Turin Travel Guide

Once seen as little more than an industrial city, Turin is now undergoing extensive
urban regeneration, which was further helped by the surge in tourist numbers brought
about by its hosting of the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Situated on the mighty River Po in the far northwest of Italy, and surrounded by
stunning alpine scenery, Turin offers visitors a feast of baroque architecture, ornate art
nouveau cafs and museum collections covering everything from Egyptology to
contemporary art.
The symbol of Turin is the Mole Antonelliana, an eye-catching dome, while its most
famous relic is the Holy Shroud, thought by some to be the cloth that wrapped Christ's
body after the crucifixion. It still attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Other visitors come to shop under the city's elegant porticoes, or try some of the local
gastronomic specialities such as Lavazza coffee, Gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and
Vermouth.

Half-day tour discovering Turin

The tour leaves from Piazza Castello (Castle Square), heart of the city, and includes
a stop at Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), the baroque Palace of the House of Savoy, and
at the Church of San Lorenzo, seventeenth- century masterpiece of the architect
Guarino Guarini of Modena . In the latter, there is a photographic copy of the Holy
Shroud, the most controversial and mysterious icon of the Christian world. Of great
importance is Palazzo Madama ( MadamaPalace ) with its grand staircase designed by
the architect Juvarra. This palace defines the history of the city: from Roman gate,
toMedieval Castle , to Residence of Christine of France and of Marie Jean Baptiste of
Savoy Nemours, and in the end the first seat of the Italian Senate in 1861.

The tour continues to the Roman Theatre, the Porta Palatina(Palatina

Gate), the Duomo di San Giovanni Battista (Cathedral of Saint Joan the Baptist,
the only example of Renaissance art in Turin), and the Chapel of the Holy
Shroud (currently being restored, after the fire of 1997).
On to Via Roma with its baroque Piazza San Carlo (San Carlo Square), masterpiece
of Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte, at the center of which rises L Caval d Brons,
monument of Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, the duke who made Turin the capital of the
Duchy.
After a stop in one of the historic cafs of the square, we proceed to Piazza
Carignano (Carignano Square), to admire the Palazzo Carignano of Guarino Guarini,
where the first king of Italy was born and where the first Italian Parliament was seated .
We then reach Via Po via the nineteenth-century Galleria Subalpina

dellIndustria of Carrera. After a few more blocks, we arrive at the Mole Antonelliana,
symbol of the city, designed to be a synagogue and now site of the Cinema Museum.
Our last stop is in Piazza Vittorio Veneto (Vittorio Veneto Square), with its view of
the hills of Turin and of its two churches: Gran Madre di Dio and Santa Maria del
Monte dei Cappuccini.

Full-day tour discovering Turin

The tour comprises all of the above, which is followed by lunch in a typical
restaurant.
The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Parco del Valentino (Valentino Park ), the
oldest in the city, and its neo-Medieval villageand castle, built for the international
expo 1884. Close to the castle is La Fontana dei 12 Mesi of Ceppi (Fountain
representing the 12 months), an example of art nouveau architecture.

You have the opportunity then to take pictures at the Castello del
Valentino (Valentino Castle), residence of Christine of France, and now site of the
Universitys School of Architecture .
Our final stop is in the hills overlooking Turin to visit the Basilica of Superga where

many members of the House of Savoy are buried

Turin Art Nouveau: a tour starting from Villa Scott and on through the area called
Cit Turin visits many examples of art nouveau architecture.

Turin and Contemporary Art and Architecture: a tour starting from the Fiat
Mirafiori factory and ending in one of Turin s famed art museums, such as the GAM
( Modern Art Gallery ), with stops at varied other examples of contemporary works of
art.
Turin and its Historic Cafs: a taste tour visiting various historic cafs in the city
which literally invented the cocktail hour and the gianduiotto (chocolate). You might, for
example, try vermouth, which was first produced here.
Olympics Turin : a tour by bus and on foot visiting some sites of the 2006 Winter
Olympics: Olympic Arch, Stadium, Expo Center and more.
Palazzo Reale ( Royal Palace ): this palace is the main and most important among
all the royal residences. The tour brings you to both the public and private furnished
apartments of the members of the Savoy family.

