Things to do in Turin

About Turin

Turin serves as the industrial heart of Italy and the former first capital of the unified nation, defined by its rigid grid-pattern street layout and expansive baroque squares like Piazza Castello. The city is globally recognized for its deep aristocratic heritage, visible in the lavish Royal Palace of Turin and the historic architecture surrounding Piazza San Carlo. Beyond its royal history, Turin functions as a hub of innovation, housing engineering marvels at the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile and cinema history within the iconic Mole Antonelliana. Its cultural depth is further exemplified by the extensive antiquities held at the Museo Egizio, which ranks among the most significant of its kind worldwide.

Good to know

1. 1

   Turin was the first capital of Italy after the unification in 1861, a status it held until 1865.

2. 2

   The city is famously part of two conflicting 'magic triangles,' one involving white magic and the other black magic, a legend deeply rooted in local occult folklore.

3. 3

   Turin serves as the birthplace of the Italian film industry, with its first major studios established in the city during the early 20th century.

4. 4

   The city features an extensive network of 18 kilometers of baroque arcades, specifically designed to allow the House of Savoy to walk through the city without getting wet.

5. 5

   Turin has a unique traditional social ritual known as the 'aperitivo,' which originated here and involves pre-dinner drinks accompanied by substantial buffet spreads.