One Day in Turin
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Mole Antonelliana
Contact:
- +39 ( 0) 11 53 51 81
- visit website
Location:
- Via Montebello 20
- Turin,Piedmont10124
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Map
Description:
This iconic building is in many ways Turin's Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Turin. A 167.5 metre landmark, originally planned as a synagogue by Alessandro Antonelli, it was the highest brick building in the world at the time of its completion and remains the tallest building in Turin. Damaged by a storm in 1953, the spire was rebuilt, following its collapse, in metal with a stone overlay. Today it is home to Italy's National Cinema Museum.
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Museo del Cinema
Contact:
- +39 011 813 8560
- visit website
Location:
- Via Montebello 20
- Turin,Piedmont10124
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Map
Description:
Founded in 1941 by Maria Adriana Prolo, the Museo Nazionale del Cinema is a delight to behold. Of course, the most appealing sight is the building that houses the museum: the Mole Antonelliana. An unusual structure, this architectural marvel is definitely a sight to see for its architectural details. Inside the museum, a whole new world of treasure awaits you. This museum boasts collections that would pique the interests of the most avid cinema-lover. Among the collections are photographs, archives, posters, films and a lot more, pertaining to the history of Italian as well as World Cinema. Do visit this museum and find out for yourself why it is one of the most preferred museums for visitors. See the website for more information.
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Palazzo Madama
Contact:
- +39 011 443 3501
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello
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Map
Description:
The Palazzo Madama is situated in the centre of Piazza Castello, with its facade facing Via Garibaldi. It takes its name from the two Royal Dames who lived here, Maria Cristina and Giovanna Battista. During past centuries, it was the home of the Savoy family, as well as the site of the signing of important treaties, and the seat of the Italian Senate when Turin was the country's capital. Today it houses the Antica Museum of Art. Its historical date is somewhat difficult to determine because it has been continually reconstructed throughout its history. The oldest part is the Roman Porta Pretoria. The back of the building dates to a thirteenth century castle which can still be seen in the two towers situated at each corners. The typically baroque facade was built in the seventeenth century by the architect Filippo Juvarra. The internal staircase is also attributed to him and is one of the best examples of the Piedmontese baroque style.
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Palazzo Reale e Giardini Reali
Contact:
- 0039 (0) 11 43 61 455
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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Map
Description:
On the north-eastern side of Piazza Castello, a little square can be seen. It is called the Piazzetta Reale, and is closed by a cast-iron gate topped by statues of the Dioscuri, twin brothers of Helen of Troy. On the far side of Piazza Reale is a view of the Royal Palace, residence of the Savoy family since 1865. It is possible to go on a guided tour through the various rooms where the rulers of the Savoy household once lived. The Royal Gardens are of particular interest, as they are situated behind the palace, and play host to various open-air bars and evening entertainment during the summer months.
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Caffè Mulassano
Contact:
- +39 (0) 11 54 79 90
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello, 15
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
In many ways Caffé Mulassano is the most discreet of Turin's cafés, its dark colours and hues are reminiscent of a gentlemen's club, wood, leather and purple marble are the watchwords here. White jacketed baristi somehow create their legendary drinks behind a minute counter and serve the handful of tables in this unique café. Rated among Gambero Rosso's top 18 cafés in Italy (Turin has three more), Caffé Mulassano was inaugurated in 1907 and painstakingly restored in 1978. One of many bars in Italy to claim the invention of the tramezzino (Italian sandwich), some say their espresso is the best in the city, aromatic, creamy and strong with a flavour of pepper and spices, it is in many ways the perfect place for a coffee or hot chocolate. Frequented by Royalty and the Arts, Benedetto Gigli, the opera singer, used to pop in during rehearsals at the nearby Teatro Regio, today pre-theatre cocktails are often taken here by a new generation of theatre goers, €5 for a drink taken at the bar, €7 if you sit at one of the tables.
