle Madama, located here.

Elements of the palace's architecture can also be found on the square. On the sides of Piazzi Castello are the city theater, the Royal Palace, and the library. The palace library houses a masterpiece of world painting - a self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci.

Palazzo Madama

Castle, or Palazzo Madama often called two-faced. This is because the outside is made in the Baroque style, and the inside is in the medieval style. On old maps of the city, an ancient Roman camp is marked at 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. Residents of the city called her “Madama” among themselves, which is why the name Palazzo Madama became quite attached to the entire building. During a tour of the castle, you can examine 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, 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 St. John the Baptist is very popular among tourists from different countries. There are also a lot of Russian tourists here. The fact is that it houses 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, there was a fire in the cathedral. After it, security measures were strengthened here - the Holy Shroud is protected by six layers of bulletproof glass. To prevent the fabric from deteriorating over time, 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 in. The relic is shown to parishioners of the cathedral once every 25 years. The next time the Shroud will be taken out of its 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. It is famous for its shape. Mole Antonellana Tower made in the form of an inverted glass. Its height is 167 meters. This is the tallest tower in the world built by human hands.

There is a cinema museum inside the building. It occupies five whole floors. The museum's exhibition 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 exhibits presented is about 20 thousand.

One of the museum halls is equipped so that you could watch twenty films at once. Screens here are located 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 films. Pictures of completely different genres, different time periods and directors are stored here.

The cinema museum also has special active rooms where any visitor can transform into a film 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;
  • Papyrus of the Pharaoh.

The founder of the museum, Carlo Felice, bought many of the artifacts located 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 connected with the Savoy dynasty. In 1706, Duke Victor Amadeus I. I. vowed 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 over 14 years. Superga boasts its collection of portraits of pontiffs. There is also a portrait of St. Peter here.

Since 1884, a funicular railway has been operating here, delivering parishioners to the hill.

In 1949 the basilica was badly damaged. A plane carrying the Italian football team Torino fell on her. The football players and journalists who were flying with them died. They 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 rightfully proud of its traditional cuisine - risotto, grissini breadsticks, bollito meat. All these dishes were invented here and it is here that they are prepared in a particularly tasty way. Many local recipes feature a variety of cheeses.

The love for sumptuous feasts originated in the city back in the Middle Ages. During the feasts of that time, many dishes remained uneaten. The day after the holiday, local chefs prepared new dishes from the ingredients left over from the feast. Many of those dishes subsequently became very popular and even traditional in Italy.

Turin (Torino) is a city where kings were born, lived and died. That is why among the attractions there are many royal residences, magnificent castles, museums, and art galleries. Here you can see the weapons of the Savoy kings, a church in the form of an ancient Roman pantheon, and a synagogue-like building depicted on a two-cent coin. And in one of the Catholic churches one of the most famous Christian shrines is kept.

Turin is located northwest of Roma, at a distance of 522 km, and is the administrative center of Piedmont. The city is located near the Western Alps (Alpi Occidentali), where Dora Riparia flows into the Po river. On a geographical map it can be found at the following coordinates: 45°04′ north latitude, 7°42′ east longitude.

The area of ​​the city is 130 km^2, more than 900 thousand people live in it. Thanks to this, Turin is in fourth place in Italy in terms of .

The historical center, whose area exceeds four square kilometers, was surrounded by walls in former times. They were demolished long ago, so it is generally accepted that its territory is limited by Corso San Maurizio, Corso Regina Margherita, Corso Bolzano, Corso San Martino and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II avenues. On the south-eastern side, the cent abuts the Po River.

Castello Square

The central square of Turin is Piazza Castello: It has more than once become the venue for important events. Thus, during the 2006 Winter Olympics, Olympic champions and medalists were awarded here.

Castello Square has a long history, so there are many interesting attractions here. Here you can see a medieval fortress with a castle facade (Palazzo Madama), the Regio Theater (Teatro Regio di Torino), the prefectural house with a covered gallery. The Armory Chamber (L’Armeria Reale) houses the largest collection of armor and weapons in Europe. In the middle of the square there are four fountains gushing out of the ground.

There are three large monuments in Piazza Castello:

  • Equestrian monument to the Knight of Italy (Monumento equestre al Cavaliere d’Italia);
  • Monument to the Envoy of the Sardinian Army (la Statua dell’Alfiere dell’Esercito Sardo) - erected in front of the Madama Palace in 1859 before the start of the second war of independence;
  • The monument to General Duke Emanuele Filiberto was erected behind the Madama Palace.

