Sights of Turin โ 25 most interesting places
At the foot of the Alps lies the first capital of a united Italy. Immersed in the greenery of parks, it is considered the Italian Paris and a favorite of tourists, as many of Turin's attractions are impressive. A huge number of palaces built in the 16th-18th centuries are replete with a variety of styles from baroque to modern. In Turin and its suburbs there are 15 royal residences included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is also called the city of education: there are a large number of lyceums, universities, academies and other educational institutions. The oldest of them is the University of Turin, founded at the beginning of the 15th century. Let's get acquainted in more detail with the most significant places of the city recommended for visiting.
Castello Square
Local residents gathered here for trade, fun, business meetings in the era of ancient Rome. In our time, the solemn ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics was held on the square. The birth, decoration of the square with majestic buildings began at the end of the 16th century. The architectural ensemble of the square embodied the ideas of Ascanio Vitozzi. The ancient castle building of the 13th century harmoniously fit into the complex of the square, which gave it the second name Castle Square.
Among the famous walls overlooking the square, the life of the best minds of those times passed, coming to life in legends, traditions that have come down to our time. This is Nostradamus, Cagliostro, Count Saint-Germain. Walking around the square, one cannot help but admire Madama's palace, the Armory, the library, and the Government Palace. The Royal Court Church, the original sculptural composition, the building of the largest opera house in Italy. The four main streets of the city start from this square. With alluring beams, countless arcades, they invite you to get to know the city closer, to unravel its magical effect on people.
It is easy to get to the central square by tram number 5, buses 13, 55, 56. You need to get off at the Carlo Alberto stop. By metro to Porta Nuova station.
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 3 448 RUB
Piazza San Carlo
The main attraction of the city was otherwise called the Royal Square or the Army and Napoleon Square. Now all the important mass events of the city are held here. The ensemble of the most beautiful square of the city was created by the famous architect Carlo di Castellamonte in the middle of the 17th century. The area is surrounded by majestic palaces, beautiful buildings of baroque churches, erected in honor of Saints Charles, Christina.
In the center of the square rises an interesting bronze statue depicting Philibert, Duke of Savoy. The author of the sculpture is the great Carlo Marochetti. The square is considered the salon of the city. There are numerous cozy cafes that complement the elegant, elite atmosphere of the square. The old cafes offer dishes of Piedmontese cuisine, famous Italian desserts. The square is located near the train station. You can go to the square along the covered gallery of the central pedestrian street of the city of Via Roma, starting at Piazza Castello.
Mole Antonelliana
Until 2011, this tower was the tallest building in Italy. The symbol of Turin, similar to the famous Eiffel Tower of Paris, coincidentally appeared in the city in the same year with it. The author of a masterpiece of building technology was the Italian architect Antonelli. The project was conceived as the main synagogue of the country (Turin was its capital). The construction of the building (167.5 m high) was completed in 1889 in order to house the Risorgimento Museum (Museum of the Unification of Italy). It was the highest museum in the world. After 30 years, he was transferred to another building.
The famous film collection, collected by Maria Adriana Prolo, gave birth to the Museum of Cinema, which is now functioning and is considered the best among such museums in the world. A high-speed glass elevator will quickly bring those who wish to a unique observation deck high in the sky. The spire of the tower rises above the city and is visible from any of its places.
The location address of the tower is Via Montebello, 20. The tower is open to the public from Wednesday to Monday (from 9 am to 8 pm). The cost of a joint ticket to the museum and the observation deck is 14 โฌ. For a reduced ticket, they pay from 8 to 11 โฌ.
Palazzo Reale
The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), towering in the central square, is considered the most visited attraction. The elegant Turin Baroque building is the official residence of the members of the ancient Savoy family (who have been titled Kings of Sicily since 1973). In ancient times, this place was the Bishop's Palace, the Old Royal Palace, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. The palace was built in 1658. Now it is included in the list of world monuments of UNESCO.
An underground passage connects the Cathedral with the Palazzo Reale. You can visit it with guided tours or on your own. The Throne Room, Chinese Cabinet, Library, Royal Kitchen, Kings' Bedrooms, Armory Hall are offered for viewing. The Red Hall with unusually rich decoration, the Blue Hall, used for audiences. other rooms of the palace.