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Caffè Baratti & Milano
Contact:
- +39 011 561 3060
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza Castello, 29
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
Official confectioner to the Savoy Royal Household, this grand café sits on the corner of the Galleria Subalpina and Piazza Castello opposite the Royal Palace. Opened in 1858 by Ferdinando Baratti and Edoardo Milano, the café moved to its present site in 1875 and soon became the meeting place of Turin's great and good. Today the yellow marble façade and the classically dressed windows offer an insight into what lies inside, crystal chandeliers, wooden paneling, gilted mirrors and stuccoed ceilings. Its a great place to watch elegant Torinese devour their espresso's and the delicious house pastries. The house speciality however is the hot chocolate, a creamy, dense and velvety concoction, now available as a ready made mix to drink at home, but this is not a good idea. Sip your hot chocolate here, inside Baratti & Milano, and absorb the elegance, history and aromas of this Turin Institution. On your way don't forget to grab a bag of sweets from the mouth watering selection, sugar coated almonds, hazlenut pralines and their signature Cremino and Gianduiotti Chocolates.
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Galleria Subalpina
Contact:
Location:
- Piazza Castello
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
In the heart of Turin, Galleria Subalpina—its complete name is Subalpine Industry Arcade—was built in 1873 as a shopping arcade by architect Pietro Carrera. He designed it in glass, marble and iron, following the pattern of contemporary Liberty architecture. The arcade connects Piazza Castello to Via Battisti and Piazza Carlo Alberto. It is one of the most elegant places in town, housing flowerbeds and several shops. Among them are the Caffè Baratti, one of the most famous city's cafés, a restaurant, an antiquarian bookshop and a cinema. In 1878, Mark Twain visited and loved it. The German philosopher Nietzsche lived there. Turin people just believe that strolling in the arcade brings good luck! - Maria Frullini
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Piazza San Carlo
Contact:
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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Map
Description:
One of Italy's most stunning and beautiful squares, known locally as Turin's drawing room. Built in the mid 17th century and designed by Carlo di Castellamonte, perfectly laid out, porticoed and elegantly proportioned. At the square's southern end lie two churches, on the left, Santa Cristina, on the right, San Carlo, whilst in the centre stands a statue of Emmanuel Filbert, sculpted by Carlo Marocchetti in 1838, known as "El Caval 'd Brons" (The Bronze Horse). The square bisects Via Roma and makes the perfect place to stop for a coffee or apertivo after all that sightseeing and shopping.
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Santa Cristina
Contact:
- +39 011 53 5181 (Tourist Information)
- visit website
Location:
- Via Roma
- Piazza San Carlo
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Map
Description:
The church of Santa Cristina was built on the request of Madama Reale, Maria Cristina, in 1639 on the project of Carlo di Castellamonte. The facade erected between 1715 and 1718, is the work of Juvarra. It has one nave and is rather simple in style, but the chapel dedicated to San Giuseppe and Santa Cristina. It has been built on the side of Via Roma in front of the church of San Carlo. These two sister churches stand out on the south side of the piazza.
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Caffè San Carlo
Contact:
- +39 (0)11 53 25 86
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo, 156
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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Map
Description:
Caffè San Carlo is one of Turin's oldest and most famous, in many ways, it is the essence of Turin's café culture, a place where you can have an espresso or prosecco in real style. Early chroniclers called it "a palace", hardly surprising as the lavish mixture of gilded mirrors, rich plasterwork and classical art is topped with a very large helping of Murano chandelier. In 1832 it became the first café in all of Italy to use gas lighting, which enhanced the interior, a favourite of Cavour and a place where the Risorgimento patriots met. Today its the perfect place to pause, reflect and people watch, whether in the morning to see the locals 'take' their heart starting espresso and enjoy a chocolate or cream pastry, or in the evenings when they return for free stuzzichini (almost all the cafés feature these evening snacks, if you pay for a drink you can help yourself to an aladdin's cave of pizzette, frittata, roated vegetables, salads, cheese, salami, olives, bread and more!) and an aperitivo. A Torinese 'must do' since 1822.