Via Palazzo di Citta’ 4 starts from Piazza Castello on the side of the Piazza Reale. Here is the royal court church of St. Lawrence (Chiesa di San Lorenzo).

Piazza Castello is connected to four main streets of Turin. Among them is Via Garibaldi, whose length is 963 m. Therefore, although it is not the longest pedestrian street in Europe, it firmly holds second place. Adjacent to Piazza Castello at an angle is the Royal Square (Piazzetta Reale), where the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is located.

Madama Palace

The central building of the square is the Madama Palace (Palazzo Madama e Casaforte degli Acaja). Its history begins in the 13th century, when a fortress was built on the site of the old city gate. A hundred years later, the fort was expanded, given a rectangular shape, and a courtyard was built. Four corner towers and a covered gallery appeared.

Until the end of the 15th century. The castle belonged to the Acaja family (junior branch of the Savoy dynasty). When the Akayo family ceased to exist, representatives of the Savoy dynasty used the landmark as a guest house. For example, King Charles VIII of France (Carlo VIII) stayed here during his campaign against the Kingdom of Naples (regno di Napoli). The castle also hosted ceremonial events, during which the Shroud of Turin was put on display.

The castle owes its name to two famous inhabitants who lived here at one time. At the beginning of the 17th century. Maria Cristina di Borbone-Francia settled here, on whose orders the castle was reconstructed. Sixty years later, Maria Giovanna Battista di Savoia-Nemours, another influential woman of Turin, settled here.

In the XVII century. Some parts of the fort were dismantled or hidden, including the old drawbridge. These days the castle looks unusual. On one side there is a monument in front of it, fountains have been broken, and benches have been installed. There are also columns, a balustrade with statues and flowerpots. On the other side of the palace, two round dark brown towers on the sides of the building, with loopholes visible at the top, remind of the original purpose of the castle. Along the entire height of the towers and facade, small holes are visible where swallows nest (the townspeople nicknamed the house “swallow shelter”).

After the castle passed to the city, an astronomical observatory and an art gallery were located here. At various times the house was the seat of government, court, and parliament. Now there is a museum of ancient art.

Royal Theater

The Royal Theater (Teatro Regio di Torino), although considered one of the oldest opera houses in the country, is actually about a century old: the old building was destroyed by fire in 1936, and its reconstruction took forty years. Nevertheless, Turin residents are proud of the theater and call it Royal.

Construction of the first building on Piazza Castello began in 1738 by order of Duke Carlo Emanuele III of Savoia. The theater was built in record time: the opening took place two years later. It was a magnificent building with 2,500 seats, located on five tiers. Teatro Regio was popular, and two opera seria were created for the opening of each season.

The Royal Theater was closed in 1792 and reopened six years later when the city was occupied by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte. The repertoire was adapted to the tastes of the French public, and Bonaparte visited the theater three times.

In 1870 Teatro Regio became municipal. Thirty-five years later it underwent a major reconstruction: the fourth and fifth tiers disappeared and the amphitheater expanded. When the First World War began, the opera house was closed and reopened after its end - in 1919. The theater burned down almost completely in 1936: only the facade remained.

The opening of the new building took place in 1973. The eighteenth-century facade was preserved, while the interior of the building corresponds to the needs of a modern viewer. The spectator hall has taken the shape of an ellipse and is designed for 1,750 seats.

The Royal Armory (L'Armeria Reale) has one of the richest collections of ancient weapons and armor. The arsenal is located on Castello Square between the prefecture and the Royal Palace located on the neighboring square (it is part of it, so a ticket to visit the castle includes a visit to the Armory).

The idea to create an arsenal came from the King of Sardinia, Carlo Alberto di Savoia, and the opening took place in 1837. Among the museum's exhibits are not only the armor and weapons of medieval knights and later times, but also the means of defense and attack that Stone Age people used.

Weapons that belonged to the kings of Savoy are kept here. Among them is a relic of the royal house - the sword of San Maurizio. Of interest will be medals, coins, seals and precious objects from the collection of Carlo Albert of Savoy. They were placed in a special room, having previously designed furniture in the neo-Greek style.

Palaces

Since Turin is a city where representatives of the ruling Savoy dynasty (Casa Savoia) lived for a long time, there are many palaces here. Chief among them is the Royal Palace, located on the square of the same name near Piazza Castello. But there are many other castles here where kings lived. They are a must-visit for tourists.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is located on Piazzetta Reale. It is separated from Castello Square by a lattice wall and two bronze horsemen, after passing between them, the traveler finds himself in front of the palace. For two hundred years, this landmark was the main residence of the Savoy dynasty (Casa Savoia).