Reggia di Venaria (Hunting Palace of Venaria) and its gardens. Here you can see a
total of about 35 rooms dating from the seventeenth to the eighteenth- centuries. These
include the Galleria Grande and the Church of San Uberto , designed by Filippo
Juvarra. The palace is a museum of the history of the Savoy dynasty. The gardens are
worth the trip!
Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi (Hunting Palace of Stupinigi) . Eighteenthcentury hunting residence designed by Juvarra, currently closed for restoration.
Castello di Racconigi (Racconigi Palace). This residence, belonging to the
Carignano branch of the Savoy family, contains all of the original furnishings, paintings
and other varied objects. The tour starts in the nineteenth-century kitchens and
proceeds to the apartments of the nursemaids, the princes and the first floor. On the
second floor are the private apartments.
The grounds can also be visited.

Castello di Rivoli (Rivoli Palace). This royal residence, commissioned by Vittorio

Amedeo II, was rebuilt in the eighteenth-century , and is now a museum of
contemporary art.
Castello di Agli (Agli Palace). This palace belonged to the noble family of San
Martino and became the property of the Savoysin 1764. It was recently used as a set for
an Italian television series.
Sacra di San Michele (St. Michaels Abbey). This massive structure is the official

symbol of the Region of Piemonte (Piedmont). Located on Mount Pirchiriano, and dating
back to the tenth century, it is a mix of both Romanesque and Gothic
architectures. Three of its masterpieces are the Gate of the Zodiac, the Staircase of the
Dead and the interior Church. A breathtaking view of the Susa Valley can be admired
from its panoramic terrace.
Avigliana. This medieval town is on the road that leads to the Sacra di San
Michele. It is famous for many original structures, among which are churches, towers,
gates and the ruins of the Castleof Count Rosso. It is also known for its two lakes of
morenic origin.

Precettoria of SantAntonio di Ranversa. In the same vicinity is this

church/abbey which has its origins in the 12th century. Its Gothic faade dates back to
renewals of the 14th and 15thcenturies. Notable are the original frescoes attributed to
Giacomo Jaquerio and a polyptych (multi-panel painting) of Defendente Ferrari from
1531.
Excursions in the Langhe region, with visits to the city of Alba and tastings
of Barolo wine in the towns of La Morra , Alba and Barolo.Purchases may be made.
A visit to the Castle of Grinzane Cavour , with wine-tastings and a tour of the
Langhe.
A visit to the Banca del Vino (Wine Bank) of Pollenzo, with wine-tastings and a
tour of the Langhe.

Tastings of Fritto Misto alla Piemontese (variety of foods Piedmont-style) in typical

locales in the hills of Turin , followed by a visit to the city of Chieri and its Cathedral.
Tastings of homemade chocolate at selected artisans points of production.

DAY ONE, TURIN ITINERARY PIAZZA CASTELLO, PALAZZO MADAMA

Within the great region of Piedmont rests the fourth largest City in Italy, Turin. The rich
past of this old City has resulted in the world-class museums, historic cafs and elegant
squares. The beautiful City is lined with cobblestone streets, creating a magical, surreal
atmosphere. Some of the great benefits to Turin are that its relatively inexpensive, green
in atmosphere, easy to get around and refreshingly free of crowds. Turin is known for
truly giving a taste of the Italian culture without the well-known, (and even over
populated), tourists centers.
Piazza Castello is the central square of Turin that embodies a wealth of museums,
theaters and cafs. This grand piazza was originally constructed for the 14th Century
dynastic power, House of Savory. This piazza is surrounded by medieval and baroque
castle, Palazzo Madama. This grand castle was built in the 13th Century on the site of
the old Roman gate. This grand castle was built and named after Madama Reale Marie
Cristina who was the widow of Vittorio Amedeo I. Currently, part of this palace is
occupied by the Museo Civico dArte Antica. This incredible collection of art work
demonstrates the citys history, particularly post-Italian unification.