The attraction is located in the center on Piazza Reale.
Palazzo Madama
At first glance at the building rising in the center of Piazza Castella, it will seem that these are two buildings belonging to the architectural styles of different eras. Three facades of the building have been preserved from the medieval fortress, the gate, the ancient castle. Corner round towers form a gloomy, stern appearance near the building, which came from the surviving fortifications of the ancient Roman camp. The fourth side of the palace is made in a light, classical form of the Baroque style under the direction of Juvar. The name of the palace was given in the 17th century in honor of two queens from the Savoy dynasty.
In contrast to the appearance, the interior of the Palazzo corresponds to a solid, beautiful baroque style. It contains ceremonial halls, a cozy courtyard, rich interiors of all rooms. The main attraction of the city was the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy, the Pinacoteca Reggia (a gallery of artistic masterpieces of the kings), the Parliament, the Supreme Court. Now the building houses the famous Museum of Ancient Art.
Among its exhibits are drawings, figurines, porcelain, glassware made during the late Middle Ages (for example, the malachite Medici Vase, which exists in only three samples). There is a permanent exhibition with exhibits from Gandhara (an ancient kingdom located on the territory of Afghanistan).
Getting to Palazzo Madama is easy from the central square. To do this, use a trip by tram 15, buses 13, 55, 56 to the Carlo Alberto stop. Entrance to the palace is free of charge. Work starts at 10:00 and ends at 18:00. Every first Tuesday of the month, a free tour of the museum is organized.
Palazzo Carignano
The building, standing on Piazza Carignano, attracts the eye with an unusual architectural design. Elements of curved lines, brilliantly invented by Guarini, make the structure lively, mobile, increasing its volume. The curved front staircase, the double dome that adorns the main hall of the palace, are considered innovative proposals in the architecture of 1679, when it was built. Many important historical events in Italy are connected with the history of Palazzo Carignano.
The first king of the country, Emmanuel II, was born in the original palace. The meetings of the first parliament of young Italy were held here. On the facade of the building, rare architectural elements in the form of faces of brave Indians have frozen forever. Drawings with their images were presented to the king's family after the war with the Indians of Canada in 1667. Respect for the enemy, his strength is reflected in the decoration of the palace.
Now in 27 halls of the palace there are expositions of the Risorgiomento Museum, which tell in detail about the history of the unification of the country. The Palazzo is located at Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5.
Valentino Castle
On the beautiful bank of the Po River, which flows in the central park of the city, an ancient castle lurks, with a baroque facade. The side of the castle facing the river strikes with red-brown shades of ancient brickwork against the backdrop of the green vegetation of the park. At first glance, one gets the impression of two solemn buildings.
The castle was built as a fortress โ the residence of the House of Savoy in the XIII century. It received its name from the St. Valentine's Church, located nearby. The building has an unusual horseshoe shape. Its yard is decorated with mosaics of marble slabs. Rich decoration elements are made inside the building. The castle is one of the monuments protected by UNESCO.
Now the castle houses the Faculty of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of the city. Conferences and exhibitions of artists are held here. The attraction is located at Corso Massimo d'Azeglio.
Villa dela Regina
The residence of Queen Anna Maria was donated by the former owners, who built it in the 17th century, to Duke Amadeus II (King of Sicily). A unique park, gardens with terraces, fountains, grottoes were laid out next to the rich villa. Throughout its complex history, the villa has experienced a period of neglect. After the transfer of the building to the state in 1990, fundamental restoration work took place, which returned the park and the building to its former luxurious image. Now the building houses a museum with an interesting collection of paintings. Among them are paintings, frescoes by Corrado Jaquinto Seiter Domenico, Filippo Minei.
The villa is located at Strada Comunale Santa Margherita, 79.
Basilica of Superga
A beautiful legend froze forever under the majestic dome of an extraordinary church standing on the top of Superga Hill. The construction of the Basilica is associated with the legendary oath of King Amadeus II to the Virgin Mary. He prayed for help in defeating the enemy and received it. The church began to be built in 1717, construction was completed 15 years later. The building in the late Baroque style, with a majestic dome, has become a symbol of the city.