The modern building was built in the second half at the end of the 16th century. on the site of the Bishop's Palace and the Old Castle. Its first owner was Maria Cristina di Borbone-Francia. When the capital of united Italy was moved from Turin to Firenze in 1865, then to Rome, the castle lost its importance, and kings visited it only occasionally.

In the architecture of Palazzo Reale, the masters managed to successfully combine three different styles - Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical. The length of the palace facade is 170 meters, on its right and left sides there are two higher pavilions. One of them houses the Royal Library (Biblioteca Reale di Torino). Ancient manuscripts are collected here and there is even a self-portrait (Leonardo da Vinci).

In front of the main entrance of the castle there are statues of the heroes of Greek myths Pollux and Castor. Behind the palace are the Royal Gardens (Giardini Reali). They are decorated with fountains and sculptures.

While the façade is formally decorated on the outside, the interior is luxurious. There are paintings, antiques, tapestries, jewelry, and in the niches of the spacious hall are statues of representatives of the Savoy dynasty. Everywhere there is dazzling gold and stucco. The main staircase of the Scala delle Forbici, the Throne Room, the Blue Audience Hall, and the private chambers of the kings attract attention. In total, about thirty rooms are open to visitors.

Valentina's Castle (Castello del Valentino) is located on viale Pier Andrea Mattioli, 39 on the coast of the Po River. The first memory of the palace dates back to the 13th century. It was a well-fortified structure designed to protect against enemy attacks. The attraction owes its name to the relics of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, which were kept in the Church of St. Vitus located near the palace (not preserved).

The Castello del Valentino owes its modern appearance to Maria Cristina Bourbon of France, on whose orders the building was remodeled in the French style. Therefore, the landmark looks unusual: from the river side, the house resembles a fortress thanks to the preserved corner towers, which rise above the facade. In front is a beautiful, elegant palace, the courtyard of which is paved with marble. On the façade is the coat of arms of the Savoy family.

After the death of Maria Christina, the house began to fall into disrepair. When the French captured the city, it was plundered. Then barracks were set up here, then an engineering school. In the twentieth century, the castle was restored and now houses the Faculty of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Turin (Politecnico di Torino).

Tourists can only get inside on Saturday morning, having previously agreed on a visit. If you can’t visit the palace at this time, you can take a walk in the park and admire the façade of the attraction.

The Queen's Villa (Villa della Regina) is located at Strada Santa Margherita, 79. The palace, rising on the Turin Hill, is surrounded by a magnificent garden with terraces, fountains, grottoes.

The villa appeared at the beginning of the 17th century. commissioned by Prince Cardinal Maurice of Savoy. After his death, it passed from hand to hand until, in 1692, the owner of the residence was the niece of the French king, Anne Marie d’Orléans, wife of Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy. When her husband became king, the villa was named Villa della Regina.

The new status had a positive effect on the appearance of the palace: the decor was updated, the garden layout was slightly changed. The eldest daughter Anne-Marie gave the villa the features of Versailles.

After the Savoy court was moved to Rome (late 19th century), Villa della Regina ceased to be a royal residence and was abandoned for a long time. During the Second World War it was heavily damaged by bombing. At the end of the XX century. The villa was restored and opened to visitors. Here you can see frescoes and paintings by famous masters, Chinese chests of drawers made of gilded wood. In the garden there is a pavilion where members of the intellectual club, founded by Maurice of Savoy, met.

Three hundred meters from the Royal Palace is Palazzo Carignano. Construction of the landmark began at the end of the 17th century. The project was developed by Guarino Guarini for one of the branches of the Savoy dynasty, the Carignano family.

The design of the castle is considered one of the most daring decisions of the Baroque era. A clear example of this is the curved front staircase and the double dome above the main hall. The castle's chambers are decorated with frescoes by Stefano Maria Legnani.

The house has two facades. The older one is made of red brick. It is characterized by a wavy shape and faces Piazza Carignano. Under the windows of the first floor you can see a frieze depicting the Iroquois. It was made as a sign of the victory of the local regiment over this tribe. The other, more traditional, faces Piazza Carlo Alberto. It appeared much later, when the parliament of united Italy, which met here, decided that the palace needed to be expanded. This was done in the 60s. XIX century

The first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II (Vittorio Emanuele II), was born in this house in 1820. Now it houses the National Museum of the Risorgimento(this is the name given to the national liberation struggle for the liberation of Italy).

