Discover Turin: Culture, History and Ski Hotels
Accommodation in Turin
In Turin, the Galleria Sabauda displays more than 500 works from the dynastic collections of the House of Savoy. Its exhibition spans European art from the 14th to the 20th century, bringing together several centuries of art history in one place.
Culture and History
The distinctive Mole Antonelliana is also one of the city’s defining landmarks. It was originally designed as a synagogue; visitors can climb the stairs inside its dome on foot to reach the panoramic terrace. The Teatro Regio opens up its history and architecture during guided tours that include the foyer, auditorium, stage, underground rehearsal rooms and costume workshop.
The Museo Civico Pietro Micca combines exhibits with an underground tour: models, prints, weapons and memorabilia from the respective period are on display. The visit also includes an underground route through the counter-mine galleries of the Mezzaluna del Soccorso. At Palazzo Madama, the ceramics collection comprises more than 4,000 pieces and is considered one of the most important in Italy. The building houses a museum of the city and the Piedmont region alongside a museum of decorative art from all periods and regions.
The Museo Egizio is the world’s oldest museum devoted entirely to Egyptian culture. Its foundation in 1824 is rooted in the collection assembled by Bernardino Drovetti. The Teatro Regio is also associated with two notable dates: it opened on 26 December 1740 with Francesco Feo’s opera Arsace; the present building opened on 10 April 1973 with Giuseppe Verdi’s opera I Vespri siciliani. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Residences of the Royal House of Savoy includes eleven component sites in central Turin.
The Basilica di Superga houses tombs of the Savoy dynasty that can be visited in its underground areas. At the same time, it offers a viewpoint overlooking Torino and the Alpine arc. Here, dynastic history and views across the city and mountains stand side by side.
Nature
Parco del Valentino lies on the left bank of the Po and faces Turin’s hills. The park offers cycle paths, walking paths, as well as opportunities for sport and recreation. The Borgo Medievale was also created in the same park as a reconstruction for the Italian General Exhibition of 1884.
Culinary Traditions
Turin’s traditions can also be experienced in museums, cafés and tastings. The Museo Carpano traces the history of Italian vermouth from 1786, when Benedetto Carpano patented the drink. Tours are offered in Italian and English; tasting experiences are also available by arrangement.
Caffè Al Bicerin was founded in 1763 and has preserved its original furnishings. It is associated with the traditional Turin drink Bicerin, which originated there. At Guido Gobino, the visit ends with a tasting.
Additional Places
The area around Torino is home to further cultural and green destinations: Museo di Antropologia Criminale is a museum, Castello del Valentino is a palace, and GAM Galleria d'Arte Moderna is a museum. Also in the surrounding area of Torino are Museo del Carcere LE NUOVE as a museum, as well as Giardino Cesare Valperga di Masino, Giardino Simon Wiesenthal and Giardino San Paolo as gardens.
Further local destinations: Fenestrelle, Chiesanuova, Sauze Di Cesana, Torre Pellice, Pragelato, Bardonecchia, Sauze D'oulx, Sestriere, Usseaux, Susa, Ruà , Oulx, Giaveno, Claviere, Val Della Torre, Bruzolo, Cesana Torinese, Cuorgnè, Monti, Villar Pellice, Roure, Beaulard, Carella, Valprato Soana, Busano, Ceres, Exilles, Sant'antonino Di Susa, Caprie, Bobbio Pellice, Gravere.
For the main travel overview: Piedmont.
