Curator’s statement
This may be the most underrated large city in Italy and a must-see destination on your next northern Italian adventure!
Turin, Italy, known locally as Torino, is a vibrant city in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region. It's famous for its rich history, beautiful architecture and as the birthplace of Fiat automobiles. Turin is also renowned for its cultural attractions, including the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the National Cinema Museum, and the stunning Royal Palace of Turin. Additionally, the city is celebrated for its cuisine, especially its chocolate and espresso.
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Things to do in Turin
Must-Visit Sites
It is a prominent and iconic building located in Turin, Italy. Originally conceived as a synagogue, it is named after its architect, Alessandro Antonelli, who began its construction in 1863. The project, however, was not completed until 1889, and by then, it had transformed into a monumental symbol of the city.
Standing at 167.5 meters (549 feet), the Mole Antonelliana was once the tallest brick building in Europe. Its distinctive spire dominates the Turin skyline and has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The structure's unique architectural style blends neoclassical and eclectic elements, showcasing Antonelli's ambitious vision.
Today, the Mole Antonelliana houses the National Museum of Cinema (Museo Nazionale del Cinema), one of the most significant film museums in the world. The museum offers a comprehensive journey through the history of cinema, featuring an extensive collection of film artifacts, posters and interactive exhibits. Visitors can also take an elevator ride to the top of the spire, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Turin and the surrounding Alps.
The Mole Antonelliana's historical significance, architectural grandeur and cultural importance make it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Turin.
Often simply referred to as Superga, is a prominent church located on the Superga Hill overlooking Turin, Italy. This majestic basilica is a significant architectural and historical landmark in the region.
Victor Amadeus II of Savoy commissioned the Basilica as a vow made during the War of the Spanish Succession. It was designed by the renowned architect Filippo Juvarra and completed in 1731.
The structure is an excellent example of Baroque architecture, characterized by its grandiose design, elaborate decorations and dramatic use of space and light. The church features a stunning dome, two bell towers and a stately portico supported by eight Corinthian columns.
The Basilica of Superga is notable for housing the tombs of many members of the House of Savoy, one of Italy's most important royal families. The crypt contains the remains of kings, queens, princes and other notable figures.
Superga is also remembered for the tragic air disaster on May 4, 1949, when a plane carrying the Torino football team crashed into the hill, killing all 31 people on board. A memorial at the site commemorates the victims of this tragedy.
Visitors to the Basilica can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Turin and the surrounding Alps from the hilltop. The location offers a serene and picturesque setting, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
In terms of accessibility, a historic tramway that climbs the hill and provides a scenic and enjoyable journey to the top can reach the Basilica.
Superga remains an important cultural and religious site, attracting visitors interested in its rich history, architectural beauty and the magnificent views it offers. Whether you're exploring the crypts, admiring the Baroque architecture or paying respects at the football memorial, Superga provides a multifaceted experience of Turin's heritage
This museum in Turin is a significant cultural and historical institution dedicated to the period of the Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement for Italian unification.
The museum is housed in the Palazzo Carignano, a stunning Baroque building in the heart of Turin, which itself holds historical importance as the birthplace of King Victor Emmanuel II and as the former seat of the Subalpine Parliament. The museum's extensive collection includes artifacts, documents, artworks and memorabilia related to the Risorgimento. Key exhibits highlight major events, figures and socio-political changes that led to the unification of Italy.
The National Museum of the Italian Risorgimentoin Turin is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the rich tapestry of Italy's path to unification. Its comprehensive exhibits and historic setting provide a deep and engaging exploration of this pivotal period in Italian history.
The Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) in Turin is one of the most significant museums dedicated to ancient Egyptian culture and history, second only to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo in terms of the richness and breadth of its collection. It is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts and knowledge, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the wonders of ancient Egypt. Its extensive and meticulously curated collection offers an unparalleled glimpse into one of the world's oldest and most influential civilizations.
Day Trips
Exploring Piedmont outside the city of Turin
The Langhe wine region, located in the Piemonte area of northwestern Italy, is renowned for its exceptional wines, picturesque landscapes and rich culinary heritage. This region is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Italy's most prestigious wine-producing areas.