Churches

Turin is a city where kings lived for a long time. That's why the churches here are special. Among them there is a temple where it is kept, as well as a church where kings prayed and praised God. Not far from the city there is a basilica, where representatives of the ruling dynasty found their last refuge. The temple built in the neo-Gothic style, as well as the church based on the Greek pantheon, will also be interesting. The twin churches will also attract the attention of curious tourists.

The basilica (Duomo di San Giovanni) houses one of the most significant shrines of Christianity - the Shroud of Turin (indone di Torino). According to one theory, the body of Christ was wrapped in it after death on Golgotha.

The relic is stored in a fireproof container, inside of which a special temperature is maintained. Tourists can see the shrine once every 25 years (it was last exhibited in 2010) for forty days. The rest of the time, a copy of the shroud is presented to the gaze of pilgrims and the curious.

Duomo di San Giovanni is located in Piazza San Giovanni, just behind the Royal Palace. It was built at the end of the 15th century. by order of Cardinal Domenico della Rovere. The facade was made of white Carrara marble, with chapels placed on the sides. Two hundred years later, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud was added to the temple. At the end of the XX century. it was badly damaged by fire, and restoration work is now underway here (the shroud was not damaged).

The facade of the Basilica of St. Lawrence (Chiesa di San Lorenzo) is not much different from the houses located nearby. The fact that this is a temple is indicated only by the dome at the top of the building and some details on the walls. But Inside, there is extraordinary beauty: in terms of decoration, this is one of the richest temples in Turin. After all, there used to be a royal chapel for the Savoyard rulers here, and the Shroud of Turin was also kept for some time when it was brought from France.

The temple is located on the corner of Piazza Castello and the Royal Square, or more precisely, on Via Palazzo di Citta’, 4. It was no coincidence that the church was given a modest façade: the Savoyard rulers, who ordered the construction of the basilica in the 17th century. They believed that nothing should distract the eye from the nearby Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama. But the inside of the basilica was decorated like a king.

The church itself is small, made according to the octagonal principle, luxuriously decorated in the Barocco style, and the dome with a lantern emitting light seems to float in the air. The main altar of the temple is interesting, decorated with geometric figures, precious stones, twisted columns, and gilded wooden grilles. The Holy Staircase leads to it, the central part of which is only allowed to be climbed on your knees (twelve steps), while the sides are climbed in the usual way. The temple organ is placed in a case made of gilded wood.

The Temple of Our Lady of the Great (Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio) is located on Gran Madre di Dio Square, near the coast of the Po River, near the hills. The construction of the landmark was timed to coincide with the victory over Bonaparte and the return to the throne of Victor Emmanuel I (Vittorio Emanuele I), King of Savoy. The basilica was opened in 1831 in the presence of King Carlo Alberto di Savoia.

Externally, the temple resembles one, to which a huge staircase leads. At its foot stands a marble statue of Victor Emmanuel I. On the right and left sides of the stairs there are statues depicting Faith and Religion. In the facade near the portal there are niches with statues of Saints Mark and Barromeo. On the pediment there is a bas-relief where the Mother of God and Child stand.

Due to the peculiarities of the architectural form, a bell tower near the church was not initially envisaged. It was built in 1830 a little to the side, near Via Bonsignore.

Although (Basilica di Superga) is located ten kilometers from Turin, every tourist who visits the city should see it. The Savoy kings found their final refuge here, and there is also an excellent view of the city, the Po River, and the Alps.

The church was built on the hill at the beginning of the 18th century. According to legend, Victor Amadeus II (Vittorio Amedeo II) climbed to the top of the hill to assess the position of the enemy troops occupying Turin. At the same time, he swore to the Mother of God that, if successful, he would build a church here - and he fulfilled his promise. When Victor Amadeus II died, he was buried in this church. Since then, it has become the burial place of representatives of the Savoyard dynasty.

In the middle of the last century, a tragedy happened here. The pilot of the plane carrying the local football team lost his orientation and crashed into the temple fence... no one survived. At the site of the disaster there is now a memorial dedicated to the fallen football players.

The church is located at Strada Basilica di Superga, 73. From the central square of the city you can walk to it in two hours. If you don’t have time for long walks, you can take a taxi (the trip will cost 20 euros) or take the funicular that departs from Sassi station.

On Piazza San Carlo there are twin churches (Le Chiese Gemelle), made in the Baroque style. They are separated from each other by a narrow street.

If you face them, on the left there will be the Church of St. Christina (Chiesa di Santa Cristina). In 1640, Maria ordered it to be built by Christina of France in memory of her deceased eldest son. But a year later the architect died, so construction was delayed: the façade appeared seventy years later.

