Turin
Overview
Turin, known in Italian as Torino, is a powerful and historic city in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Turin is famous for its embellished architecture, modern aerospace and transportation industries, and a mysterious ancient relic that has captured the attention of the world. Host to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Turin has recently received an influx of upgrades and renovation, and there has never been a better time to visit this flourishing city, picture-perfect and nestled at the bottom of snow-capped Alps.
Charming and cosmopolitan, Turin is home to a rich variety of piazzas, palaces, and pizza restaurants. An excellent selection of Baroque, Rococo and Neo-Classical architecture abound; in fact much of the city was modeled after the French architectural style of Versailles. This abundant elegance pervades much of the city, which is a treasure trove of aesthetic appeal.
Although Italian car companies Fiat and Alfa Romeo call Turin home, the city is best known as the home of the relic the Shroud of Turin. Believers claim that the linen cloth was placed over Jesus after his crucifixion and miraculously retains the imprint of his face and body. Although carbon dating has placed the shroud’s genesis in the Middle Ages, the devout are not dissuaded and Turin is still a popular pilgrimage for Catholic travelers today
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Turin
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Turin
Turin and its environs are dotted with glorious palaces, castles and mansions. The 17th century Royal Palace is a stunning site, as are the spectacular Castello del Valentino and the Palazzo Madama, noted for their historic significance and luxurious appearances. Turin is also home to many gardens, parks and green spaces; in these you will find young people studying, relaxing and smooching as the high number of schools and universities in the city make for a large number of students, both local and international. Bike rides are popular all over town and you can rent one and explore on your own easily- just watch out for the scooters!
The Shroud of Turin is housed in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud at the Turin Cathedral, and if you want to see it for yourself, you're in luck. The Vatican has moved up the next Shroud exhibition from 2025 to April and May of 2010; admission is free although RSVP is required on the Shroud's website.
The Mole Antonelliana shoots its unusual spire into the sky; this National Museum of Cinema is the tallest museum in the world, and you can climb to the observation deck for an unparalleled view of the surrounding city. The Palatine Towers served as one of the ancient gates of Turin, and the Roman-medieval structure is one of the most well-preserved Roman ruins in northern Italy.
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Turin
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Turin
Hotel Residence San Paolo: in city center, good value, quiet and clean
Hotel Alpi Resort: on Po River, large rooms with AC, modern, good bathrooms
Hotel Master: basic, modern and pleasant, new rooms, excellent breakfast
Grand Hotel Sitea: elegant with courtyard, friendly staff, comfortable rooms w/AC
Pacific Hotel Fortino: clean and basic hotel, good value, not in central city
Hotel Lancaster: fine hotel, a bit dark, but clean and medium-sized rooms, comfortable
Hotel Principi di Piedmont: well located, large rooms, marble bath, great views of city
Starhotels Majestic: located opposite train station and close to everything, older
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Turin
Hotel Reviews
Turin
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Turin
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