DAY TWO, TURIN ITINERARY CHIESA DI SAN LORENZO, PALAZZO REALE,

DUOMO DI SAN GIOVANNI & MUESO NAZIONALE

Chiesa di San Lorenzo is the baroque located in the Northwestern corner of the central
square. This baroque was designed by Guarino Guarini. This grand church exhibits
rich, impressive and complex interior, which showcases yet another historic aspect to
this old square.
Upon the entrance to another corner of the square are the statues of the mythical twins,
Castor and Pollux that guard the Palazzo Reale. Inside this grand house are decadent
rooms housing old furnishings, porcelain and other antique and unique knick-knacks.
This house and special rooms were originally built for Carol Emanuelle II around 1646.

The area surrounding this grand palace is the Giardino Reale, east of the property.
Andre le Notre designed this incredible room, in 1697. He also created the gardens at
Versailles. The Armeria Reale rests in that area as well.
The Duomo Di San Giovanni is Turins great Cathedral, which was built between 1491
and 1498 on the grand and spectacular site of three 14th Century Basilicas. This is also
the home of the famous Shroud of Turin. A copy of the cloth is on display in front of the
alter in the Cathedral. Apart of this grand Cathedral is the bell tower, which stands
alone off to the west side of the structure. This was designed and built in 1723. Within
the same square lies the Roman amphitheater and the Porta Palatina, both of which are
of great value and a spectacular sight to see. This Cathedral is truly one of the great
sights of Turin.
Museo Nazionale Del Risorgimento Italiano, the museum and parliament house
representing the birthplace of Carol Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele II, is the first
parliament that united Italy from 1861 to 1864. The Palazzo Carignano was the actual
birthplace however. Theres a great deal of historical grandeur in this museum and
parliament house.

DAY THREE, TURIN ITINERARY PALAZZO DELLACADEMIA & GALLERIA

SABAUDA

Palazzo Dell Academia delle Scienze is quite large in size and houses two grand and
outstanding museums: Museo Egizio and Galleria Sabauda. The 18th Century museums
hold some of Europes most important ancient and Egyptian treasures and artifacts. The
Galleria Sabauda contains the Savory familys valuable and incredible art collection. Its
quite the sight to see and experience, as the grand texture and excellent structure
demand respect.
The great City of Turin offers such wide variety of museums, cathedrals and

contemporary art, along with incredible landscape and rolling hills. As stated
previous, the beauty and picturesque setting of this great City is often compared
to Italys Tuscany. It holds great beauty and a slower pace of lifestyle, while being
able to truly enjoy the history and art this old City has to offer . The multi-faceted
option for this incredible City varies from the historic museums and cathedrals to
the great private vineyards and unique countryside. The Piedmont people,
specifically of Turin, will give you an authentic experience of Italys culture and
true way of life. The activities are endless for anyone to enjoy. Whether it be a
wine tasting at a vineyard or horseback riding through the hills, the taste of Turin
is quite diverse and full of endless options. The pleasures of this place and people
remain simple, yet rare. Its truly like a Haven for relaxation, reflection and a
peaceful walk and experience through one of the oldest Cities in Italy. The
abundance of life and treasures found in this City is something you wont want to
miss!

Resting in regal charm on the picturesque River Po in sight of the Italian Alps, Turins
certainly easy on the eye. Stroll grand promenades (preferably in summer, when its
notorious weather eases up), taking in historic buildings and fine museums, or delve
into the citys intriguing mystical legacy. Whichever Turin you discover, youll be
captivated.
Day 1: Museums and Palazzos
For a city with the dubious reputation of being industrial, Turins center positively
sparkles with architectural gems. The ornate Palazzo Reale does Lifestyles of the Rich &
Famous, 17th-century style, with gardens designed by none other than Andr le Ntre,
creator of those at Versailles. Palazzo Madama blends Baroque and Medieval to stunning
effect, while Palazzo Bricherasio was once wrapped by artist Christo! You could spend
weeks exploring Turins amazing museums: Museo dellAutomobile, with hundreds of
famous and unique cars; Museo Egizio, one of the worlds finest collections of ancient
Egyptian art; the blockbusting Museo Nazionale del Cinema, a cinephiles dream and
so much more. Culture amateurs will wonder why they didnt visit earlier.
Day 2: Magic and Mystery
Legend has it that Turin is divided into two distinct halves: one sacred (ruled by white
magic influences) and the other evil (black magic). Why not decide for yourself by
touring the citys key occult landmarks? The ancient Romans believed the site of Piazza
Statuto to be unlucky, and built a cemetery there. Its now considered Turins heart of
darkness. As you wander the streets, youll glimpse unnerving details on old buildings,
creepy stone monsters and thats to say nothing of the eerie subterranean world lying
beneath the cityAt the other end of the spectrum, the Renaissance cathedral Duomo
di San Giovanni houses the Holy Shroud of Turin, a replica of which is displayed in
front of the altar. On the rare occasions the original cloth makes a public appearance,
Catholic pilgrims from across the globe flood into town to pay tribute. Another must-see
for devotees is the Museo della Sindone, a quirky museum dedicated to all things
Shroud-related.