On the right is the Church of San Carlo Borromeo (Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo). They named it in honor of the saint who came to the city to pray to the Holy Shroud. It was erected earlier, by order of Charles Emmanuel I the Great (Carlo Emanuele I di Savoi) in 1619. The façade acquired its modern appearance in the nineteenth century.

The Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation (Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata) is located at Via Po, 45 (the street starts from Piazza Castello and leads to the river).

The first building was erected in the 17th century. The temple had a very simple structure, with only one nave. Then it was expanded, the choir was enlarged, and two chapels were added. In the eighteenth century, Bernardo Antonio Vittone installed an altar and a wooden processional platform appeared.

The facade of the temple was completed in 1776, and a hundred years later an arcade was added to it, thanks to which the temple acquired a solemn appearance.

At the end of the 19th century. the brothers to whom the temple belonged began to experience serious difficulties with money, which had a negative impact on the church: it began to collapse. Therefore, in 1913 the temple was demolished, and six years later they began to erect a new building, taking the Roman Baroque as a basis. Construction ended in 1934, and now many believe that the Church of the Holy Annunciation is one of the most beautiful churches in the city.

The Church of St. Rita (Chiesa S. Rita da Cascia) was built in the neo-Gothic style at the beginning of the 20th century. Therefore, its appearance is strikingly different from other temples in the city, more reminiscent of churches in Germany. The basilica is located at Via Vernazza, 38, away from the historical center of the city, not far from the Olympic Stadium.

Turin skyscrapers

Turin is a city where buildings are low, and high-rise buildings have recently begun to appear, mainly on the outskirts of the city. But some of them were built in the historical part of the city, which attracts the attention of citizens and guests of the city. Among them are Turin's first high-rise building, the Mole Antonelliana Tower, built at the end of the nineteenth century, as well as the skyscraper called Mussolini's Finger, which the dictator ordered to be built before World War II.

The Mole Antonelliana tower is the symbol of Turin: it is even depicted on the two euro cent coin. The landmark is located at Via Montebello, 20, and is visible from many areas of the city.

Construction of the tower began in 1863 at the request of the Jewish community, which decided to build a house of worship and a school in the city. Construction was entrusted to Alessandro Antonelli. He made a number of changes to the project, due to which the height of the house increased significantly: in the final version it was 167.5 m. This led to higher construction costs and longer construction times. The Jewish Diaspora was not satisfied with this, and they refused to build the building. Therefore, construction was frozen for several years.

The city then bought the building from the Jewish community, offering them another site. The authorities decided to dedicate the giant tower to the first king of united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. Construction was resumed, and Antonelli was again called to lead. Unfortunately, he did not live one year before the completion of construction, dying at the age of ninety.

The opening of Mole Antonelliana took place in 1889. It turned out to be a tall, square structure at the base, above which a dome rose. Above it they built a small room with columns - Tempietto, which offers a magnificent view of Turin (you can get here by elevator).

In 1953, a strong wind toppled the 47-meter dome of the tower, but eight years later the building returned to its original form. But this time the architects decided to make the inside of the dome out of steel.

At first, the Risorgimento Museum was located here. Currently, it houses the National Cinematography Museum.

In Piazza Castello, the attention of tourists is attracted by the nearby first Turin skyscraper, the Torre Littoria, nicknamed “Mussolini’s Finger” (il dito di Mussolini). This 19-storey building is located on Via Giovanni Battista Viotti. Its height is 87 m, and with the spire – 109 m.

The name of the skyscraper was not given by chance: it was ordered to be built for use as the headquarters of the fascist party. Construction began in 1933, and the building was built in record time: within a year. The skyscraper was built with money from the company Reale Mutua Assicurazioni, which still owns it (now there are offices and apartments here).

They say that Mussolini specifically decided to build Torre Littoria between the old palaces in order to contrast the new future with the departed monarchy. Nothing good came of this: bearable in itself, the skyscraper does not look good surrounded by castles and, in the opinion of many, spoils the view of the historical center of the city.

In 2015, a landmark appeared in Turin, which is called the new symbol of the city. This is the Intesa Sanpaolo skyscraper, located at Corso Inghilterra, 3.

This 35-story building is a combination of glass, steel and green oases, and is designed in an eco-building style. It provides geothermal energy supply (i.e., obtained from the natural heat of the Earth), and a special façade cladding provides good ventilation on a hot summer day and thermal insulation in winter.

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Residents and guests of the city can access some floors on certain days. The last tier, which is located at an altitude of 166 meters above the ground, will be especially interesting. The walls here are made of impenetrable glass, and therefore the view of the city is stunning. There is also a restaurant and cafe here.

