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Jan

11

Turin Travel & Sightseeing Guide

Filed Under Italy

A trip to Turin
Known as the birthplace of the century-old automobile industry of Italy and home to carmaker Fiat, Turin has seen an increase in the number of visitors to the city since hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006. Located in northwest Italy, Turin’s accessibility is facilitated by the modern Turin International Airport offering daily flights to and from the main airports of Europe and the UK, Additionally, the city’s well-connected railway system links Turin to Milan and Genoa.

Flights to Turin
There are daily direct and connecting flights from the UK and other parts of the EU to Turin International Airport. If you are travelling from the US, the easiest way to reach Turin is via London, from where you can take one of the many direct flights to Turin. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Turin try Thomas Cook. An alternative option is to fly through Malpensa International Airport in Milan, from where express trains travel to Turin in about 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Once in Turin, whether you are travelling by rail or air, there is an abundance of taxis shuttling between the airport, train station, and city centre. The city itself also boasts an efficient network of trams and buses that run from 05:00 until midnight and supplement the extensive taxi service that is available 24 hours.

Turin

Sightseeing in Turin
Of the many attractions in Turin, the most famous is the Turin Shroud, housed in the Duomo. The Shroud is wrapped in controversy; for many years it was thought to bear an imprint of Christ’s body until scientific studies showed it dates from 900 AD. The Duomo is worth a visit for its 15th century art pieces, while the building itself is of an elegant architectural design.

Another landmark is the Mole Antonelliana, once the tallest building in the world at 167 metres. It is a great vantage point to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Turin boasts a good collection of churches including: Gran Madre di Dio, Santuario della Consolata, and San Lorenzo. Castles such as Castello Valentino, Borgo e Castello Medioevale, and Rocca Medioevale make for suitable sightseeing for history and architecture lovers. The ornate palaces of Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale are good places to go to get a feel of the city’s past.

Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
There is a wide array of accommodation available for all budgets. An interesting place to stay is the recently converted Fiat factory that is now home to a five-star hotel (Le Meridien Lingotto) designed by the world-acclaimed architect Renzo Piano. Turin offers a one-stop entertainment area - Parco del Valentino; a great location featuring many bars, cafés, pubs and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Basilica di Superga church on a small mountain in Turin affords stunning views of the city and the Alps. Also worth a visit is the Stupinigi Palace, once home to Napoleon during his stay in the region. The region of Piedmont is known for producing Italy’s best wines and the world’s best white truffles, and opportunities to try these delicacies are plentiful. Alternatively, explore the neighbouring towns of Alba and Asti for a taste of the region’s delicious cuisine.

Daytrips
Just outside the city is the fabulous Castle of Rivoli, which is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art. A visit to the 9th and 10th century castle offers visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the vast collection of works by artists such as Frank O Gehry, Helmut Newton and Lucio Fontana.

The Juvarra Hunting Lodge, built by Filipo Juvarra in the 18th century also lies just outside the city and is home to the Museum of Art and Furnishing. Architecture enthusiasts will love the bold designs and the interior furnishings are impressive too.

Another Baroque structure that is worth seeing is the Racconigi Castle, once home to members of the Savoy family. This World Heritage site is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of Turin who appreciates fine architecture.

Must-see attractions
The Basilica della Consolata is a must-see attraction for lovers of architecture. An 11th century Romanesque tower is the highlight, alongside a striking marble interior floor. The unusual Borgo Medioevale is another structure not to be missed. This reconstruction of a 15th century village was built in the 19th century and is full of exquisite detail.

Strolling through the ancient medieval streets of Turin, visitors can catch glimpses of how the city once looked. The Gothic cathedral of Chieri is an excellent example of Piedmont art, and the nearby San Giorgio Church boasts panoramic views of the city from its piazzale. Opposite, the San Domenico Church features a beautiful Gothic bell tower.

The 13th century Palazzo Madama features some of the city’s best Piedmontese Baroque architecture and decoration, added in the 15th and 18th centuries, while the fantastic Botanic Gardens are home to over 700,000 species and make for a wonderful day out. For something a bit different, you can take a guided tour of the air raid shelters, the tunnels of the citadel and the palace cellars which lie under the city.

Best time to go
Turin enjoys hot summers, with temperatures peaking at around 24°C, but because temperatures hardly ever fall below 0°C in the winter, it is a city that can be enjoyed at any time. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn see less visitors and make for pleasant times to visit.

Avid readers will love the Fiera del Libro book fair held annually each May but if you are coming later in the year, try and coincide your visit with the famous Settrmbre Musica, which hosts classical, jazz, contemporary and world musicians each September.

Rainy day suggestions
Should you experience wet weather on your Turin trip there are a number of indoor attractions to keep you dry. One of Turin’s most fascinating museums is the Automobile Museum, which offers visitors a documented history of the automobile as well as housing a collection of 170 cars.

The excellent Museo di Antichita contains wonderful historical and archaeological artefacts and the Museo Egizio is home to one of the most extensive collections of Egyptian artefacts outside of Cairo. Other interesting attractions include the Museo Nazional del Cinema and the Museo della Sindone.

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