Day 3: Let the Good Times Barolo

The tranquil Piedmont region around Turin is one of Italys best kept secrets, although
its only a matter of time until the tourist hordes catch on. This is your chance to enjoy
its undulating hills, historic vineyards and wine cellars, and fine dining before everyone
else. Like a tipple? Savor famous Piedmontese wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco,
Barbera, Dolcetto and Arneis. More of a foodie? Piedmonts mouthwatering fresh

produce will send you into raptures: dont miss the village of Alba, home of the sublime
white truffle. Indeed, after all in this indulgence, you may need to be rolled back to the
capital.

Turin: Ice Cream

Ice cream in Turin is a tradition. Summer or winter, the usual saturday walk in the
center of Turin is not complete without a nice cone of ice cream, may be enriched by
whipped cream.

Aperitif

The moment of the aperitif in Turin has been a constant ritual for over two
hundred years..
ever since Antonio Benedetto Carpano created Vermouth in 1786 by adding some thirty
different spices to wine. Since then, this special drink has been exported all over the
world and later produced by Cinzano and Martini & Rossi. It has now become, under the
name Martini, the epitome of aperitifs, for drinking straight or as a base for many
cocktails which includes not least James Bond's favourite of Vodka Martini, shaken
not stirred.

Today the tradition continues and becomes more than ever a regular appointment for
best beginning the evening: you meet for a glass of wine or a cocktail in one of the
typical wine bars, an historical caf or a trendy spot. In the summer, the ritual takes
place on the seats surrounding the piazzas and along pavements in the centre, or
otherwise on the banks of the River Po, between Murazzi and the river boats of Valentino
Park. There is always a plate of canaps and snacks to come with the drink, all selected
from Piedmont cuisine: boards of salami, cheeses and omelette pieces, tarts and pizzas,
sushi and rolls, or even sufficiently large buffets to ensure that dinner is unnecessary.

Chocolate

In Turin, in the 18th century, chocolate began to be processed and solidified,

creating delicious products for satisfying the Court of Savoy..
And this led to the invention of gianduiotti, chocolates, pralines, cakes, biscuits,
pinguino ice-creams and hot chocolate: world famous specialities which make Turin the
Italian capital of traditional chocolate. Turin's citizens have a further delight, a favourite
beverage for giving a fillip on cold days, the bicerin based on coffee, chocolate and cream.
Delicacies worth savouring, perhaps with the help of the ChocoPass book of tickets, a
unique chance for sampling the best of Turin's chocolate production. Or otherwise
comfortably seated in an historical caf during the Merenda Reale: special
appointments reviving the curious customs of 18th century Court life in which the
delectable offerings from the noble art of Turin pastry making can be enjoyed

Caff Al Bicerin. Founded 1763, Turin.

Imagine yourself in the mid-1800syou are basking in the aromas that envelop
you Take a seat at the very same table where Cavour sat Order a bicerin and
savour its bittersweet flavour of chocolate, coffee and cream. This, and only this is
the bicerin, a drink that has come to represent Turin, created here, on the site
with the same name.
Its a place where the art of tasting has made its mark in history.
Cross the threshold of the Caff Al Bicerin and discover the warm elegant
ambience of this petite locale, exactly as it was 200 years ago. This is an
unforgettable experience and a must for all those who love the art of tasting.
Now as it was before.