According to topschoolsintheusa, the city of Turin is located in the northwest of Italy in the Piedmont region. The city, called Torino in Italian, is largely located on the left bank of the River Po. The old center, including the Aurora district, still has many Roman influences. It is full of beautiful ancient and diverse architecture. Porta Palentina and Casaforte Acaja are excellent examples of this. The chic neighborhood ‘Crocetta’ then shows a completely different style. Here you can see buildings built in Art Nouveau style. Turin is also known for the founders of the Fiat car brand, the Agnelli family. They personally ensured a thriving economy. With fascinating museums such as the Egyptian Museum, Do you want to escape the sometimes busy city life? Then visit the Parco del Valentino or La Mandria Regional Park just north of the city of Turin.
Turin ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1. Mole Antonelliana
The pointed tower on the monumental building ‘Mole Antonelliana’ is a clear feature of the city of Turin. It was built between 1863 and 1889 to a design by Alessandro Antonelli. This symbol of the city, which was once intended as a synagogue, now houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema. The museum shows all kinds of things that have or have had to do with the Italian film industry. Across five levels are things like movie posters, sets, movie equipment, costumes, and sound archives.
#2. Shroud of Turin
In Italian they call it ‘Sindone di Torino’. It concerns a linen cloth with an image of one who is said to be Jesus. There is still much speculation and opinions about it. There are even studies devoted to it. The canvas, which measures approximately fourteen meters by almost four, can be admired in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, also known as the Duomo di Torino.
#3. Palazzo Reale
The Royal Palace of Turin was built around the sixteenth century and served as the residence for the royal family ‘Casa Savoia’. Duke Emmanuel-Philibert was the first Duke of Savoy to occupy the majestic building. Subsequently, the family heritage has undergone several adaptations and modernizations in the following centuries, involving well-known artists and architects. Since 1997, the Palazzo Reale has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The palace is open to visitors almost all year round.
#4. Museo Egizio
In this beautiful museum on Via Accademia della Scienze you can learn a lot about Egyptian archeology and anthropology. The huge collection includes finds from Egyptologists Ernesto Schiaparelli and Jean-François Champollion. Among the most impressive objects are the altar of Isis, a statue of the goddess Sekhmet and King Thutmose III.
#5. Bibliotheca Reale
The Royal Library of Turin is located on the ground floor of the Royal Palace. This library was commissioned in the nineteenth century by Carlo Alberto of Savoy-Carignano, also known as the King of Sardinia. With this he wanted to stimulate political reform and also give space to art and culture. His collection of rare manuscripts became part of the library. You can also admire drawings from Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Michelangelo.
#6. Palazzo Madama
The first signs of a castle on this location appeared around the fourteenth century. The House of Savoy provided themselves with a stately home to emphasize their influence. Later, Christina of France and Marie Jeanne of Savoy came to live here. Since then, clear Baroque influences arose and the palace was given the title Madama. In the Palazzo Madama you can visit the Museum of Ancient Art ‘Museo Civico d’Arte Antica’. This includes paintings, furniture and porcelain from the Middle Ages to the late eighteenth century.
#7. Porta Palatina
This ancient Roman gate was built as an entrance to the city and the palace. At that time, the towers over thirty meters high provided an excellent view over the surrounding area and the city itself. Since the restoration work in 2007, the towers are open to the public.
#8. Turin
Cathedral The Duomo di Torino, which was built in the fifteenth century, is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. As a Roman Catholic Church, it has served a very important function for a long time, including as a place of pilgrimage. The Shroud of Turin is kept in the Turin Cathedral. There are various theories about this. One is that it is claimed to be an imprint of the face of Jesus.
#9. San Lorenzo Church
Close to Palazzo Reale is the San Lorenzo Church. The dome of this church is impressive to see. Especially from the inside. The church is dedicated to St. Lawrence, a commemoration of the victory in the battle against the French in 1557. Because there was not immediately enough money available, a chapel was first set up for this. This is now located at the entrance of the church.
#10. Teatro Regio di Torino
The most beautiful theater in Turin is located in Piazza Castello. Red velvet curtains and chairs were often interspersed with golden details in the past. The wealth radiated from it. The old balconies have now been replaced with a more modern design. Since 1973, after being closed for a long time, the theater has been revived and the hall was given the shape of a kind of shell to improve the acoustics. Once again, a beautiful performance is provided that invariably can count on many visitors.