Museums

To save time and money, tourists can use the Torino Card. It allows you to visit many of the city's attractions for free. And these are museums, fortresses, palaces that are located both in Turin and near it. A list of museums to which the Torino Card provides free admission can be obtained at the time of purchase.

The card is activated after the first use. Depending on the type, the Torino Card is valid for two, three, five and seven days. You can enter each museum only once with a single ticket. At the same time, there is no need to stand in line for tickets: just show your card at the entrance. Since the owner's last name is indicated on the plastic card, you must carry documents with you: inspectors sometimes check whether another person has used the ticket.

Another advantage of the Torino Card is that its owners receive discounts when ordering excursions, purchasing tickets to the theater, concerts, and festivals. Benefits are also provided when renting cars, boats, bicycles, etc.

The Sabauda Gallery is located on two floors of the new wing of the Royal Palace, located at Via XX Settembre, 86. It is a collection of paintings by the rulers of the Savoy dynasty, which they presented to the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1860.

The collection was founded by Charles Emmanuel Charles III (Italian: Carlo Emanuele III di Savoia) after acquiring paintings by his late cousin, Prince Eugenio di Savoia-Carignano. When (Genova) joined, the collection increased with paintings from the palace of the Genoese doges.

In 1832, the collection was moved to the Madama Palace and opened to the public. But when the Senate began to meet in the building, in 1885 the meeting moved to the former building of the Academy of Sciences. The collection is now located in the new wing of the Palazzo Reale.

Here you can see paintings by masters of Piedmontese, Flemish, and Dutch painting. Among them are paintings by Van Dyck (Antoon van Dyck), Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), Rubens. There are also masterpieces of Italian painters - (Sandro Botticelli), Tintoretto, Cerano, etc. If desired, tourists can use an audio guide, which will make the excursion more interesting.

(Museo delle Antichità Egizie) is the first ever museum dedicated to Ancient Egypt. It is located at Via Academia delle Scienze, 6.

The museum is based on the collection of King Charles Emmanuel III of Sardinia, which he ordered to be collected after he saw an Egyptian tablet from the temple of the goddess Isis. The ruler was so interested in the artifact that he sent archaeologist Vitaliano Donati to Egypt to search for similar relics. As a result, the king's collection was replenished by 300 exhibits.

For a long time, the exhibits were not exhibited to the public, so the museum was opened much later, when the King of Sardinia, Charles Fellix, acquired the Egyptian collection of Barnardino Drovetti in 1824. This diplomat lived in Egypt for many years, representing the interests of Napoleon, and bought Egyptian artifacts. Since the theme of Egypt was popular at that time, the museum's collection quickly increased.

Among the museum's exhibits are combs, jewelry, and household items from Nefertiti's tomb. The collection even includes bread, which, although it looks like a lump of clay, has survived to this day. The Egyptian Book of the Dead, spread across the entire wall, as well as the geographical map of the world drawn on papyrus, attract attention. A scroll listing all the rulers of Egypt, both historical and mythical characters, will also be interesting. In one of the halls there are statues of pharaohs, goddesses Isis and Sekhmet. Mummies will also be of interest, as well as the tools that ancient people used for mummification.

(Museo dell’Automobile) is located on Corso Unita’ d’Italia 40. It was opened in 1960 in a spacious three-story building on the Po River embankment.

The museum's collection includes more than two hundred types of transport, several dozen engines. Among the exhibits is a prototype of a car that was created according to drawings, models of racing cars of the early 20th century, and a car driven by Michael Schumacher. The inspection is accompanied by newsreels that tell the story of the era to which the car belongs.

Even women will not leave indifferent a room with furniture, where everything is made from car parts. In the museum you can watch documentaries on cars, talk about the importance of seat belts, and lessons on crash tests.

A medieval village and fortress (Borgo e Rocca Medioevale) was built in Valentina Park for the Italian Exhibition in 1884. Architects on the banks of the Po River recreated a 15th-century town.

The exposition is a village surrounded by walls and fortifications, inside of which there are churches, palaces, fountains, houses, and artisans' workshops. There is also a medieval square and street. The fortress contains prisons, barracks, a kitchen, dining rooms for servants and nobles, and much more. You can enter the village through the tower door via a drawbridge.

When the exhibition ended, the exhibition was supposed to be demolished. But the town became so popular among citizens and visitors that it was decided to preserve the complex. In 1942, a museum was opened here.