The basilica houses the tomb of almost all the kings of the Savoy dynasty. Next to the altar, a chapel was built on the site where the ancient king's oath was pronounced in honor of the Virgin Mary. This moment is depicted on a fresco decorating the chapel. The central part of the building is occupied by a small museum, which includes an art gallery, an exhibition of sculptures. The sad story of the death of a football team due to a plane crash (it caught on the dome of the church with its wing) is reflected in the memorial erected in memory of the victims.
The Basilica of Superga is located at Strada Basilica di Superga, 73. You can climb the hill by funicular. Bus 15 will take you to the place of its departure (from Piaza Castello to the Sassi stop) and then on buses 61, 68.
Cathedral of John the Baptist
The main religious building is the only example of the Renaissance that has survived in the city to this day. Built in 1470, the cathedral got its name in honor of the patron saint of the city, John the Baptist. The priceless shrine of the temple is the famous Shroud with imprints of the face, the body of Christ. An exact copy of it is exhibited in the chapel of the cathedral for general viewing. The real relic of the believers of the Christian world is rarely put on display (once every 25 years). The next important church event will take place in 2025. It is stored in a secret room in a special fireproof case.
A temple was built under the guidance of the famous architect Francesco on the site of the ancient theater, the buildings of the first churches dedicated to Christ the Savior. The facade of the cathedral is made of white marble, decorated with wooden carvings. They enter the cathedral along the mirror-standing stairs in the side openings of the walls. The main hall glitters with bronze stars on the dark marble floor. The light, voluminous dome creates a sense of the way to heaven, the ascension of Christ.
Now the cathedral is a place of pilgrimage for believers. Located in the city center, next to the Palazzo Madama, the Royal Palace.
Church of Santuario dei Consolata
The modern building of the beautiful church is the creation of the famous baroque master Gvarino Guarini. Having appeared in the middle of the 17th century on the site of the ancient church of St. Andrew (which existed since the 4th century), the church was rebuilt many times. Inside the ancient building was the chapel of the Virgin Mary with a miraculous icon in her honor. The whole life of the church is connected with the worship of this ancient relic. Now the icon is in the main church altar.
The modern look of the building was formed in 1860. On the outside of the building is a statue of the Virgin Mary with a child. Its interior decoration is striking in its beauty, a variety of elements of the rococo style, โSolomon Pillarsโ, marble sculptures. The church contains the graves of saints whose deeds are connected with the history of the city. These are Lonardo Murialdo, Giovanni Bosco, Giuseppe Cafasso. On the roof of the church there is a convenient observation deck that offers an extraordinary view of the city.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Comforter (Church of Santuario della Consolata) is located on Via della Consolata. Free admission. It is easy to get there by bus 52, 60 A or metro to the XVIII Dicembre stop.
Church of Gran Madre di Dio
The majestic Temple or the Church of the โGreat Mother of Godโ is located at the foot of the Capuchin Hill. Dedicated to the fall of Napoleon in 1834, the temple was built under the guidance of the architect Bonsignoret, who was interested in the occult sciences. It looks like the famous Pantheon of Rome. A building with a huge dome grew up on the site of the temple of Isis. Just like in Rome, on the day of the winter solstice, rays of light fall on the mysterious gates of the church, illuminating the two statues (Faith and Religion). The chalice in the left hand of the statue of Faith recalls the main secret of the church, which came to the modern world from distant legends, the Grail. She, along with the Shroud, was brought to Turin at the end of the 16th century.
Esotericists believe that the Catholic Church is dedicated to the Great Mother Goddess. They see in the myth of the Grail the symbol of the body of the Great Mother, who gives life. Many legends are known about the dungeons of the church, the black masses of the devils. One of them tells about the holy water of the Piave River, hidden in the dungeons. Namely, its water is used in the rituals of the black magic of Turin. Under the dome of the church, the black and white forces of magical Turin meet, creating the border of Light and Darkness.
