Discover Turin: 20 places you shouldn’t miss!
Turin, the home of Cavour and the jewel of the Risorgimento, has made a remarkable transformation in just a few decades from the post-industrial era to a cultural landmark that attracts visitors all year round. A visit to Turin is a must on your travel list if you love history, cultural activities and good wine! You will love it! Here’s a list of ideas on how to make the most of the Piedmontese capital.
What to do in Turin – panoramic view
1. The Mole Antonelliana and the National Film Museum
We can’t start this list without mentioning the city’s architectural jewel, the 2 euro cent coin, designed by architect Alessandro Antonelli at the end of the 19th century. This iconic building houses the National Film Museum, where you can admire reconstructions of film sets, objects and machines linked to the history of cinema, from the Lumière brothers to Hollywood.
The lift that takes visitors up to the Pointe de la Mole is a must. Even those with a head for heights should not miss this panorama, which is one of the most beautiful in Turin. Beware of superstition: it is said that anyone who climbs to the top of the Mole will get into trouble at school. You’ve been warned if you’re doing your A-levels or a Master’s degree!
2. The Basilica of Superga
The highest hill in Turin, which stretches to the other side of the Po, is best known for the tragic plane crash involving the city’s football team in 1949. The magnificent Basilica of Superga is located at the top of this hill. You can reach it via the Tranvia, a marvellous old carriage route, or on foot along a path that invites you to take a deep breath. Once at the top, you have to climb another 131 spiral staircases to admire the baroque dome of the basilica, a masterpiece by architect Filippo Juvarra.
The beauty of this dome reflects the marvellous view of the Alps, a jewel of nature that will leave you speechless, especially when the sky is clear.
3. Mont des Capucins
Also on the right bank of the Po, but more central than Superga, is the small hill of Monte dei Capuchini. It can be reached via a monastery built at the end of the sixteenth century. In addition to this magnificent baroque building, there is also a mountain museum for keen mountaineers.
The mountain offers an exceptional panoramic view and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a moment of spirituality. The tranquillity disappears as evening falls, when the small square fills up with cars and couples wanting to get closer.
What to do in Turin: Worth seeing
1. Piazza Castello
The piazza is the hub of Italian life, and Turin is no exception. The city’s inhabitants gather here to buy their newspapers, chat about anything and everything, eat an ice cream or watch street theatre.
Pizza Castello is one of the main squares and certainly the best known. It is surrounded by buildings that are as elegant as they are important: Palazzo Madama, the ArmeriaReale, the Teatro Regio, the seat of the Piedmont region, the Royal Church of San Lorenzo (with its sublime star-shaped dome) and the Galleria Subalpina. The ground-level fountains are a playground for children in summer, and not far away is the Piazzetta Reale , where the entrance to Palazzo Reale is located.
This square is therefore an excellent starting point for your first visit to Turin. And when you’ve had enough of all the historical monuments, you can go shopping in the neighbouring streets such as Via Garibaldi, the second largest pedestrian area in Europe (the largest is Rue Sainte Catherine in Bordeaux).
2. Piazza San Carlo
In terms of 17th century elegance, Piazza San Carlo is a benchmark. The gates on either side of the square are in perfect harmony with each other, a symmetry that is further emphasised by the two churches facing each other in front of the equestrian monument by Emanuele Filiberto… An ideal place for families whose children love to run around and feed the pigeons.
If you’re passing through, don’t forget to take a break at the traditional Caffè San Carlo, which opened in 1842, Caffè Torino and the Fratelli Stratta patisserie to sweeten up a lovely afternoon.
3. Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Situated at the end of Via Po and opposite the river, this square seems to have appeared out of nowhere. At 38,000 m2, it is one of the largest squares in Europe! The square is very festive when large public festivals are held here, such as the feast of St John, the city’s patron saint, on 24 June. The square is also very popular at weekends, as it is close to the Murazzi, the nightlife districts on the Po.
Don’t miss it!
Turin and its markets
1. Porta Palazzo and Balon
Porta Palazzo is undoubtedly Turin’s most famous open-air market and is located in Piazza della Repubblica, right in the centre of the city. The surrounding area is very diverse, as this is where people from southern Italy or even further afield were once welcomed.
This cultural mix and the blaze of colour make Porta Palazzo so special. Here you will find everything from food to clothing and decorative items. The market is open every day, but we recommend going on Saturdays. Every Saturday there is the Balon, a small flea market where you can find old furniture, coffee machines and records. And if you are a real antique lover, you should come to the Gran Balon on the second Sunday of the month, where antique dealers offer their best pieces (a tradition that has been going on for over 30 years).
2. The Gran Madre vintage market
Let’s stay with this little gem in a vintage mood. Every third Sunday of the month, this small market is held at the foot of the Gran Madre church, which is separated from Piazza Vittorio by the River Po. Here you can buy tiaras, fur hats and many other high-quality items. Even if you can’t afford to buy a nice coat, don’t hesitate to stroll through the aisles of the market to observe the more or less eccentric vendors and exchange a few anecdotes with them!
3. Emporium San Salvario
If you are more interested in unique pieces and local handicrafts, you should come to Turin on the first weekend of the month, when this small market is held on Sundays in Piazza Madama Cristina. Here you will find stylists, artisans, designers, illustrators and independent publishers from all over Italy. This market is a real forum for artistic research and Italian creative experimentation and the perfect opportunity to offer something original.