Key Features
Geography and Climate: The Langhe is characterized by its rolling hills, diverse microclimates and fertile soils, ideal for viticulture. The region benefits from a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, which contribute to the complexity and quality of its wines.
Notable Subregions: The Langhe includes several notable subregions, such as Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero, each famous for producing distinctive wines.
Famous Wines
Barolo: Known as the "King of Wines," Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape and is celebrated for its rich, powerful flavors, high tannins and aging potential. It typically features notes of cherry, rose, tar and truffle.
Barbaresco: Also made from Nebbiolo, Barbaresco is often described as a slightly more elegant and approachable counterpart to Barolo. It shares many flavor characteristics but tends to be less tannic and more perfumed.
Dolcetto: This grape variety produces a lighter, fruitier wine with lower acidity and tannins, making it more accessible for everyday drinking. Dolcetto wines are known for their flavors of black cherry, plum and a hint of almond.
Barbera: Barbera wines are notable for their deep color, high acidity and fruity flavors. They often exhibit notes of red cherry, blackberry and spice, making them versatile and food-friendly.
Moscato d'Asti: A sweet, lightly sparkling wine made from the Moscato grape, Moscato d'Asti is known for its aromatic profile with notes of peach, apricot and orange blossom.
Culinary Heritage
Pairing with Local Cuisine: The wines of the Langhe are often paired with the region’s rich culinary offerings. This includes truffles, particularly the famous Alba white truffle, cheeses and a variety of meat dishes.
Traditional Dishes: Local specialties such as tajarin (egg pasta), agnolotti del plin (stuffed pasta), and brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo wine) showcase the region's gastronomic excellence.
The Langhe wine region is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking to experience the rich flavors, stunning scenery and vibrant culture of one of Italy’s premier wine-producing areas.
Wineries to visit
Poderi Gianni Gagliardo is a notable winery located in the heart of the Langhe wine region in Piedmont, Italy. It is known for producing high-quality wines, particularly Barolo and Barbaresco, which are flagship wines of the region made from Nebbiolo grapes. The winery combines traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of Langhe. Visiting Poderi Gianni Gagliardo offers wine lovers a chance to experience the rich flavors and heritage of Piedmontese winemaking.
Borgogno is a historic winery renowned for its Barolo wines, situated in the heart of the Barolo wine-growing area in Piedmont, Italy. Founded in 1761, Borgogno is one of the oldest producers of Barolo and is recognized for its traditional winemaking methods and dedication to quality. The winery focuses on Nebbiolo grapes sourced from prime vineyard sites in the Barolo DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) area. Visiting Borgogno offers wine enthusiasts a chance to explore its cellars, taste their acclaimed Barolo wines and immerse themselves in the rich winemaking history of the region
Truffle Festival in Alba
The Truffle Festival in Alba, Italy, celebrates one of the world's most prized delicacies: the white truffle. Alba, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, hosts this annual festival, which typically takes place in October and November, coinciding with the peak of the white truffle season.
Key highlights of the Truffle Festival in Alba include:
Truffle Market: The festival features a bustling truffle market where visitors can purchase fresh truffles directly from local hunters and traders. These truffles are highly coveted for their intense aroma and unique flavor profile.
Culinary Events: Alba's restaurants and cafes offer special menus and dishes that highlight the white truffle. Chefs create exquisite meals that showcase the truffle's versatility and culinary appeal.
Truffle Auction: One of the most anticipated events is the truffle auction, where the highest-quality truffles are sold to the highest bidders. This auction draws international attention and sets prices for these rare fungi.
Cultural Activities: Beyond food, the festival includes cultural activities such as music performances, art exhibitions and traditional parades that celebrate the region's rich history and truffle hunting traditions.
Truffle Hunting Demonstrations: Visitors can also witness truffle hunting demonstrations, where trained dogs or sometimes pigs are used to unearth these underground treasures from the forests surrounding Alba.
Tourism and Local Products: The festival boosts tourism in Alba and the surrounding areas, promoting local businesses and products alongside the truffle-centric festivities.
Overall, the Truffle Festival in Alba offers a unique opportunity to experience and indulge in the world of white truffles. It combines gastronomy, culture and tradition in a picturesque Italian setting.