You can visit the famous church of Italy from 7.30 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 21.00 =. 00 pm.
Church of San Lorenzo
The current church is located next to the Royal Palace in Piazza Castello. The unremarkable building with its proportions harmoniously fits into the ensemble of the square. Outwardly, it resembles a fundamental building of a residential building, and not a majestic temple. The church of St. Lawrence was erected in the 17th century under the guidance of the architect Guarini.
His original thinking helped create the extraordinary dome of the church. It looks as if weightless and floats in the air, shimmering in the rays of the sun and confirming the unusualness of the building. The interior of the church is striking in its originality and luxury. The building is considered the most beautiful basilica in the city.
The church is located at Via Palazzo di Citta, 4. You can get to the place by buses (1. 10. 55, 56) to the Castello stop. The church is open to visitors every day, and on Saturdays and Sundays there are interesting guided tours. The entrance to the church does not require payment. Church events and services are held regularly.
Palatine Gate
You can go to the Cathedral, the Royal Square through the ancient palace gates, an ancient structure, the preserved heritage of the city walls that existed in the 1st century BC. e. In ancient times, through this gate, a passage was made to the place of the settlement of the Romans. Here was born the ancient capital of Italy, the city of Turin. Two corner towers, reaching a height of 30 m and having 16 side faces, were completed during the Middle Ages.
Two rows of windows (interturrio) have been preserved on the central part of the gate. Outside the gate you can see the remains of a sentry box, bronze statues of the emperors Augustus, Caesar, which have existed since the period of the Roman Empire. Ancient gates add magic to the magical legends of the city. They are considered an esoteric place of the city due to the underground passages under the towers, which serve as a springboard for the Black Mass. Locals avoid the towers where Pontius Pilate lived.
Address of the Palatine Gate: Piazza Cesare Augusto.
Teatro Regio
On Piazza Castello is the building of the prestigious opera house in Italy. It harmoniously complements the architectural style of the square, standing out with bright posters, an original red carpet, calling for a musical holiday. It regularly hosts premieres of famous ballets and operas of the world. Each performance is repeated over 10 times. The first building of the opera house was built in 1740. A strong fire in 1936 left ruins in place of the building. And only in 1973 the lights in the new opera house lit up.
The elliptical hall of the theater can accommodate about 1800 people. Acoustics, convenient infrastructure of the building create a solemn, festive mood even when approaching the majestic building. The theater is very popular with locals and tourists. Performing on its stage is the dream of every performer.
Egyptian Museum
The history of the creation of the famous museum began in the 18th century, when the King of Sardinia, Charles Emmanuel III, became interested in collecting exhibits related to the history of ancient Egypt. In 1824, he acquired the collection of the French Consul in Egypt, Bernardino Drovetti. Gradually, the Museum became the second largest (after the museum in Cairo) owner of a rich, valuable collection. Back in 2012, the Museum was housed together with the Sabaud Art Gallery (before it moved to the premises of the Royal Palace). The museum received additional premises, on the territory of which there are about 30 thousand exhibits related to the greatest civilization of the planet.
Among them are objects found in the burial of the famous Nefertiti, rare papyri, for example, the โRoyal Papyrusโ, which tells about the rulers of Egypt, their important achievements. Or the famous Turin erotic papyrus, which has become an element of the museum's permanent exhibition. The oldest geographical map of the world is stored here. Numerous statues of pharaohs and mythical animals are placed in the sculptural hall.
The third floor of the museum is filled with mummies, the tools used to make them, scrolls from the magical Book of the Dead. Here, along with items to be buried with the deceased, bread baked over three centuries ago is stored.
The halls of the three floors of the building located at Via Academia delle Scienze, 6 are provided for visiting the museum. The museum is open daily from 8.30 to 19.30.
National Automobile Museum
Under one roof, an interesting museum, opened in February 1957, collected various models of cars produced in different countries of the world. The museum exposition includes about 200 unique car models, reflecting the achievements of 80 brands. Among them are the first 4-wheeled Benz model (1893), the first Italian car (three-wheeled Bernardi model of 1896), the first car made in Turin (Fiat 4HP of 1899).