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Caffè Torino
Contact:
- +39 (0) 11 54 51 18
- visit website
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo, 204
- Turin,Piemonte10121
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Map
Description:
One of the city's grandest cafés and most elegant meeting places, located in the beautiful Piazza San Carlo, known locally as 'Turin's drawing room'. Caffé Torino opened in 1903 and moved to its present location in the 1930's during the rebuiding of Via Roma. A favourite haunt of actors, poets and politicians, Cesare Pavese and Alcide De Gasperi were regulars, as were Brigitte Bardot and Ava Gardener. Caffé Torino is decorated with a heady mixture of cream and pistachio, glinting mirrors and sparkling chandeliers plus a belle epoque winding staircase. Famous quotations from international literary history adorn the walls and one above the bar pays homage to coffee: "dolce come l'amore, puro come un angelo, caldo come l'inferno". The atmosphere is definitely elegant but relaxed. In fair weather sitting at one of the outdoor tables, covered by 17th century porticoes, is a must. Between 18:00 and 21:00 you can snack off a fabulous selection of dishes and platters laid out along the bar for around 7 €. Don't forget to look out for the bull embedded in the pavement just outside, standing on his balls could bring you luck!
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The Bull in Piazza San Carlo
Contact:
- +39 011 535 181
Location:
- Piazza San Carlo
- Turin,Piedmont10121
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Map
Description:
Although the reasons why are obscure, the city has always been symbolized by a bull, but whatever the origin of the association, it must have had a positive value. This is the case with the bull in Piazza San Carlo. It is said that to tread on its horns, or even better its genitals, will bring great fortune. The only thing is that it must be done accidentally. And for this reason, you will not be told in what part of the square the bull is to be found, hoping that you will tread on him by accident!
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Museo Egizio
Contact:
- +39 011 561 7776
- visit website
Location:
- Via Accademia delle Scienze 6
- Palazzo dell'Accademia delle Scienze
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Map
Description:
Second only to the museum in Cairo, the Museo Egizio was founded in 1924. From then, the museum has expanded and now holds over 30,000 pieces, many of which are discoveries from the Italian Archeological Mission in the last century. 5000 years of art, religion, and daily life in the time of the Pharaohs are illustrated here through real treasures including the black statue of Ramses II, the book of death, the tomb of Kha and Merit, and the rocky temple of Ellesiya. Various cultural events happen here from time to time. Check website for more details.
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Caffè Fiorio
Contact:
- +39 (0)11 81 70 612
- visit website
Location:
- Via Pò, 8
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
Established in 1780 and known as 'the ponytail café' for its patronage by aristocrats, officials and politicians of the time. Some say it was here that Italy's political future was plotted by Cavour and Garibaldi, this may be so, for it certainly was a place where people met to discuss their thoughts and air their opinions. Today the interior still maintains an elegance from a byegone era with its sumptuous interior and Caffè Fiorio serves a varety of rich fare including traditional coffees, a delicious lunch buffet and some of Turin's best homemade gelato made to a secret recipe. Don't miss the 'Gianduiotto con crema e panna', their classic gelato.
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River Po
Contact:
- +39 011 535 181
Location:
- Via Murazzi del Po
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
Between the city and the mountains the river, the symbol of the city, winds slowly and majestically. Along the right bank (the side nearest the mountains), are many sports centres, such as the well known rowing schools which have their historic homes here. There are also public areas of greenery which are the perfect places for a tranquil walk. The left bank is characterised by a notable difference in height between the city and the surface of the water. At the edge of the river are the famous 'Murazzi'; a long road which is the home of numerous nightclubs and bars, of all kinds. From 'Murazzi' it is possible to take a 'Navigazione sul Po', a tourist trip which lets you see the city from a different point of view.
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Jam Club
Contact:
- +39 348 515 4921
Location:
- Via Murazzi del Po 17
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Map
Description:
A known haunt of the youth, Jam Club is just the place to go ahead and celebrate an evening with friends. Roaring with a string of eclectic numbers, the music at the club commands you to take to the dance floor. And if you do, then probably it will sink in as to why the club enjoys a repute like no other, for once in, your feet may tire but the zest to dance will continue. The ambiance is encouraging and crowd friendly, however the cocktails served at the bar take the prize. When in the city make sure you are here, for a night spent well in revelry.
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Pier
Contact:
- +39 (0) 11 83 25 80
Location:
- Arcades 7,9,11, Murazzi del Po
- Turin,Piedmont10123
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Map
Description:
Down on the Murazzi embankment, bedside the river Po, the Pier was one of the first bars opened in this area. Enjoy great music, excellent canapés, cool drinks in a brilliant location. Designed on an American loft theme this place is very trendy and popular among the Torinese. This is the place to have that last drink. Join the hordes and listen to some random music at around 4 in the morning.