Places to eat & drink in Turin
Must Eats
It is a renowned pasta shop located in Turin, Italy. It is celebrated for its artisanal production of fresh pasta, offering a wide variety of traditional and specialty pasta shapes. Established in 1911, Pastificio Defilippis has a long-standing reputation for using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods to create authentic Italian pasta. Visitors to Turin often seek out this shop to experience the taste of freshly made pasta that reflects the culinary heritage of the Piedmont region.
Scannabue is a historic restaurant, café and pastry shop, located in the heart of the city. Established in 1905, Scannabue is renowned for its traditional Italian pastries, cakes, coffee and typical Piemontese dishes. It has a charming atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists, offering a taste of Turin's rich café culture. The café is famous for its Bicerin, a traditional Piedmontese drink made with espresso, chocolate and cream, which is a must-try for visitors seeking an authentic culinary experience in Turin.
It is a popular dining establishment known for its contemporary Italian cuisine and elegant atmosphere. Located in the heart of Turin, it offers a refined dining experience with a menu that showcases both traditional Piedmontese dishes and modern interpretations of Italian cuisine.
The restaurant is praised for its high-quality ingredients, attentive service and a cozy ambiance that attracts both locals and tourists. It's a great place to enjoy a meal that highlights the flavors of the Piedmont region while enjoying the historical and cultural charm of Turin.
Farmacia del cambio
It is not a typical pharmacy. Rather, it's a famous historical café and restaurant. Established in 1755, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cafés in the city. The name "Farmacia del Cambio" (which translates to "Pharmacy of the Exchange") reflects its historical roots when it operated as a pharmacy during the 18th century.
Today, Farmacia del Cambio is celebrated for its elegant décor, classic Italian cuisine and its role as a cultural and social hub in Turin. It's known for its traditional Piedmontese dishes, such as agnolotti del plin and bollito misto, as well as its extensive wine list featuring local and Italian wines. The café-restaurant's historical ambiance and culinary offerings make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of Turin's gastronomic heritage.
It is one of the city's oldest and most esteemed restaurants, with a history dating back to the 16th century. Known for its dedication to traditional Piedmontese cuisine, Tre Galline has become a symbol of Turin's rich culinary heritage.
The restaurant offers a variety of classic regional dishes, including agnolotti, bagna cauda and vitello tonnato, all prepared with a focus on authenticity and high-quality local ingredients. The charming and rustic ambiance of Tre Galline, with its warm, inviting atmosphere, makes it a favorite destination for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Piedmontese cuisine.
It is known for its focus on traditional Piedmontese cuisine. The name "Le Vitel Etonné" is a playful twist on "vitello tonnato," a classic dish from the region featuring thin slices of veal with a tuna sauce, which is a specialty of the restaurant.
Le Vitel Etonné prides itself on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to prepare a variety of authentic regional dishes. The menu includes classics such as agnolotti, tajarin pasta and various meat dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of Piedmont. The restaurant’s ambiance is cozy and inviting, often described as a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Gelato:
Gelateria Alberto Marchetti
A renowned gelateria in Turin, Italy, celebrated for its high-quality, artisanal gelato. The brand, founded by Alberto Marchetti, is known for its commitment to using natural ingredients and traditional techniques to create delicious, authentic Italian gelato.
Natural Ingredients: Alberto Marchetti places a strong emphasis on using fresh, natural ingredients. The gelato is made without artificial additives, preservatives or colorings, ensuring a pure and authentic taste.
Local Sourcing: Many of the ingredients are sourced locally from Piedmont, such as milk, cream and seasonal fruits. This focus on local sourcing supports the region's agriculture and guarantees the freshness and quality of the gelato.
Traditional Techniques: The gelato is crafted using traditional Italian methods, which involve slow churning to create a smooth, dense and creamy texture.
Classic Flavors: The gelateria offers a variety of classic flavors such as pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate and vanilla, all made with high-quality ingredients.
Gelato Alberto Marchetti
This is a must-visit for anyone in Turin looking to experience some of the finest gelato in the city. Its dedication to quality, authenticity and innovation makes it a standout destination for both locals and tourists seeking a true taste of Italian artisanal gelato.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Where To Eat the Best Pasta in Rome.