Museo Pietro Micca

Dungeon lovers can visit the Pietro Micca Museum in Turin, located at via Guicciardini, 7a. It was created in 1961 in memory of the miner Pietro Micca, who died in 1706 when he blew up the city's underground galleries, which were penetrated by the French besieging Turin.

You need to go to the dungeons only with a guide who will tell you about the events of those years: A simple inspection of the exhibits will not provide much information. In addition, the transitions here are confusing, so you can get lost.

City walls

The medieval walls and gates in Turin have hardly survived. Only the Palace Gate (known as Porte Palatine) on Piazza Cesare Augusto was able to avoid this fate. They appeared back in the 1st century. n. e., and were the main gate of the city (Porta Principalis).

From Roman times, only the wall has survived, along the edges of which there are two polygonal towers. Their construction dates back to the XIII-XIV centuries. At the bottom of the wall there are four through arches: carts passed through the central ones, people passed through the outer ones. There are now windows at the top of the wall; previously there were covered balconies where the watchmen were stationed.

In the 18th century The Porte Palatine, like the other walls of the city, was to be demolished. But the architect Antonio Bertola convinced the authorities to change their decision. That is why the gate located in the northern part of the historical center is the only surviving entrance to medieval Turin.

University

The University of Turin (Università degli Studi di Torino) was founded in 1404 by the will of the rulers of the Savoy dynasty. It is one of the largest educational institutions in Italy. The main building is located at Via Giuseppe Verdi, 8.


During the time of Napoleon, the University of Turin was the second most important. When Rome became the capital of united Italy, some professors left the educational institution. However, the university is now the fifth most prestigious in Italy, consisting of 12 faculties. Famous graduates of the institution include the writer Umberto Eco, as well as Nobel Prize laureates in medicine Salvatore Luria, Renato Dulbecco, Rita Levi-Montalcini.

Parks

Turin is a city with a lot of parks, botanical gardens, public gardens, where visitors and guests of the city can relax in nature. The most famous of them are Valentina Park, where you can see the castle and visit a medieval village, as well as Perelina Park, the largest park in the city.

Valentina Park (Parco del Valentino) is located between the Ponte Umberto Biancamano and Ponte principessa Isabella bridges along the coast of the Po River.

The main entrance is on Corso Massimo D'Azeglio. Presumably, the park was named after St. Valentine, who married lovers against the orders of the ruler. His relics are kept in the nearby Temple of San Vito.

Parco del Valentino appeared in Turin in 1630 near the palace of the same name. In the nineteenth century it underwent major changes and acquired a romantic style. Alleys and groves were organized, and a lake appeared, which in cold weather transforms into an ice skating rink. In 1898, the “12 Months” fountain was installed here. It is a large pond, decorated in the Rococo style, along the edges of which there are twelve statues, symbolizing the months of the year.

Previously, international exhibitions were often held in Parco del Valentino, after one of which a medieval village and fortress remained here (Borgo e Rocca Medioevale). Then a flower alley, an alpine slide, and a rose garden appeared in the park.

In the park, to the left of Valentina Castle, is the University Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico dell’Università di Torino). Many valuable flowers and trees grow here, and there is also a scientific library. In it you can see a herbarium containing 700 thousand species of plants, as well as paintings by masters of the 18th-19th centuries. with the image of flora.

Pellerina Park (Parco della Pellerina) is the largest park in the city: its area is 83.7 hectares. It is located far from the center, on the western outskirts. The Dora Riparia River flows through the park, the course of which was changed within the park to give it the desired shape.

Officially, the park is called Parco Carrara: it was named after Mario Carrara, a university professor who refused to take an oath to the Nazis. But the name did not stick: the Turin people stubbornly call it Pelerina. This was the name of the nearby cheese factory.

The park began to be developed in the 1930s. last century. During the war, work was suspended and continued after its end.

The park acquired its current appearance in the 80s. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, football fields, roller skating and cycling tracks. Visitors' attention is attracted by two artificial lakes, where swans, ducks, and coots live.

Park Europe

Those who want to wander through the Turin hills can relax in the Europa Park (Parco Europa), the main entrance to which is located in Piazza Freguglia. This is a very beautiful, well-kept place with a magnificent view of the city. Also of interest will be the botanical garden, where many interesting plants grow. There used to be a cable car in the park, but in the last century it was damaged and they decided not to restore it.

How to get there

Sixteen kilometers from the city, near the commune of Caselle Torinese, is Turin International Airport “Caselle”. Every day it sends and receives about 400 flights to 33 destinations, of which 18 are international. There is no direct flight from Moscow; you need to get there by transfers, for example, through Prague.

