Turin

1 week ago

5 minutes

Turin (Torino) is a magnificent and often overlooked gem in Italy’s northwest. It offers a completely different character from Rome, Milan, or Naples. It’s a city of elegance, mystery, and innovation.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Turin.

1. The Identity of Turin: The Savoy Capital

Turin’s atmosphere is unique: refined, orderly, and with a touch of the mysterious.

The First Capital of Italy: From 1861 to 1865, Turin was the first capital of the unified Kingdom of Italy. This royal past is evident everywhere in its grand architecture and elegant boulevards.
Savoy Grandeur: For centuries, it was the seat of the powerful House of Savoy. Their legacy is a city of majestic palaces, vast squares, and 18 kilometers of arcaded streets—perfect for strolling in any weather.
The Capital of Alchemy & Magic: Historically, Turin is known as a city of white magic (on the right bank of the Po River) and black magic (on the left bank). It’s part of the “Black Magic Triangle” with London and San Francisco. This esoteric reputation adds a layer of intrigue.
The Italian Detroit: Turin is the home of FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) and has a strong industrial heritage, particularly in automotive design and manufacturing. The iconic Lingotto building, the former FIAT factory, features a rooftop test track.

2. Major Attractions: Royal, Mystical, and Modern

Turin’s attractions reflect its diverse history as a royal capital, an industrial powerhouse, and a center for the mysterious.

The Royal Turin:

Mole Antonelliana: The symbol of the city. This bizarre and magnificent building, initially conceived as a synagogue, now houses the unmissable National Museum of Cinema. The panoramic elevator to the top offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and the Alps.
Piazza Castello & the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale): The heart of Savoy Turin. The Royal Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lavish complex of rooms, gardens, and the stunning Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio): The second most important Egyptian museum in the world, after Cairo. Its collection is astounding and incredibly well-presented. A world-class attraction.
Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi: A magnificent hunting lodge on the outskirts of the city, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

The Mystical & Religious Turin:

Turin Shroud (Sacra Sindone): Housed in the Duomo (Cathedral), this famous linen cloth bearing the image of a man who appears to have been crucified is one of the most studied and controversial religious relics in the world. The original is rarely displayed, but a replica is always on view.
Piazza Statuto: Considered by esoteric traditions to be a “black magic” site, this square has a dark history (it was once a Roman cemetery and a place of executions).

The Modern & Industrial Turin:

Lingotto: The former FIAT factory, a landmark of industrial architecture. It now houses a concert hall, a shopping mall, a convention center, and the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli art gallery.
National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile): A fantastic museum tracing the history of the automobile, a must-see even for non-enthusiasts. It’s beautifully curated and highly engaging.

3. The Turinese Lifestyle & Culture

Aperitivo: Like Milan, Turin takes aperitivo very seriously. The tradition of vermouth, a key ingredient in many cocktails, was born here (Carpano and Martini & Rossi are from Turin). Enjoying a pre-dinner drink with a generous buffet of snacks is a ritual.
Chocolate & Coffee: Turin is the chocolate capital of Italy.
- Gianduiotto: The classic Turinese chocolate, made with hazelnuts (a local product from the Langhe region).
- Bicerin: A traditional hot drink made of espresso, drinking chocolate, and milk cream, served in layers. A true Turinese specialty.
Café Culture: The city is famous for its historic cafes, which feel like living museums. Caffè Al Bicerin (where the drink was invented), Caffè San Carlo, and Caffè Fiorio are institutions where intellectuals and politicians have gathered for centuries.

4. Practical Tips for Visiting

Best Time to Go: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) are perfect. The city is also magical during the Christmas season, with festive markets. Its location near the Alps means winters can be cold and foggy, which adds to its mysterious charm.
Getting Around: Turin has a simple and efficient metro line and a comprehensive tram and bus network. The city center, with its grid-like layout and arcades, is a pleasure to explore on foot.
Day Trips: Turin is an excellent base for exploring the Piedmont wine region (Barolo, Barbaresco) and is very close to the Alps for hiking or skiing.

In a Nutshell

Turin is a city of surprising contrasts: regal yet industrial, rational yet mystical. It offers world-class museums (Egyptian, Cinema, Automobile), an unparalleled café and chocolate culture, and a sense of calm, ordered elegance rarely found in other major Italian cities. It’s a sophisticated and deeply rewarding destination for travelers looking to go beyond the usual Italian itinerary.