TURIN
Turin, the capital of Italy from 1861 to 1865, is rich in monuments, palaces and squares.
The Mole Antonelliana is the symbol of the city, completed in 1889 to reach a total height of 167 meters, has a squared dome, a lantern and a spire on top. It has been the tallest building in Europe for many years. Thanks to its panoramic lift we can enjoy a breathtaking view of Turin and the Alps.
Mole Antonelliana, Turin
Inside, the Mole Antonelliana houses the National Museum of Cinema with a very rich collection of movies, posters, and items of every period from the beginning of the cinema to today.
The Palace of the Academy of Sciences houses the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important museums in the world, and the second one beyond that of Cairo. There are statues, mummies, papyrus, furnishings, books and documents, for a total of over 30,000 pieces, collected from the mid eighteenth century.
The Museum of the Holy Shroud is located in the Crypt of Holy Shroud, managed by one of the city’s oldest brotherhoods. This sacred place of pilgrimage from around the world also includes many works and documents dedicated to the Holy Shroud, the towel where the body of Christ was wrapped.
Royal Palace, Turin
From Piazza Castello you can reach the Royal Palace, the most important among the Savoyard residences. Inside there is the Royal Armeria with one of the most beautiful arms and armor collections in the world; moreover the King’s apartments, the Hall of the Throne, and the apartments of the Duke of Aosta.
Other great point of interest in Turin is the Lingotto, a complex of buildings hosting fairs, exhibitions and congresses. Inside there is the Pinacoteca Agnelli, which houses the private collection of the family.
One of the oldest neighborhoods is the Roman Quadrilatero that still retains the Palatine Gate and the structure of the first Roman borough, today lively and rich in locals.
Just a few minutes from Turin we can visit many castles belonging to the Savoy and all included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Castello di Stupinigi
The Castello di Stupingi is a hunting lodge used by Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy. The dome of the castle is decorated with a beautiful bronze statue representing a deer. Underneath the dome is the central hall from which you can reach the beautiful apartments of the King, the Queen, Duke of Chiablese, Duke of Savoy, and the Prince of Carignano.
The Castello di Venaria Reale, or Venaria Royal Palace, is a residence wanted by Carlo Emanuele II for his hunting expeditions. The Reggia is formed by a complex of buildings and surrounded by gardens. Inside of its beautiful rooms, there are many paintings, putty decorations and statues. The Reggia hosts shows and temporary exhibitions.
Among the other residences of the Savoy you will find the Moncalieri Castle surrounded by the English Garden, the Castle of Rivoli, home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ducal Castle of Agliè, full of rooms and art galleries.
