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Turin Travel Guide Attractions and Sightseeing

Turin Travel Guide Attractions and Sightseeing

Liguria Piedmont And Valle Daosta, Italy

Highlights

Turin's skyline is graced by architectural marvels, and its streets feature sites that narrate its past. UNESCO World Heritage sites dot the city, reflecting its regal lineage as the former capital of the Duchy of Savoy and later, the Kingdom of Sardinia.

The city's diverse structures portray its long and storied journey, from Roman foundations to Baroque grandeur.

Top City Landmarks

  • Mole Antonelliana: Turin's iconic symbol, housing the National Cinema Museum with panoramic views.
  • Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace): Main residence of the House of Savoy, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum): Second-largest Egyptian museum globally, with an unparalleled collection.
  • Duomo di Torino: Turin Cathedral, holding the revered Holy Shroud.

Visitor Information

Access & Pricing

  • Hours: Vary seasonally. Most sites operate 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, many closed Mondays. Confirm on official websites.
  • Fees: Entry typically ranges €10-€20 per location. Discounts exist for students, seniors, children.
  • Turin + Piedmont Card: A tourist pass offering free or reduced entry to museums and unlimited public transport for its duration (1, 2, 3, or 5-day options).
  • Guided Options: Audio guides are often available. Private and group tours can be booked through local operators or the Turin Tourist Office.
  • Pre-booking for popular sites, especially the Mole Antonelliana glass lift, is advisable to avoid queues.
  • For booking tours and activities, consider GetYourGuide.

Photography & Viewing Tips

  • Mole Antonelliana: Visit early morning or late afternoon for ideal light and fewer crowds.
  • Egyptian Museum: Allow 3-4 hours for a full exploration. Online ticket purchases aid in bypassing queues.
  • Superga: Visit on a clear day for spectacular Alpine views.
  • Monte dei Cappuccini: A prime spot for panoramic photos of Turin with the Alps backdrop, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Weekday mornings typically present the least crowded times for museums.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • National Cinema Museum: Interactive exhibits on film history, technology, and iconic movie sets within the Mole Antonelliana.
  • Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile (MAUTO): One of the oldest and most significant car museums globally, tracing automotive history.
  • Galleria Sabauda: Royal art collection featuring European masters.
  • Palazzo Madama - Museo Civico d'Arte Antica: Spans ancient to decorative arts, housed in a historically layered palace.

Specialized & Performance Venues

  • Museo del Risorgimento Italiano:

    Explores Italy's unification process with artifacts and documents.

  • Museo Lavazza:

    Dedicated to the history of the famous Lavazza coffee company.

  • Pinacoteca Agnelli:

    Art gallery on the former Fiat Lingotto rooftop, with masterpieces by Matisse, Picasso.

  • Teatro Regio Torino:

    Turin's major opera house, hosting opera and ballet seasons.

  • OGR Torino:

    Revitalized industrial complex for contemporary art exhibitions, concerts.

Historical Sites

Turin’s history etched into its very foundations, presenting a compelling journey through ancient, medieval, and modern eras.

Architectural & Religious Heritage

  • Porta Palatina

    One of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman city gates, a robust reminder of Turin's origins.

  • Quadrilatero Romano

    Turin's oldest district, with narrow, winding streets on Roman foundations, retaining medieval charm.

  • Liberty (Art Nouveau) Architecture

    Explore areas like Crocetta and Corso Francia for beautiful examples of this decorative style.

  • Duomo di Torino

    The city's main cathedral, a significant Renaissance structure, housing the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.

  • Santuario della Consolata

    One of Turin's oldest and most revered churches, a Baroque gem with ornate decorations and a spiritual atmosphere.

  • Chiesa di San Lorenzo

    A Baroque church by Guarino Guarini, known for its remarkable, geometrically complex dome.

Palazzo Madama

A UNESCO World Heritage site with layered history, from Roman gate to Baroque palace, now housing the Civic Museum of Ancient Art.

Basilica di Superga

Majestic Baroque basilica on a hilltop overlooking Turin and the Alps. Burial place for the House of Savoy, accessible by rack tramway.

Parco del Valentino

Turin's largest public park along the Po River, with Castello del Valentino (UNESCO) and the Borgo Medievale (replica village).

Industrial & Military Heritage

Turin's deep industrial background as Italy's automotive capital and its military past are on display at several locations.

  • Lingotto: The iconic former Fiat factory, now a multi-purpose complex with its rooftop test track a visible symbol of its automotive past.
  • Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile (MAUTO): Reflects Turin's industrial heritage with an extensive collection of historic cars.
  • Pietro Micca Museum and the Tunnel of the Siege of Turin: Offers an unique underground tour related to the city's heroic defense in 1706.

Natural Attractions

While mainly an urban center, Turin presents green spaces within the city and straightforward access to stunning natural landscapes a short distance away.

Parks & Gardens

Explore Parco del Valentino, Orto Botanico, and Giardini Reali for tranquil green escapes.

Scenic Viewpoints

Monte dei Cappuccini and Basilica di Superga offer iconic panoramic views of Turin and the Alps.

