- To the Turin Shroud
- City museums
- Turin landmarks
- Note to shopaholics
- Delicious points on the map
At the mention of the name of this Italian city, the Shroud of Turin invariably comes to mind. The linen cloth, which took the body of the Savior after the crucifixion, is kept in the local cathedral and is considered the most valuable relic in the Christian world. But even if you do not believe in the authenticity of the rarity, the question of where to go in Turin does not arise. The city is literally filled with architectural sights and monuments, and its museums occupy high places in the ratings of Italian exhibitions of all kinds.
To the Turin Shroud
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin has consistently topped the lists of the most visited places in the country. Tourists of different faiths try to visit the Duomo to visit the Chapel of the Shroud.
The temple was built in the 15th century, and therefore the features of two architectural styles popular in the late Middle Ages are clearly guessed in it - the Baroque and the Renaissance. The initiator of the construction was King Charles I, but, alas, he did not live to see the start of work. The case was continued by his widow Bianca di Monferrato.
The construction of the Duomo began on the site where the basilica had stood already in early Christian times. As a material, the architect chose white marble and thanks to its color, the Duomo stands out against the background of the general urban landscape.
The opening in the dome gives light, symbolizing life, and the dark marble of the steps leading to the place where the shroud is kept reminds of death. The relic itself is shown to believers only four times a century, so the rest of the time you can only look at a copy of the shroud.
City museums
In addition to the Museum of Sacred Art, located in the cathedral, Turin boasts several other exhibitions. They are educational and attractive to people interested in various areas of life.
The civilization of ancient Egypt left a rich historical and cultural heritage to mankind. Turin became the first city on the planet to open a museum dedicated to the history of Egypt and the dynasties that reigned in it. The exposition was launched in 1824, and since then the museum has invariably attracted the attention of tourists interested in the ancient world. The founder of the Egyptian Museum was Bernardino Drovetti. Under Napoleon, he served as consul in Alexandria and was able to collect and buy rarities during his numerous trips around the country. Another part of the museum's collection is a collection of rarities found by the historian Vitaliano Donati on the orders of the King of Sardinia.
The Museum of Cinematography in Turin is another exhibition that should be visited not only by movie fans. If you are interested in unusual buildings, the Mole Antonelliana, where the museum is located, will surely impress you. The building was designed as a synagogue, but the construction costs were beyond the means of the Turin Jewish community. Then Mole Antonelliana went to the city authorities, who completed the work. The building remained the tallest in Italy until 2011 and is the tallest brick-built in Europe. The spire of the Museum of Cinematography is visible from anywhere in Turin: its height is 167 m.
It is not for nothing that Italian car makers are considered among the most worthy in the world. Cars coming off the assembly lines of factories in the Apennines are distinguished by their special style, elegance and chic. The works of designers can be seen in the Automobile Museum, which is worth visiting not only for the stronger sex. Ladies, too, remain in a constant delight at the sight of beautiful examples of Italian designers from automotive fashion. In Turin, Formula 1 cars are also on display and the history of popular competitions is told. Part of the exposition is devoted to environmental problems and related features of the modern automotive industry.
Turin landmarks
When going for a walk in Turin, do not forget to go to other attractions that invariably fall on the lists of the most popular in Italy:
- The Basilica of Superga is another famous city temple, called a masterpiece of the late Baroque. It was built in the first half of the 18th century. after the end of the long siege of Turin by Spanish and French forces. King Victor Amadeus II, who was leading that war from the Italian side, vowed to build a church on the site from where he watched the battles. After the victory, the monarch and his brother took up the construction of the basilica. The architect who created her project was well known in Italy. His name was Filippo Juvarra and he was familiar to the king thanks to the palace in Messina. There, while still the Duke of Savoy, Victor Amadeus II spent a lot of time. The lush Baroque dome of Superga is often compared to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
- The honor of creating the facade of the Palazzo Madama belongs to the same Filippo Juvarra, and therefore it is made in the Baroque style with inherent splendor and an abundance of decorative elements. The palace itself looks somewhat gloomy, because during the construction of its rear wing, the ruins of ancient Roman fortifications were used. The palazzo was used as a residence in Turin by representatives of the Savoy dynasty, then the chief judges of Piedmont and local parliamentarians sat within its walls.