The museum is located in the former production building of the automobile concern and illustrates the stages of development of the global automotive industry with its expositions. It has several thematic galleries. For example, one of them is dedicated to auto racing cars. Formula Ferrari cars, Alfa Romeo ring car, Lancia rally car and over 20 more models conquering difficult tracks in the 20th century. Among the exhibits of the museum are such cars as the model โ124โ, which became the prototype of the famous โpennyโ (the first mass-produced VAZ car) or a car with the Lada logo, which appeared in Togliatti in 1976.
The museum is located at Corso Unita d'Italia 40. You need to take the metro to the Lingotto stop or shuttle buses 1, 17, 18, 34, 35.
Museum of Oriental Art
The residence of the 17th century houses exhibits, exhibitions of an interesting museum, telling about the development of the religion of Buddhism, the art tradition of the ancient countries of the East. The first floor contains a collection of Chinese art. Porcelain items, bronze ceremonial tools, ancient lacquers from Chinese dynasties.
Masterpieces of the cultures of Tibet, Buddhists are located on the second floor. The works of art of the countries of Islam (Turkey, Iran, Iraq) are provided with halls of the third floor. There are also interesting works from Japan. These are statues, paintings, unusual varnishes. The museum was opened in 2008. The most valuable collection of the museum is the art of Gandhara (the historical region of the ancient kingdom from Afghanistan to Pakistan).
Buddha statues, Indian ancient deities, samurai equipment, books of Tibetan monks, ceramics, bronze, wood products made by ancient masters are always interesting for museum visitors. In total, over 1,500 interesting works are stored in its storerooms. It is located in the Mazzonis Palace at Via San Domenico. Works from 10 am to 6 pm.
Juventus Stadium
The modern sports complex opened in September 2011. At the same time, 41,000 people can watch the exciting spectacle taking place in the grandiose stadium. At the same time, they are guaranteed safety, convenience, comfort anywhere. access to the stands is through four secure entrances located at the corners of the arena. Each sector is designed in such a way that it has 16 different ways to approach the desired seat.
In emergency cases, all spectators leave the stadium for 4 minutes. The hallmark of the structure is considered to be steel supports made in the shape of the letter โLโ. They are painted in the colors of the National Flag of Italy. Juventus Stadium is equipped with good infrastructure. These are parking, cafes, green areas, 8 restaurants, shopping areas. On the territory there is an alley of fame, where there are portraits of 50 main players of the team throughout its history. Since 2012, the headquarters of the Juventus team, football schools have been located here.
The stadium is located at Strada Comunale di Altessano 131. Easy to get to by metro to the Bernini stop. Further on the special transport going to the stadium. Or on buses 62, 72, 75.
Pellerina Park
The largest park in the city is located in the western part. Its area is about 85 hectares. The park is named after the famous anthropologist of the city university. Locals call it Pelerina Park, which is related to the cheese factory of the same name, located nearby. The park was created in the middle of the last century. It has a large number of sports areas (tennis, swimming pool, roller skating tracks, football fields).
The park often hosts festivals and concerts. It has become a favorite vacation spot for city dwellers. The beautiful river Dora Riparia helps to create a pleasant atmosphere in the park. Located at Parco della Pellerina.
Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II
Turin is the birthplace of King Vittorio Emanuele II, the main historical figure in Italy. Through his efforts, many regions were united into a state. In the center of the city, an impressive monument has been erected, since the personality of the monarch is deeply revered by the Italians. The height of the monument is 39 meters, which symbolizes the greatness of the outstanding ruler. The bronze monument depicts the king in full growth, majestically standing on four granite columns facing different parts of the world.
At the base of the columns sit figures resembling ancient goddesses. They symbolize unity, work, freedom and brotherhood, which underlie the moral and ethical ideas of the inhabitants of Italy. The monument is located on one of the largest streets of the city and, going towards Piazza Salferino, you find yourself in its historical center, the focus of luxurious palaces, various museums, squares and many statues.