Waterways & Lakes

The Po River flows through Turin. Nearby Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta offer picturesque settings for day trips.

Hidden Gems & Unique Photography

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Explore Mercato di Porta Palazzo, Europe's largest open-air market, for local immersion. Borgo Campidoglio shows an artistic neighborhood with murals and galleries. The Museo di Antropologia Criminale "Cesare Lombroso" attracts those with an interest in the unusual.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture the classic Mole Antonelliana shot from Via Montebello. The Po River at sunrise or sunset creates beautiful reflections of the cityscape and bridges. Turin's extensive arcaded sidewalks ("Portici") furnish unique architectural symmetry and leading lines for photography.

Local Favorites

Murazzi del Po, former boathouses turned into a lively district of bars and clubs, is a local nightlife and social hub. Piazza della Repubblica, where Porta Palazzo market operates, hums with daily activity.

Regional Gems

The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato wine regions, south of Turin, constantly evolve with new wineries and agriturismi. Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour in Grinzane Cavour Castle a chance to sample a wide variety of Piedmontese wines.

Archaeological Insights

Visible remains of the Roman theater near the Royal Palace provide a glimpse into the city's ancient entertainment and public life.

More Cultural Venues

Turin's cultural scene reaches beyond traditional museums.

Performance Spaces

  • Teatro Carignano: A historic theater known for its drama and plays.
  • Auditorium RAI "Arturo Toscanini": Home to the prestigious RAI National Symphony Orchestra.
  • Teatro Colosseo: Hosts a variety of concerts, theatrical performances, and comedy shows.

Seasonal Exhibitions

Always consult local listings for current temporary exhibitions and cultural programming during your visit.

Discover Current Events

  • Turin tourism website (Turismo Torino e Provincia) is a good resource.
  • Individual museum websites also list specific events.
  • This approach helps find unique, time-limited ventures.
  • Do not miss special exhibits that coincide with your travel dates.

Traveler's Note

For optimal viewing and fewer crowds at popular sites like the Mole Antonelliana or Egyptian Museum, consider visiting early in the morning right after opening or during weekdays.

Avoid Sundays, specifically the first Sunday of the month, when many state museums have free entry, drawing larger crowds.

Beyond Sightseeing

Turin's allure extends to its lively street life, charming arcades, and varied viewpoints.

Elegant Streets

Explore Turin's grand, arcaded streets that display the city's elegant Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.

Arcaded Routes

  • Via Roma: Turin's premier shopping street, home to high-end brands.
  • Via Po: Connects Piazza Castello to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, with continuous shelter.
  • Via Garibaldi: A major pedestrian shopping street.

Public Squares

Turin's squares are not just open spaces but central hubs of city life and historical significance.

Famous Piazzas

  • Piazza Castello: The grand, central square, heart of Turin's historic district.
  • Piazza San Carlo: Known as Turin's "drawing room," with elegant arcades and historic cafes.
  • Piazza Vittorio Veneto: A very large square at the end of Via Po, with views of the Po River.

Royal Residences

Beyond the Royal Palace within the city, several other royal residences are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Palaces to Visit

  • Reggia di Venaria Reale: A magnificent Baroque palace, often called the "Versailles of Piedmont."
  • Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi: A hunting lodge and royal residence, celebrated for its unique Rococo architecture.
  • Castello di Rivoli: Features a contemporary art museum within a historic Savoy residence.

These residences represent the grandeur of the House of Savoy.

Archaeological Sites

Remnants of Turin's Roman past are still visible and accessible.

Ancient Footprints

  • Porta Palatina: The ancient Roman city gate stands impressively in a public park.
  • Teatro Romano: Remains of the Roman theater are visible near the Royal Palace.

These sites ground the city in its ancient origins as Augusta Taurinorum.

Monuments & Memorials

Commemorative structures dot the city, marking pivotal moments and figures in Italian history.

Historical Markers

  • Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II: Equestrian statue in Piazza Carlo Felice for the first King of unified Italy.
  • Monumento a Cavour: Dedicated to Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, a figure in Italian unification.
  • Other smaller memorials throughout the city commemorate local heroes and events.

These structures speak to Turin's past and its place in Italian nation-building.

Photography Tips and Best Times

Less Crowded Times

Weekday mornings, especially right after opening, typically feature the fewest crowds for museum visits. Avoid Sundays, specifically the first Sunday of the month when state museums may offer free entry, drawing many more people.

Secret Viewpoints

While Monte dei Cappuccini is a popular spot, it presents ample space. For a slightly distinct perspective, explore the various bridges over the Po River at different times of the day, revealing new angles of the city skyline.

Architectural Photos

Turin's extensive arcaded sidewalks ("Portici") furnish unique architectural symmetry and leading lines for photography, shaping intriguing perspectives under various lighting conditions. Early mornings are best for these shots.

Local Events Awareness

Always check the Turin tourism website for current temporary exhibitions, special events, and cultural programming during your visit. This approach helps discover unique, time-limited ventures that enrich your experience.