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5 things to do in Turin

The capital of Piedmont is a unique city, able to amaze the visitor with its many facets and to involve him in its dynamic liveliness.

Turin was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Italy, place of beauty and royalty. Turin was one of the most important cities for the industrialization of the country, an innovative and modern center.

In recent years the capital of Piedmont has been able to use the various facets of its history to attract tourists from all over the world and become one of the most visited destinations in Italy.

Monuments, museums, art galleries, internationally renowned events and an excellent food and wine tradition are just some of the reasons why we recommend you to visit the capital of Piedmont and in this article we suggest 5 unforgettable things to do in Turin.

 

1. Visit the Mole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Museum

The first of the 5 things to see in Turin is certainly the symbol of the city: the Mole Antonelliana.

This particular and majestic building was designed by Alessandro Antonelli and was initially intended to house an Israeli temple.

For some years the Mole was the tallest masonry building in the world: it lost its primacy when its spire collapsed and was rebuilt in reinforced concrete.

Today the building houses the National Cinema Museum: a long exhibition that retraces the history of film evolution from its beginnings to the present day. It is a special museum and a bit different from the usual, for young and old, which entertains and intrigues thanks to many temporary exhibitions.

Of course, you should also see the dome of the Mole Antonelliana, which can be reached by a glass elevator that goes up to the centre of the Museum. The view over Turin, from the top of the “Tempietto”, is breathtaking.

Be careful though, if you are enrolled at the University of Turin wait to get your degree before going up there: tradition has it that those who do it before can no longer graduate!

things to do in turin mole

 

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2. Walk along Via Po to Piazza Castello

After visiting the Mole Antonelliana, dedicate some of your time to a walk in Via Po, the historic street that connects Piazza Vittorio Veneto to Piazza Castello.

The street is characterized by the typical porticos of Turin under which there are cafes, bookstores and stalls of used volumes. Walking along Via Po, it almost seems like to take a dip in the past when some of the rooms on this street were a meeting place for politicians and great intellectuals.

This walk will take you to Piazza Castello, the most important square in the capital of Piedmont. Here you will find two of the most interesting buildings in Turin: Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale.

The first, once was a fortress and then seat of the Subalpine Senate, now houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art and numerous temporary exhibitions. The second was the main residence of the Savoys and today its interior can be visited through the interesting tour of the Museum of the Royal Palace.

things to do in turin via po

3. Visit the Cathedral of San Giovanni and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud

A few steps away from the Royal Palace of Turin is the Duomo of San Giovanni. Inside it is kept the Holy Shroud.

In September 2018 the magnificent Chapel of the Holy Shroud was reopened to visitors, an incredible masterpiece by Guarino Guarini, damaged by a terrible fire in 1997.

Today the Chapel can be visited through the tour of the Royal Museums: an unmissable stop for those who have decided to visit Turin.

4. Visit the Egyptian Museum

Among our advice on what to do in Turin, you can’t miss a visit to the Egyptian Museum, the most famous museum in the capital of Piedmont.

The Royal Museum of Egyptian Antiquities was founded in 1824, making it the oldest museum in the world entirely dedicated to the Nilotic civilization. Today it houses more than 37,000 items, making it the most important Egyptian museum in the world, after the one in Cairo.

The visit is accompanied by multimedia and audio guides that make the route very exciting: you will surely end up getting lost, full of wonder, between the statue of Ramesses II, the Tomb of Kha and Merit (still intact), the Rock Temple of Ellesija, the Royal Canon, the Sarcophagus of Nefertari and the Isiaca Canteen.

If you decide to visit the Egyptian Museum, remember to take at least half a day: it deserves to be appreciated calmly.

things to do in turin egyptian museum

5. Taste the typical dishes of Turin

Turin can be considered to all respects the heart of the gastronomic tradition of Piedmont and lovers of good food will not be disappointed by a rich cuisine and characterized by high quality products.

A meal in Turin can only start of with a series of appetizers: cold cuts, cheeses and vitel tonnè are required. Then we move on to the first courses: order the agnolotti or tajarin. Finally, it’s time for the meat: there are plenty for everyone, but don’t miss the mixed boiled meats, braised meats and tartare of Fassona, the most important Piedmontese breed of cattle. We have not mentioned yet the queen of Turin’s dishes: the bagna cauda, the sauce made from oil, anchovies and garlic (lots of garlic!) in which the vegetables are dipped. This is a must!

To taste many of these dishes without wasting time and continuing to explore the city we recommend you to participate in one of our food tours in Turin: they last about 3 and a half hours during which you will taste excellent dishes of Piedmontese cuisine accompanied by good wine. Discover the city from a different point of view and meet new travel companions!

things to do in turin food

If you’re a gourmand, instead, you might be interested in discovering the art of Piedmontese confectionery and the magical atmosphere of Turin’s cafés. We got this: with our tour among the pastry shops of Turin You will taste some of the best delicacies of the city surrounded by the decorations of magnificent historical places. The cremino, the famous gianduiotti, the marron glacé and the particular bicerin (made with coffee, chocolate and milk cream) are some of the delicacies that you can try!

We hope that our short advice on the 5 things to do in Turin can be useful to organize your visit and we are waiting for you to enjoy together the delicacies of the cuisine of Turin!

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SELENE

SELENE

Graduated in Literature and Communication and Media Culture, she loves both writing and storytelling. She made her first trip when she was only two and a half months old and hasn't had a break since. Each of her trips is accompanied, of course, by more tastings of the local cuisine! Today she writes about this and more on her blog "Viaggi che Mangi" and in the meantime she also writes for other portals.

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We have created amazing food tours and cooking experiences that will show you how and what local people enjoy eating. Typical dishes, served in different restaurants, will present you the local food culture.

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