Rivoli Castle
On the outskirts of the city there is a small Rivoli (do not confuse with Verona Rivoli). Its main attraction is the castle built in the 9th century. The architectural masterpiece survived many historical events, declines and great times, was plundered, restored more than once, abandoned. But today it is a well-known Museum of Modern Art in Europe. For 500 years, the castle was the residence of the Savoy dynasty, then the repository of valuable exhibits of fine art, but the French army plundered it.
150 years in oblivion, and the castle comes to life again: this time it is used as a barracks, which goes against its scale, luxurious architecture and great history. After the Second World War, a thorough reconstruction was required and the castle again becomes a museum, but this time of modern art. Tourists are impressed by the rich history of the ancient castle, its impressive size, architectural details, museum exhibits and the atmosphere of antiquity.
car museum
Car enthusiasts should definitely visit this place. In 1932, Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia, one of the founders of the Fiat brand, and his son Carlo began to showcase their private car collection. After 7 years, it already had 100 exhibits, and was moved to a room under the stadium. In 1960, there were so many exhibits that they required decent placement in spacious museum halls. For these purposes, a new three-story building was built, thematically divided into sectors.
The first of them, โOriginโ, (on the third floor) tells about the creation of a new vehicle. This is the parking lot of the very first retro cars of the late XIX โ early XX centuries, the power of which was 20-30 horsepower. There is also a library where you can learn about the origin of the most popular means of transportation. On the second floor there is a section โAuto and peopleโ, where a collection with the telling name โFormulaโ is parked โ the place of fireballs โ high-speed cars, participants of โFormula-1โ.
In the โAutomotive and Designโ section on the ground floor, a large number of exhibits from different countries and even the Soviet โVictoryโ are presented. Various installations entertain visitors: a hippie car painted in bright colors, a romantic minibus from the 60s parked forever in the museum, next to it are all camping accessories.
National Film Museum
In many museums, in a huge hall, you can sit on comfortable sunbeds and relax? Or climb on a glass elevator hovering on cables (the Mole elevator does not have a shaft) to a height of 85 meters? And in the National Museum of Italy you can. It is located in the Mole Antonelliana tower, 167 m high. Climbing up to the top floor, you get to the observation platform where you can admire the view of the Alps and look around the panorama of the city.
The museum presents a huge number of exhibits related to the history of cinema. As early as 1941, the historian Maria Adriana Prolo began to carefully collect them. In 2000, this collection was moved to Mole. One of the twenty most visited museums in Italy has 300,000 posters, including hand-drawn copies of the early 20th century, 20,000 thematic books and more than 7,000 films, portraits, scenery, costumes, magazines and books, the oldest films, camera obscura, kaleidoscopes .
In a word, a lot of rare attributes of the Italian cinema of the last century, which you can not only see, but also touch. Light and sound effects, an impressive video sequence, a collection of sound recordings from different times โ all this creates the feeling that at the moment you are part of a movie. The National Film Museum is definitely worth a visit, it completely changes the prevailing ideas about what an interesting modern museum should be.
Sabauda Gallery
It is impossible to get a full understanding of the cultural side without visiting the Sabauda Gallery. Here are collected 700 masterpieces of fine art from around the world. Paintings, altars, statues created by talented artists in the period from the 13th to the 19th century. The collection has been meticulously replenished with grandiose creations for almost 180 years. Collector Carl Alberto in 1830 โfired upโ with the idea of โโโโcreating such a cultural center and became the founder of one of the most significant galleries in Italy.
The monarchs of the Savoy dynasty supported the initiative of Signor Alberto, and already in 1861 they provided an appropriate building for a public gallery. Since 2014, the museum has been located in the Pallazo Reale, the former building of the Academy of Sciences, placing exhibits on four floors. Thematically, they are divided into sectors in chronological order. Each floor represents a certain period in the history of art.
Ancient paintings by artists, works created during the Italian Renaissance, find a place here for temporary traveling exhibitions. The interior decoration of the gallery, made in the old architectural tradition, deserves special attention. Ceilings and cornices are decorated with intricate stucco patterns, while bas-reliefs and semi-columns complete the museum halls with luxury and elegance.
Turin is in the TOP 10 most visited cities in Italy by tourists, and this is not surprising. Each of its streets is a historical relic.