There is something about Turin that will remind you of Paris. The city is known as the Paris of Italy or ‘La Piccola Parigi’ (the Little Paris). Turin is an elegant city, once the capital of Italy, famous for its chocolate (Gianduiotto), for its iconic car, the Fiat, and the famous football club, Juventus FC.
Here is my list of the best things to see and do there for a perfect weekend gateway!
1) Piazza San Carlo
Piazza San Carlo is one of the main city squares in Turin. Beautiful porticos dating back to the 17th century surround Piazza San Carlo. The square is a great example of the Baroque style, which is typical of Turin.
The bronze horse sculpture in the middle represents Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy. The square also houses two churches, one next to the other: Santa Cristina and Santa Carlo Borromeo.
Discover the historic sights on a walking-tour.
2) Piazza castello
Not far from Piazza San Carlo, lies Piazza Castello. Historic museums, theatres and cafes surround this square. It houses Palazzo Madama, the original seat of the Italian Parliament, but also Palazzo Reale, the royal palace that was built for the Savoy family in the mid-17th century, and the castle.
Discover the historic sights on a walking-tour.
3) The Cathedral of Turin
Turin’s cathedral was built at the end of the 15thcentury. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the church is home to the Shroud of Turin, which many believe to be the burial cloth that wrapped Jesus’ body. However, the famous cloth is not on display here.
The separate Romanesque-style bell tower was built later, in 1723. Just a few steps away, don’t miss the Porta Palatina, the red-brick remains of a Roman-era gate.
Discover the historic sights on a walking-tour.
4) The Mole Antonelliana
La Mole is Turin’s architectonical symbol. Named after its architect, Alessandro Antonelli and built at the end of the 19thcentury, the Mole today houses the National Museum of Cinema.
Take the lift up to the 85 meters high viewing platform to enjoy spectacular views over the city of Turin.
In the evening, if you look up, you will notice that on one side of the dome, Fibonacci numbers appear written with red neon lights. This is part of the artistic work Il volo dei Numeri (Flight of the Numbers) by the artist Mario Merz.
Tip– Buy your tickets in advance. Option 1 – Lift to the viewing platform €9.50 per person. Option 2 – Lift + museum entry €16.50 per person. Or you can get a Turin City card which gives you free access to many attractions and museums, like the Mole and the Museum of Cinema.
Another great option is to purchase a guided city tour which includes tickets to the Mole and the Museum.
5) Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Another majestic square in the city centre also lined up with shops and cafes. The square gets busy in the evening when people like to meet for an “aperitivo”. Facing the square, on the other side of the Po River, is the church La Grand Madre.
Experience Turin like a local and go on an aperitour
6) Gran Madre di Dio
The church was built to celebrate the return of King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia to the throne, after the defeat of Napoleon.
The architect was Ferdinando Bonsignore, whose project was chosen following a competition. The church was completed in 1831.
Discover the historic sights on a walking-tour.
7) Parco del Valentino
The park dates back to the 16th century, but in the mid-19th century, it was re-designed as an urban public park. Here you can admire the “Fontana dei dodici mesi”(Fountain of the 12 months in Italian).
The park houses a Medieval-looking Castle, designed in the 17th century by Carlo and Amedeo Castellamonte. It was home to duchesses, princesses and queens. In the 19th century, it underwent serious renovation. Today it is the headquarter of the Faculty of Architecture.
Discover the historic sights on a walking-tour.
8) Visit a Museum
Turin has 43 museums. Among the most famous are the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum), the National Museum of Cinema, the National Car Museum, and the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento.
The Egyptian Museum opened in 1824. It houses the most important collection of Egyptian treasures outside Cairo. Among its many highlights are a statue of Ramses II (one of the world’s most important pieces of Egyptian art) and a vast papyrus collection.
Tip– Buy a Turin City card and get free access to many attractions and museums. For the Egyptian Museum, make sure to buy tickets in advance and allow ample time: you can easily spend half a day here.
9) Monte dei Cappuccini
The Church of Santa Maria al Monte dei Cappuccini is a Late-Renaissance-style church on a hill overlooking the city.
If the weather allows it, take a walk up the hill to enjoy the amazing view over the city of Turin. The Capuchin Order built this church; construction began in 1583, and ended in 1656.
Discover the historic sights on a walking-tour.
10) Basilica di Superga
Vittorio Amedeo II promised to build a basilica to honour the Virgin Mary if Turin was saved from besieging French and Spanish armies in 1706. The result is this beautiful edifice, built on a hill across the Po river. Designed by the architect Filippo Juvarra, the Basilica di Superga is the resting place of the Savoy family, whose lavish tombs can be visited in the Royal Crypt. In addition, on a clear day, you can admire the views over the city and the surrounding mountains, the Alps.
Tip – To get here take tram 15 from Piazza Vittorio Veneto to the Sassi–Superga stop on Corso Casale, then walk to Stazione Sassi, from where an original 1934 tram rattles the 3.1km up the hillside in 18 minutes, every day except Wednesday. The Turin City card includes entrance here.
Discover the historic sights on a walking-tour.
What to eat in Turin
Turin is popular for its delicious chocolate. So don’t miss the opportunity to try some ‘cioccolata calda’ (hot chocolate) at Cioccolateria Guido Gobino (Via Lagrange 1).
Go on a Guided Tour & Chocolate Experience with a Local Guide
Agnolotti or Agnolotti del plin is a speciality from the region of Piedmont, as well as Bagna càuda, so you must give it a try while in Turin.
Agnolotti is a type of pasta with roasted meat or vegetables filling. Typically, dressed with beef broth and a little melted butter or in a fresh sage and melted butter sauce.
Bagna càuda (“hot dip”) is a hot dish made from garlic and anchovies, that dates back to the 16th century. Usually served and consumed like fondue, but sometimes also as an appetizer, with raw or cooked vegetables typically used to dip into it.
Worth the trip
If you are staying a few days in Turin, you should plan a visit to two nearby attractions:
- Reggia di Venaria: The Palace of Venaria (Italian: Reggia di Venaria Reale) is a former royal residence and gardens. It is one the largest palaces in the world and a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1997. For more info, visit https://www.lavenaria.it/en
- Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi: A place of leisure and hunting, this was the favourite spot of the Savoy family for spectacular parties and solemn marriages, as well as being the residence of Napoleon in the early 19th century. It is one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, also included in the UNESCO Heritage List in 1997. For more info, visit http://www.residenzereali.it/index.php/en/residenze-reali-del-piemonte/palazzina-di-caccia-di-stupinigi
Buy a Turin City Card for free entrance to Venaria and Stupinigi
Magic Turin Tour: Dark Arts and Black Magic
The location of Turin contributes to its reputation for magic. The city supposedly lies on the axis of black magic (along with London and San Francisco) and on the axis of white magic (together with Lyon and Prague). Legends of black magic go as far back as the times of the ancient Romans, and stories of the occult have thrived here for centuries. For instance, if you pay attention, you can spot satanic faces and devilish sculptures throughout the historic city centre.
Go on a Magic Turin Tour to find out more about the mysteries of the city of Turin.
Check out How To Spend A Weekend In Mantua
- Hospital Sant Pau: The World’s Largest Art Nouveau Complex - 28 March 2021
- Palau Güell: A Magnificient Example of Gaudí’s Fervent Architectural Imagination - 14 March 2021
- Casa Amatller: A Unique Example of Modernism In Barcelona - 27 February 2021
Leave a Reply