Turin, things to do and see: guide to the best attractions of the city

One of the first attractions to see in Turin is the Mole Antonelliana. It is the symbol of national unity and the seat of the cinema museum: it is a mandatory stop during a medium or long-term stay in Turin. The Mole was conceived as a synagogue. Designed by architect Alessandro Antonelli in 1863 and completed in 1889. With its 167 and a half meters high, it was the tallest masonry building in Europe for many years.

The Egyptian Museum of the city is the oldest in the world dedicated to Egyptian culture; it has undergone numerous restorations and refurbishments until 2015, and now there are 24 human mummies, 17 animals and the 1847m long Iuefankh papyrus on display.

J-F Champollion said that "the road to Menfi and Thebes passes through Turin".

Turin is closely linked to the history and dominations of the last centuries. Two of the most excellent places in Turin, Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the church of the Gran Madre di Dio, were designed by Napoleon. The square is the largest in Europe, with an extension of about 40 thousand square meters. The church was built beyond the bridge between 1827 and 1831 to celebrate the return of King Vittorio Emanuele I of Savoy. It has a shape reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome and offers a spectacular view of the Po and the square.

The Royal Palace is the historic home of the Savoy family, who from here directed the fate of Turin for over three centuries, nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. A succession of luxury, gold and precious stones, that come together in halls and bedrooms from the baroque style of incomparable beauty.

ade on a project by Ascanio Vittozzi and Carlo di Castellamonte. Since 2016 it has been part of the Royal Museums with the Sabauda Gallery, the Royal Armoury, the Royal Library, the Chiablese palace and the Museum of antiquity.

For strolling in the open air there is Valentino park, the green heart of the capital. The origins of the Parco del Valentino in Turin date back to the second half of the 1600s when the city of Turin experienced a new and intense phase of urbanization; located along the banks of the Po river, it is particularly distinguished by its naturalistic heritage, with a rich and diversified flora.

Furthermore, in perfect Piedmontese style, avian fauna is present in large quantities, with different species of local birds. In the park, there are several statues and fountains as well as a famous medieval village.

The Basilica of Superga was probably built around 1731. It stands on the hill from which it takes its name. Inside there is the sumptuous chapel of Juvarra, which can be walked up 131 steps, which lead to a breathtaking view of the city.

Here you can also visit one of the symbols of Italian football. There is also a homage plaque of the Grande Torino, in memory of the great soccer team.

The hill, named Monte dei Cappuccini, rises on the right bank of the Po, dominated by the church of Santa Maria del Monte with the adjoining Capuchin convent, and is today one of the places and symbolic images of Turin.

Initially, thanks to the strategic position, it was a sighting place for French invaders. There are many stories related to this place that is worth experiencing personally.

The cuisine of Piedmont is very rich. When you are in Turin you must eat the Agnolotti, egg pasta handmade stuffed with meat or vegetables ( we recommend Cianci restaurant, Largo Iv Marzo), the Bagna Cauda a strong and spicy sauce that heats up in winter, the Vitello tonnato, the Bicerin (meaning “small round glass” in Piemontese dialect, served in its namesake glass, the rich beverage is made of three distinct layers: espresso, hot chocolate, and whipped milk or cream. ) with a janduotto.

In the evening, the nightlife is the San Salvario neighborhood or the area of the Quadrilatero Romano. It is also very pleasant to walk around the squares or take a cocktail to the skyscraper San Paolo, a place of harmony between the external and the internal environment.