10 Things to See in Turin:
Turin (Torino in Italian) is the most elegant and fancy city in Italy. The city center is full of amazing buildings, wide avenues, and large squares. Turin is also Italy’s most regal city as this was the seat of the Savoy dynasty. It played an important role to unify Italy as the country we know today.
The capital of Piedmont seems to be off the tourists’ radar but it is a place full of attractions and a trip to this city will make you say “Wow!”
A Walk-in Turin and 10 Things to see in Turin
Start your visit to Turin from its main square. Piazza Castello is the best place to spend hours visiting and admiring this beautiful square. Palazzo Madama is the centerpiece of Piazza Castello. The castle was built in the 13th century and was enlarged in the 15th century.
During this time Palazzo Madama was embellished by the Italian architect Filippo Juvarra with handsome baroque fronts and a stunning double staircase. Inside the building, you can visit the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica – its permanent collection is the best way to discover Turin’s history and legacy from the Roman foundation until today.
To the left of Palazzo Madama, you will find Palazzo Reale, the Royal Palace of the House of the Savoy dynasty. This palace was placed on the UNESCO site list along with the other 13 residences of the Savoy Dynasty.
Visiting the palace, you will discover its amazing apartments decorated with tapestries and a collection of Chinese and Japanese vases. The Royal Armoury of Turin is the world’s most important collection of arms and armor. Along with the Sabaudia Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, and the Royal Library, the Royal Armory is part of the Musei Reali di Torino (Royal Museums of Turin).
The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista is near the Royal Palace and it is the first example of Renaissance architecture in Turin. The Cathedral was built between 1492 and 1498 and its main attraction is one of the most studied and controversial artifacts: the Holy Shroud (Sacra Sindone in Italian).
Near the cathedral, Porta Palatina is the only imposing gate that remains today of the four entrances to the Roman city. Constructed of brick, the legend tells us that Charlemagne camped below this gate in 773 A.D. Around the Porta Palatina, you can also see the remains of a Roman theatre.
Walking a few meters from Piazza Castello you will find Palazzo Carignano.
This was the place of the Italian parliament from 1861 to 1864 and in the rooms of this building the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed.
If you want to learn more about the history of Italy as a unified country a visit to the Museum of the Risorgimento is mandatory. In the rooms of this museum, you will learn the history of the movement that made the Italian unification possible and discover why Turin played an important role.
Look in your pocket and if you have some coins you will find one of the most important landmarks of Turin. The Mole Antonelliana is not only the flip side of the two-cent Italian euro but one of the most important monuments of the city.
The Mole Antonelliana, named after its architect Alessandro Antonelli, was built in 1863 as a synagogue and since 2000 it has hosted the National Museum of Cinema. Take a ride to the top with the glass elevator to take a look at an amazing view of the city and surrounding hills.
If you want to take a break, no place is as perfect as Parco del Valentino. Bring along some beers and sandwiches and enjoy the silence of the best-loved public park in Turin.
The park is located along the Po River and is the most extended urban green area in Italy. Inside the park, you will find the botanical garden and the Baroque Castle (called also Valentino Castle).
But the most special thing you can find here is the Medieval Castle and Village. This borgo was built in 1884 for an exhibition and because the people of Turin loved this village so much it was maintained as part of the park. It is a nice place to take a walk!
Continue your visit to the city visiting the beautiful squares and its cafes. One of the most loved squares by the people of Turin is Piazza San Carlo. Here you can find amazing buildings, the churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo, stylish shops, and historic cafes.
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