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Famous Landmarks in Turin

Famous Landmarks in Turin

Turin Piedmont, Italy Travel Guide

Highlights

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

The city's diverse structures portray its extended 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 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 On 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 unnot much 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 purchasing admission aid in bypassing queues.
  • Superga: Visit on a clear day for breathtaking Alpine views.
  • Monte dei Cappuccini: A prime spot for panoramic photos of Turin with the Alpine mountain range backdrop, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Weekday mornings typically present the least crowded times for museums.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • National Cinema Museum: Hands-on displays 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 archaeological finds 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 globe's's best-preserved ancient Roman city gates, a sturdy reminder of Turin's origins.

  • Quadrilatero Romano

    Turin's oldest district, with constricted, 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 sacred 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 demonstrate 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 pertaining to the city's heroic defense in 1706.

Natural Attractions

While mainly an urban center, Turin has 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 Alpine mountain range.

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 Museum 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 an area 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 places that make wine and agriturismi. Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour in Grinzane Cavour Castle a chance to sample a diverse selection 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

  • Turas part of 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 peak 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, especially the first Sunday of the month, when many state museums have free entry, drawing larger crowds.

Beyond Sightseeing

Turin's allure reaches 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 the role it played in history.

Remarkable 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 current art gallery 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 The Royal residence.

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 constructions 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 a lot more people.

Secret Viewpoints

While Monte dei Cappuccini is a popular spot, it has ample space. For a little 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 Turas part of 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.