- The Royal Palazzo is another Savoyard residence. The customer was Christina French, who became in the 16th century. the first mistress of the palace. The main staircase in the residence was designed and built by the permanent Juvarra. An excursion to the Royal Palace will also appeal to fans of painting: exhibits from the Turin Art Gallery are exhibited in the palazzo.
- If you are into photography, be sure to check out Palazzo Carignano. This mansion ranks first on the list of the most photographed urban sites. The palace looks very picturesque thanks to its unusual facade, designed by Guarino Guarini. The master worked in the style of "curvilinear architecture" and used stereometry when creating projects. The red brick from which the palazzo was built also adds color, although this material was not popular with Italian Baroque masters. The palace museum is mainly dedicated to Vittorio Emmanuel II - the first Italian king was born in Carignano.
- Valentino Castle also served as the residence of the representatives of the House of Savoy. It appeared in the Middle Ages, but acquired its modern look in the 17th century. The former residence now hosts students: the castle houses the architecture department of the University of Turin. Tourists can visit the Botanical Gardens surrounding the mansion. It has existed since 1713.
Turin would not have been an Italian city if it had not preserved traces of the existence of the Roman Empire. The oldest architectural landmarks of the city are the Palatine gates, through which one could enter and leave the city. The gate has been preserved since ancient times and dates back to the 1st century. BC NS. Towers on the sides of the portal were added much later - in the late Middle Ages, but over time they became a single ensemble with ancient gates.
Note to shopaholics
Italy is famous for its shopping malls and outlets, and Turin is no exception. Its main shopping street is named after the capital of the country and you can buy absolutely everything on via Roma - from jewelry to shoes. Youth fashion is widely represented on via Garibaldi, where dozens of boutiques are open with goods for the most fashionable and stylish. For American-style shopping spree, head to Le Gru Mall, which houses nearly two hundred different shops, brands, boutiques and brand names.
Gallery Lingotto-Torino is invariably the leader among the Turin outlets in terms of tourist traffic. It features products from Italian, French, Spanish and American designers. Here you will find sports and casual clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes made of genuine leather.
The assortment of goods in Serravalle Designer Outlet is even more attractive. The easiest way to get there from Turin is by train to Genoa. The desired station is Novi-Ligure, from where a regular bus runs to the shopping center.
Fans of vintage and antiques should visit the Il Balon flea market, which opens in the city every Saturday.
And one more point in favor of shopping in the capital of Piedmont: local sales last longer than Milan, and fashionable goods with great discounts are available in Turin almost until the end of August in summer and until the second half of February in winter. The number of people who want to go shopping in Turin is much less than in Milan or Rome.
Delicious points on the map
Italy has always been famous for its gastronomic and wine variety, and a trip to the capital of Piedmont will once again confirm to the gourmet the correctness of the chosen direction for travel.
Without exception, all restaurants in Turin are ready to meet the guest with generously set tables and it is worth choosing an institution only focusing on your own desires and prices in the menu:
- Budget travelers will love Tre Galli. Its prices seem to be very democratic against the background of many, and the range of dishes allows you to fully enjoy the variety of Piedmont cuisine.
- At Obelix on Piazza Savoia, it is customary to feed guests on an Italian scale. The buffet format allows you to choose any dishes and try absolutely everything; the signature cocktails of the local bartenders easily open a second wind for further exploring the sights of Turin.
- Where to go for a cup of coffee? Try how it is prepared in the Carlo Alberto square at the Sfashion coffee shop. A sea of delicious desserts are included by default.
And finally, the best pizza in town, according to many regulars at Gennaro Esposito, is served in this place. The restaurant invites visitors to come up with their own recipe, which will be immediately brought to life by the chefs of Gennaro Esposito.
