Although Turin (Torino in Italian) is a big city with heavy traffic, dull suburbs with various factories and a little a bit non-Italian appearance, it will pleasantly surprise you with well-preserved splendid Baroque architecture, lively squares with pleasant cafés, marvelous churches, magnificent palaces, quiet parks, beautiful arcades and an extremely rich collection of ancient Egyptian objects. The city is most known for the headquarters of the giant automobile corporation Fiat, a main stronghold of the Italian economy. Turin is also famous for the local football (soccer) club of Juventus and the widely disputed Shroud of Turin, kept in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral. It was a successful host of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games too, an event which attracted world’s attention to the city and was a driving force for the construction of many new sports facilities, as well as for the renovation of many architectural monuments and squares.
The earliest known settlement on the territory of the present-day city was founded several centuries before Christ by the Celtic tribe of Taurini. Then the Romans conquered it and made it their military outpost on the River Po. The true upsurge of Turin began in the second half of 16th century when the dukes of Savoy chose it for their permanent residence and capital city. They took under their patronage two of the most prominent Baroque architects - Guarino Guarini and Filippo Juvarra, who, together with their teams of talented builders, turned the city into a real social and architectural window. In the first quarter of 18th century the Savoy dukes received a royal title and added the Island of Sardinia to the territories of their kingdom. The second king of the dynasty Carlo Emanuele III took under his protection the liberal politician Cavour who leaded the movement for unification of Italy. Thus the royal court of Turin became the major driving force in this historic process. In 1860 the energetic leader of the Resurgence (the Italian unification movement) Giuseppe Garibaldi gave Southern Italy and Sicily to the control of the Savoy king in Turin - Vittorio Emanuele II. One year later he was proclaimed the first king of the united Italy. For 9 years, from 1861 to 1870, Turin was a capital of Italy. In 1870 the headquarters of the Italian government were moved to Rome.
The main railway station of Turin is Porta Nuova situated at Piazza Carlo Felice and the foot of the most central Via Roma, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and within easy reach to the historic city centre. Many trains also arrive and depart from Porta Susa Railway Sation, which is located west of the centre and near the main bus station, used by most of the intercity and international buses. All major sights are within comfortable walking from Porta Nuova Station. But if you are in a hurry, you can take advantage of the inexpensive and well organized public tram and bus lines. Tram line no 4 will take you directly in the heart of the city, while tram line no 1 offers convenient connection between Porta Nuova and Porta Susa stations. The international Caselle Airport is located 15 km north of the city and is well served by regular bus lines, departing and arriving every half an hour at the above two train stations.
Turin historic city centre is known for its easy for exploration grid plan, created by the Baroque architects. The main artery is Via Roma with its elegant designer boutiques and refined cafés. Along this street you will find the two most central and attractive square - Piazza San Carlo with the twin churches and Piazza Castello with the Royal Palace and the Cathedral. The most important monuments, museums and galleries are clustered in the surrounding area. West of here, along Via Pietro Micca you can reach a grid of pedestrian shopping streets with pleasant atmosphere and relaxing cafés. To the north is situated the spacious square Piazza della Republicca with its nice fountains. To the south you will find the impressive porticoes of Via Po, leading along the river to the large Park Valentinob>. The district around the park is known for its intense night life. Across the river you will see some picturesque hills, among which are nestled the luxury Art Deco villas of the richest citizens, as well as the magnificent Basilica di Superga and the Palace of Stupinigi, a former residence of the Savoy royal court.
- Turin travel articles:
- » Brief Information
- » Piazza Castello
- » Porta Nuova
- » South-East Centre
- » Basilica di Superga