You can get from the airport to the city by bus, train or train (the Dora railway station is located nearby). The journey takes about twenty minutes.

Turin's main train station, Torino Porta Nuova, is located in the southern part of the city center, at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 58. This is very convenient for tourists who come here for a day of sightseeing. The station receives trains from many regions of Italy, as well as from neighboring countries.

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Turin Central Bus Station is located near the main station. Buses come here from all over Italy, neighboring and distant countries (Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic).

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Known for its magnificent theatres, pompous streets, amazing museums and incredible history. This is a city built in 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, and also see beautiful photos with detailed descriptions of the most interesting places.

City architecture

Mole Antonelliana

One of the most memorable sights of Turin is the amazing building - Mole Antonelliana. The Eiffel Tower is a symbol, and the Mole Antonelliana is a symbol of atmospheric Turin. You may have even seen photographs of this building on postcards, magnets, and souvenirs that tourists tirelessly bring with them in memory of their trip to. Today, in the Mole Antonelliana building there is a cinema museum, which will pleasantly impress and surprise you with its exhibitions. Here you will learn everything about the history of cinema, from the work of the Lumiérie brothers to the shocking works of Francois Ozon.

Mole Antonelliana can be found at: Via Montebello, Torino, Italy.

The museum welcomes guests almost every day from 9 am to 8 pm, and on Saturdays it is open longer - until 11 am.
Day off: Tuesday.
The ticket costs 10 EUR.

Basilica of Superga

Basilica of Superga is a historically rich Baroque building, within the walls of which there is the tomb of all the Piedmontese kings, starting with Victor Amadeus I. The building of the Basilica of Superga was rebuilt into a temple when Victor Amadeus II with Eugene of Savoy, watching in it how the Spaniards besieged Turin, made a promise, that if the city survives the struggle, they will build a magnificent temple here. And so it happened.

This temple houses a memorial in memory of the death of the entire Torino football team. The tragedy occurred in May 1949, when a plane collided with the dome of the Basilica of Superga due to thick fog. All passengers, namely 31 people, did not survive.

Contact number: 011 899 7456.

Madama Palace

One of the most visited attractions in Turin is Madama Palace. 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 had 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 Palace building houses amazing exhibitions of Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Palace website: http://www.palazzomadamatorino.it/it
Tickets cost approximately 10-12 EUR.
Day off: Tuesday.


If you want to see other architectural sights of the city, we suggest you use this list, which will 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.

The main museums of Turin

Museum of Egyptian Culture in Turin is an unusual place with an incredible collection of Egyptian art exhibits. The pride of the museum is Turin papyrus map, which is considered the oldest geographical map in the whole world.
In the 18th century, Charles Emmanuel III became interested in culture and ordered the construction of a museum into 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 interesting things.

Website of the Egyptian Museum: http://www.museoegizio.it/
Working hours:

  • on Monday – from 9 am to 14:00;
  • from Tuesday to Sunday – from 9 to 18:30.

The ticket price is 15 EUR.


National Automobile Museum 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 legendary car models. If you watched the movie "Arizona Dream" and really wanted to be in Uncle Leo's store, then you will really like 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:

  • The museum usually opens at 9 am and is open until 6 pm, but there are exceptions:
  • on Tuesdays – from 14:00 to 7 pm;
  • on Friday and Saturday – from 10 am to 9 pm.

Ticket prices:

  • 12 EUR;
  • pensioners, children over six years old, people with disabilities, students – 8 EUR;
  • schoolchildren – 2.5 EUR.

Squares of Turin

Castello Square– this is the heart of Turin. Here you can appreciate many of Turin's attractions in one day. In the center of the Castello is the magnificent Palazzo Madama, which is the main decoration of the square. Also nearby are the Royal Theater and the huge Royal Library. You won’t get bored here, since the square has many shopping centers, a cinema, cozy restaurants and cafes.

You can easily find Piazza Castello at: Piazza Castello, Torino, Italy.


Piazza San Carlo- This is a favorite place for citizens and tourists. Various events are often held here: music concerts, poetry evenings, festivals of young talents and high-profile 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.

  • Risorgimento Museum(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, one tourist travels to Italian Turin, I hope his advice will be useful to you! Enjoy watching!

Where to go in Turin 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);
  • Valentina Park(Torino).

This wonderful city will not leave you indifferent. Turin will surprise you with its sights, beauty, history and hospitality.

If you have already visited Turin in, then please share your impressions and beautiful photos. And to those lucky ones who are just planning to visit this atmospheric city, we sincerely wish you a successful trip and a sea of ​​discoveries!