Turin: Culture Capital

Turin: Culture Capital

Description:

Looking for a trip that touches some of Turin's and Piedmont's heritage? Then this could be the one for you. Turin's history is long and varied. From being a Roman camp some 2000 years ago it became the official residence of Duke of Savoy in the fifteenth century. Over the next three hundred years the city expanded and developed into one of Europe's great cities. Today Turin is proud to display its rich heritage through its art, castles, culture, royal residences and majestic churches.Turin Tip: The 'Torino+Piemonte Card'. This hands you the keys to the city... and the whole Region! For a period between 2 and 7 days you can move freely around Turin and Piedmont and save money. The card allows free admission to more than 160 cultural sites as well as rides on all the city’s overground public and tourist transport. There are also reductions on guided tours, the City Sightseeing Torino open-top bus, the ChocoPass, ski lift systems and equipment, winterand summer sports, car rental, entertainment and much, much more!

Author: Adrian Petersen
Adrian is a travel writer, blogger and Englishman living in the wine region of the Langhe in southern... view profile

Day Note:

Start your day at Piazza Castello and take your time, everything is within easy reach so there is no need to rush! This is the centre of Turin where the main streets of Via Po, Via Roma and Via Garibaldi converge. All around you are some of Turin's most famous buildings. So make sure you take a break and enjoy a coffee. Try one of Turin's most historic cafés Baratti & Milano. For lunch head for the elegant Galleria Subalpina, just off the Piazza Castello and...read more

  • Galleria Subalpina

    Galleria Subalpina - Turin
    • Contact:

    • Location:

    • Piazza Castello
    • Turin,Piedmont10123
    • 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

  • Palazzo Madama

    Palazzo Madama - Turin

    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.

  • Arcadia

    Arcadia - Turin
    • Contact:

    • +39 (0) 11 56 13 898
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Galleria Subalpina, Piazza Castello
    • Turin,Piedmont10123
    • Map

    Description:

    Arcadia, located in Galleria dell'Industria Subalpina one of the picturesque galleries of last century urbanization in the heart of the city has set up an interesting formula offering a double choice. You can eat Japanese or taste a revised new Piedmontese cuisine which uses classic ingredients from the area prepared in a lighter and creative way. How would you like to try Sformato di Castelmagno; (a Langhe cheese) with lettuce cream? The result is appealing.

Day Note:

Today begin your day at Piazza San Carlo. Stroll around this elegant square with its shops, cafés and restaurants sheltering under cooling arcades. Sip a coffee at the famous Caffé Ristorante Torino and admire the "Caval 'd Brons", the bronze statue, at its center. In front of 'Caffè Torino' you should notice a bull inlaid in the pavement. The tradition is to stand on the bulls balls and it will bring you luck!

In the afternoon explore the palaces and churches...read more

  • Piazza San Carlo

    Piazza San Carlo - Turin
    • Contact:

    • Location:

    • Piazza San Carlo
    • Turin,Piedmont10121
    • 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.






  • Caffè Torino

    Caffè Torino - Turin
    • Contact:

    • +39 (0) 11 54 51 18
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Piazza San Carlo, 204
    • Turin,Piedmont10121
    • 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!

  • Santa Cristina

    Santa Cristina - Turin
    • Contact:

    • +39 011 53 5181 (Tourist Information)
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Via Roma
    • Piazza San Carlo
    • 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.

Day Note:

Head for the "Mole", Turin's most iconic building, home to the National Cinema Museum. Inside, the spectacular panoramic glass lift offers you views of the Museum's interior as you ascend 85 metres to the top. Not bad for €5.00. From here the view over the city is breathtaking. A note of caution, if you are a university student! Apparently students from Turin's University have a superstition that if they go to the top of the "Mole" then they will never graduate....read more

  • Mole Antonelliana

    Mole Antonelliana - Turin
    • Contact:

    • +39 ( 0) 11 53 51 81
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Via Montebello 20
    • Turin,Piedmont10124
    • Map

    • user rating

    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.




  • Museo Egizio

    Museo Egizio - Turin
    • Contact:

    • +39 011 561 7776
    • visit website
    • Location:

    • Via Accademia delle Scienze 6
    • Palazzo dell'Accademia delle Scienze
    • 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.

  • Taverna Delle Rose

    • Contact:

    • 0039 011 53 83 45
    • Location:

    • Via Andrea Massena, 24
    • Turin,Piedmont10128
    • Map

    Description:

    A unique atmosphere with a wide selection of traditional Piedmont dishes and great wines. This place offers great food (their antipasti is excellent) and good service at a reasonable price. Close to Porta Nuova station.

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