The Emporium is not just about selling: there is an area dedicated exclusively to arts and crafts, for young and old. There are art exhibitions and even a corner called“Salotto di Emporium” (Emporium Lounge) where you can watch shows, listen to radio programmes and listen to the future.
4. Central market
The Mercato Centrale was born from the desire to redesign the Piazza della Repubblica and create a meeting place for avant-garde gastronomy. It was recently opened in a glass building designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas. There are around twenty artisan shops offering exceptional food, wines and sophisticated cocktails, as well as a cookery school and teaching laboratories. On the second floor there is an ice palace, which has become a centre for cultural events and artistic performances.
What to see in Turin in the covered areas: The Historical Galleries and Cafés
1. The Galleria Subalpina
There are places in this city that are more reminiscent of Paris than Turin, and the galleries are one of them. The elegance of the Belle Epoque with its detailed stained glass windows and subtle lighting is mesmerising. The Galleria Subalpina is undoubtedly Turin’s favourite and one of the most emblematic buildings from the 19th century.
If you’re still not convinced, there are two more reasons to visit: the Roman Cinema with its three small, elegant cinema halls and the Caffè Baratti e Milano, one of the oldest in the city.
2. Galleria Umberto I
This gallery is not to be missed, as it looks back on five centuries of history! It was originally part of the Maurizian Hospital, the largest in Turin, which was later moved to Corso Stupinigi , further away from the city centre.
Walking through this refined passage, you can admire the windows of antique shops, cafés and the very famous Farmacia Mauriziano, a pharmacy opened in 1575!
3. Caffè e gelateria Fiorio
Impossible not to include it in our list. Caffè Fiorio is an institution that opened in 1780 under one of the gates of Via Po and is one of Turin’s favourite addresses. It used to be a meeting place for the aristocracy, who used it mainly for political discussions.
But don’t worry, today you can forget about politics and relax with a hot chocolate or a bicerin (a mixture of coffee, chocolate and milk cream), a traditional Piedmontese drink. And to top it all off, try an ice cream – you won’t be disappointed! The flavour of Gianduia is to die for!
4. Bar Barolino Cocchi
A real gem! Housed in a Juvarra-style building, this bar is a little-known gem where you can enjoy delicious aperitifs. We recommend the Vermouth Cocchi, the house speciality. The varied menu and eclectic design harmonise perfectly with the antique ceiling decoration… a must!
Cultural Turin: museums and palaces
1. Egizio Museum
Turin is a city rich in art and architecture. One of its most famous attractions is undoubtedly the Egyptian Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world and the second largest in its collection after Cairo. The recently renovated museum houses a 60,000 m2 collection spread over four floors and explained with interactive audio guides.
Take at least an afternoon to visit the museum in its entirety. Admire the papyri about the god Anubis, who cradles a human heart and a feather. Visit the reconstruction of a tomb inside a pyramid and be impressed by the mummies.
2. Turin Cathedral and the Capella della Sacra Sindone
Not far from Piazza Castello is Turin Cathedral, a remnant of the Renaissance. The building was reopened to the public on 1 April 2019 after 20 years of restoration following a devastating fire. One of the most extravagant masterpieces of Baroque architecture, designed by Guarino Guarini, a great mathematician and architect, is the marvellous chapel that protrudes from the façade of the building. The proportions and compositions of its architecture are all based on the number 3 and its multiples.
The chapel is also famous for the Sacra Sindone, which unfortunately cannot be seen all year round: it is only opened to the public on special occasions and festivals.
3. Palazzo Madama
As already mentioned, Palazzo Madama is located near Piazza Castello and is one of the most important historical buildings in Turin. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the Museum of Ancient Art.
The palace is definitely worth a visit: it offers a relaxed atmosphere and majestic staircases (perfect for great photos). You can even try to count the shells hidden everywhere – they are Filippo Juvarra’s trademark!
4. Villa della Regina
If you’re looking for a fairytale atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then don’t waste any time and visit Villa della Regina! The complex, built in the 19th century, was home to many kings before it became state property and was opened to the public in 1994.
Try to visit the villa on a sunny day to enjoy the magnificent view of the hills, the Italian garden in the shape of an amphitheatre and many other wonders.
5. GAM
Art lovers should visit the Galleria Civica D’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea in the southern suburbs of Turin.
The GAM is not difficult to find: The bronze and marble sculpture of an uprooted tree designed by Giuseppe Penati marks the entrance to the building. The museum’s collection includes artworks from the 19th to the 21st century and comprises around 45,000 works (paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, drawings and videos).
6. Borgo e Rocca Medievali and Parco del Valentino
We finish this list with two absolutely incredible places not to be missed: the Borgo Medievale and the Parco del Valentino, on the banks of the Po, just a few minutes from Piazza Vittorio. As soon as you set foot here, you’ll feel like you’re in a time machine. Enjoy the calm and relaxed atmosphere as you stroll through the arches, fountains and old shops. And it’s all free! The upper part of the Borgo is chargeable and offers access to the castle and garden to enhance your medieval experience.
Then take a break to explore the “Valentino” , the real centre of Turin, where you can breathe in the fresh air. Here, too, you can’t miss the art: There are several important historical monuments, statues and fountains in the park. There are also bars where you can relax with a coffee or aperitif and feel like a Turinese.
The author :
Chiara is a passionate follower of low-budget adventures and podcasts. You can follow her adventures via @chiarutzie.
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