Boasting an array of remarkable highlights, experience history, culture and the beauty of nature when visiting this elegant and stylish city – and the surrounding region.
Breath-taking buildings – and views
Turin is famous for its magnificent architecture, and there’s no shortage of incredible buildings to explore around the city.
Perhaps most famous of all is the Mole Antonelliana, a former synagogue that was built in the second half of the 19th century. Once the tallest brick building in Europe, it still dominates the skyline today.
Take the lift – or the steps, if you’re feeling energetic – up to thepanoramic terrace at 85 metres, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Turin and the Alps beyond. The building also houses Italy’s National Museum of Cinema, where you can browse an impressive collection of memorabilia and delve into fascinating interactive exhibits dedicated to different film genres.
Holy relics and iconic squares
Turin Cathedral is another famous building, known worldwide as the home of the Turin Shroud.
One of the most prized yet controversial religious relics in the world, the shroud is today kept in a special climate-controlled case and is rarely displayed to the public. But if you want to see a replica and learn all about its fascinating history, you can pay a visit to the Museum of the Holy Shroud.
Housed within the crypt of the Most Holy Shroud Church on Via San Domencio, the museum offers an audio guide to help you navigate your way around the fascinating artefacts housed within.
You’ll encounter many beautiful piazzas as you explore Turin, but one you really can’t miss is Piazza Castello. This square lies at the heart of the city and is a popular hotspot, lined with bustling cafes where you can stop for a coffee and one of Turin’s traditional sweet treats. Be sure to sample ‘Bignoline’, a ball shaped choux-pastry filled with delicious vanilla cream.
The square is also home to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Palazzo Madama, a former political centre that now houses an art museum, and the Palazzo Reale, the historic palace of the House of Savoy.
From Piazza Castello it’s easy to reach the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Egyptian artefacts outside Cairo. Its stunning centrepiece is the Tomb of Kha, which dates back 3,500 years.
Day tripping
Head out on the roads beyond Turin, and you’ll be able to take advantage of some great day trips within easy reach of the city.
Around 90 minutes away by car lies Lake Orta, a scenic and peaceful body of water surrounded by woodland and hills.
It’s less well-known than some of the more famous Lombardy lakes, so you might find it’s not as crowded as Lake Garda or Como. Spend time exploring the picturesque village, take a boat trip across the water to the island of San Giulio, or just relax on the beach.
There are even watersports on offer in the summer – offering the perfect way to unwind after a few days of sightseeing in Turin.
Car hire at Turin Airport gives you the freedom to make the most of your time in northern Italy, and see the many different faces it has to offer.