Discover Turin: A Guide to the City's Top Attractions
Turin, once Italy's industrial powerhouse, is an elegant city with a rich history as the capital of the Savoy dynasty. Its wide avenues, squares, and arcaded buildings reflect a heritage aiming to rival Paris and Vienna, thanks to Baroque architects Guarino Guarini and Filippo Juvarra.
As the capital of Piedmont, Turin's Roman roots are evident in its layout and ancient gates. It played a pivotal role in Italy's unification, the Risorgimento, with its grand cafés hosting the era's activists.
The city's heart is the Piazza Castello, surrounded by royal palaces and leading to the Po River. To plan your visit, check out the best places to visit and ensure to reserve your rental car early.
1. Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum)
Home to a premier collection of Egyptian artifacts outside Cairo, the Egyptian Museum in Turin began with King Carlo Felice's acquisitions in 1824. It boasts statues, papyruses, mummies, and tomb chambers.
Address: Via Accademia delle Scienze 6, Turin
Official site: www.museoegizio.org
2. Mole Antonelliana (Museo Nazionale del Cinema)
The iconic Mole Antonelliana, with its panoramic views and the National Museum of Cinema, is a must-visit. The glass elevator ride and the museum's immersive experience are unforgettable.
Address: Via Montebello 20, Turin
Excursions in Turin
3. Juventus Stadium
Football enthusiasts can tour the Allianz Stadium, home to Juventus, exploring the museum, locker rooms, press box, and pitch.
Address: Corso Gaetano Scirea 50, Turin
Official site: www.juventus.com/en/stadium-and-museum
4. Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile
This museum celebrates the evolution of the automobile, featuring an impressive collection from FIAT to Ferrari, and international brands like Jaguar and Rolls Royce.
Address: Corso Unità d'Italia 40, Turin
Official site: http://www.museoauto.it/website/
5. Palazzo Reale and Armeria Reale (Royal Armory)
The Royal Palace and Armory showcase sumptuous apartments and one of Europe's largest arms collections. The Royal Gardens and Museo d'Antichità are nearby.
Address: Piazzetta Reale, Turin
6. Piazza San Carlo
Piazza San Carlo is a picturesque square framed by arcades, historic cafés, and shops, with an equestrian statue of Duke Emmanuel Philibert at its center.
7. Borgo Medioevale and Parco del Valentino
The Parco Valentino features a recreated medieval village and castle, offering a whimsical escape with artisan shops and family activities.
Address: Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, Turin
8. The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud
The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista houses the enigmatic Holy Shroud, with a replica on display for visitors.
Address: Piazza San Giovanni, Turin
9. Palazzo Madama and Museo Civico d'Arte Antica
Palazzo Madama, a 13th-century castle turned museum, showcases Turin's history and art from Roman times to the 18th century.
Address: Piazza Castello, Turin
10. San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo church is a Baroque architectural gem with a unique dome and lantern design, offering a kaleidoscopic view of light.
Address: Piazza Castello, Turin
11. Santuario di Santa Maria Consolatrice (La Consolata)
La Consolata, a Baroque sanctuary, is adorned with marble and ex votos, featuring a Romanesque campanile and an oval chapel by Juvarra.
Address: Piazza della Consolata, Turin
12. Day Trip to Reggia di Venaria Reale
The Reggia di Venaria Reale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a grand royal residence with lavish galleries, apartments, and gardens.
Address: Viale Carlo Emanuele II, Turin
Official site: https://www.lavenaria.it/en/visit
13. Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano (Risorgimento Museum)
Palazzo Carignano houses the Risorgimento Museum, detailing Italy's unification with interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
Address: Via Accademia delle Scienze 5, I-10100, Turin
14. Galleria Sabauda
The Galleria Sabauda features masterpieces by Mantegna, Veronese, and Dutch and Flemish artists, including Rembrandt.
Address: Via Accademia delle Scienze 6 (enter from Via XX Settembre 86), Turin
15. Galleria d'Arte Moderna
This gallery boasts a vast collection of modern art, with works by Modigliani, De Chirico, and international artists like Renoir and Chagall.
Address: Via Magenta 31, Turin
Official site: www.gamtorino.it/en/
16. Porta Palatina
The Porta Palatina, a well-preserved Roman gate, and the adjacent Roman theater remnants are historical highlights near the cathedral.
Address: Via Aosta, Turin
Where to Stay in Turin for Sightseeing
For convenient sightseeing, consider the luxury NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina, the mid-range Turin Palace Hotel, or the budget-friendly Residence Sacchi.
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Turin
Getting Around: Turin's grid layout makes navigation easy. A Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers a flexible way to see the city's landmarks.
Walking Tours: Join a small-group walking tour to get acquainted with Turin's architecture and locate key attractions.
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Where to Go from Turin: Explore nearby cities like Genoa and Milan, or venture to the Alps for skiing at resorts like Courmayeur and Breuil-Cervinia.
