Turin Itineraries and Tours
Piedmont has some of the听most decadent and beautiful of all landscapes of the Northern area of听the country, however, it鈥檚 also a region left relatively untouched by mass tourism. Or so it was until a decade ago, when听the treasures and tranquility of听this land were听discovered. This beautiful region is often defined as听鈥淭uscany without all the tourists鈥, due to the amazing privacy and picturesque atmosphere offered by its听hills, vineyards and 听their incredible landscape.
The Piedmontese听perfected over the years an art, that of enjoying and savoring simple life and its pleasures.听This is visible also听in many aspects of their cities:听the food, the marketplaces and even the overall way of life of their inhabitants all seem to reflect it.听Unlike other areas of听Italy, 听Piedmont holds a much slower-pace mentality. As a matter of fact,听locals听are quite thankful and content for their relaxed lifestyle. Finding the treasures of Piedmont is priceless.
The Winter Olympics of 2006 were听held in Piedmont (and received international attention) also because of the region’s听incredible value, landscape and rich heritage. Piedmont is also known for one of the largest wilderness areas in Italy, . This region is also known for its white truffles,听hazelnuts and special chocolates, already enough reasons to visit on their own. Yet, in this article, we’ll look at Piedmont’s capital, the city of , on its own a true jewel of Italian culture, art and tradition. Let’s see now the .
La Mole Antonelliana, one of the symbols of TurinDAY ONE, TURIN ITINERARY 鈥 PIAZZA CASTELLO, PALAZZO MADAMA
Within the great region of Piedmont rests the fourth largest city in Italy, Turin. The rich past of this old city听resulted in world-class museums, historic caf茅s and elegant squares. The beautiful Turin听is lined with cobblestone streets that create听a magical, surreal atmosphere. Some of the great benefits to Turin are that it鈥檚 relatively inexpensive, green in atmosphere, easy to get around and refreshingly free of crowds. Turin is known for truly giving a taste of the Italian culture without being a听well-known,听over populated 听touristic center.
Piazza Castello, TurinPh. depositphoto.com/claudiovizia
Piazza Castello is the central square of Turin, where听a wealth of museums, theaters and caf茅s are found. This grand piazza was originally constructed for the Savoias, Piedmont’s royal house.听Central to Piazza Castello is听听a majestic building enclosing Roman, Medieval and Baroque architectures in its structure.
The听castle was built in the 13th Century on the site of an听old Roman gate. It was named after Madama Reale Marie Cristine, who was the widow of Vittorio Amedeo I. Currently, part of this palace is occupied by the Museo Civico d鈥橝rte Antica.
The Baroque fa莽ade of Palazzo Madama (wikimedia.org)DAY TWO, TURIN ITINERARY 鈥 CHIESA DI SAN LORENZO, PALAZZO REALE, DUOMO DI SAN GIOVANNI & MUSEO NAZIONALE
The Chiesa di San Lorenzo is a听baroque beauty located in the Northwestern corner of听Piazza Castello,听designed by听Guarino Guarini. This grand church exhibits rich, impressive and complex interior, which showcases yet another historic aspect to this old square.
Chiesa di San Lorenzo (wikimedia.org)Upon the entrance to another corner of the square are the statues of the mythical twins听Castor and Pollux, guarding听Palazzo Reale. Inside this grand house are decadent rooms housing old furnishings, porcelains听and other antique and unique knick-knacks. This house and its special rooms were originally built for the Savoias, around 1646. The area surrounding it is known as听Giardini Reali听and they are one of the best loved areas of Turin by the locals: they were designed by听Andr茅听le Notre, in 1697, who was also behind the majestic gardens of Versailles. 听Part of Palazzo Reale听is its听Armeria听(the听Armeria Reale) which can be also visited.
The is Turin听Cathedral, built between 1491 and 1498 on the grand and spectacular site of three 14th century Basilicas. This is also the home of the famous Shroud of Turin. A copy of the cloth is on display in front of the alter in the Cathedral. Famous is also its bell tower, which stands alone, off to the west side of the structure. This was designed and built in 1723. Within the same, small square where the Cathedral stands (just off听Piazza Castello)听lie听the Roman amphitheater and the Porta Palatina, both of which are of great value and a spectacular sight to see.
Turin’s Duomo di San Giovanni (wikimedia.org)DAY THREE, TURIN ITINERARY 鈥 PALAZZO DELL鈥橝CCADEMIA & GALLERIA SABAUDA
Palazzo Dell鈥橝ccademia delle Scienze is quite large in size and houses two grand and outstanding museums: the听 and the Galleria Sabauda. 听The Museo Egizio听 hold some of Europe鈥檚 most important ancient and Egyptian treasures and artifacts. The Galleria Sabauda contains the Savoia听family鈥檚 valuable and incredible art collection. It鈥檚 quite the sight to see and experience, and听the grand texture and excellent structure of the Palazzo itself听demand respect.
Enjoy Andrew Graham-Dixon and Giorgio Locatelli’s visit to Turin. From the series “Italy Unpacked”
By Joey Papa






















