What to See in Turin (Torino), Italy

Historic architecture seen on the banks of the Po River which is the longest river in Europe.

What to see in Turin is a difficult decision with so many epic sites in this robust, historic, and friendly Italian city.  And, although typically underrated as a tourist’s destination of what to see on a whirlwind trip through Italy, it’s undeniably one of the country’s finest cities.

Filled with old world architecture, history, and cuisine (think coffee, cheese, and chocolate), it lies in an impossibly beautiful setting and has the mighty Italian Alps as a backdrop.

Yes, Torino has a lot going for it.  But Ron and I found out about it purely by accident.

How to Get There

Our intention was to go from Paris, France to the Ligurian Coast of Italy where we had reservations to spend a week in the Cinque Terre.  So, after spending several days in Paris, we rented a car and headed south to Lyon, France.  From Lyon, we were going to take the train to Spezia, Italy which is the main station for the Cinque Terre region.

However, a railroad strike changed our plans, and our route.  And it turned out even better than our original ideas!  We took a luxury bus through the Val d’Isère region that connects France and Italy.

You might have heard of the Val d’Isère because it’s a famous recreational area – especially for winter sports.  As we traveled along in comfort, we passed signs that showed how to get to places like Albertville, site of the 1992 winter Olympics, and the impressive cities of Grenoble and Chamonix.

The scenery was impossibly gorgeous . . . cloud-shrouded peaks, rugged mountain cliffs, alpine meadows, and tiny wooden chalets . . . just as stunning as I’d imagined.

On the bus headed for Turin, Italy

As we continued the journey on the smooth four-lane highway, driving in and out of numerous tunnels, we left behind the splendors of France and continued our scenic trek into the valleys of Italy’s northern province of Piedmont, Italy.  Within minutes, we were in Turin.

Arriving in Turin

The only thing we knew about this city was that it’s home to the famous Shroud of Turin.  Other than that, we’d never really considered getting off the main routes that usually lead us to our favorite cities of Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome.

However, Turin is well worth the time to visit, because it’s just as beautiful and just as appealing but with its own unique characteristics.

If you have never been, here’s a glimpse of what to see in Turin:

1. Turin’s architecture is extraordinary because it was home to the regal Savoy Dynasty, and their diplomatic influence can be seen throughout the city. Inlaid marble, extensive wrought iron, and domed glass . . . ornate bridges, huge piazzas, and fountains . . . and boulevards lined with arching porticos that once served as thoroughfares for horse-drawn carriages.  The 14 royal Savoy residences, built between the 17^th and 18^th centuries, are now designated as a UNESCO neighborhood.
   

   The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy represents the 17th and 18th century

2. Not only is the city exceptionally beautiful, but so is the surrounding area. Within minutes, you can be at the base of the Alps and the setting of the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics.  Snow-capped peaks and fresh alpine breezes also help keep the city cooler during the summer months than many other Italian cities.
3. The headquarters and rooftop test track for Fiat Automobiles is located here. Fiat is one of Italy’s largest companies and, at one time, their factory was the most advanced in Europe.  Although the factory is no longer used, the facility has been renovated into one of the most useful and diversified public spaces in the city.  This is also the location for an automobile museum with over 150 different cars on display.
4. Founded in 2005, General Motors Global Propulsion is  headquartered in Turin, Italy. In September 2008, the center moved its facilities onto the campus of Polytechnic University of Turin. General Motors was the first automotive company to become a physical part of a university campus in Europe. The Engineering Center currently employs over 650 people.
   

   General Motrors Global Propulsion Systems Facility on the campus of Polytechnic University of Turin

5. For chocolate lovers, this city is a must! Because here, chocolate isn’t just a luxury, it’s a way of life.  Turin’s history of cioccolato started in the 1678 when tiny cafes served hot chocolate beverages and other specialties to patrons.  But, when demand for chocolate began to outweigh supply, the ingenious Italians began to add hazelnuts as a supplement.  This combination of chocolate, hazelnuts, and sugar was the precursor to what is now known as Nutella.  So, today, Turin has the reputation for having some of the finest chocolate in the world, with shops, cafes, and restaurants offering almost any kind of chocolate drink or delicacy you can image.
6. If you love Italian shoes, but aren’t into leather, you’ll love the trendy Superga casual shoes made in Turin. These candy-colored canvas shoes are sold in shops and gallerias all over this great city and they make great (and useable) souvenirs!
   

   The upscale Galleria San Federicoas  was constructed in 1932

7. Italians treasure elegance and history, and you can find both in the Caffe Mulassano. Once frequented by nobility, this elegant café was the first in Turin to be elected to the prestigious Cultural Association of Local Historians of Italy.  Nebiolo tea sandwiches, favorites for lunch, were invented in this restaurant.  Check out their website if you want to see beautiful food like cannoli, fruit tarts, and gorgeous coffees!
8. Get out those hiking shoes and wander the amazing Fenestrelle Fortress in the foothills of the Alps. An engineering marvel known as the “Great Wall of the Alps,” this landmark is said to be similar to the Great Wall of China in that both can also be seen from space.  But this Fortress located a short distance outside of Turin has the largest covered staircase in the world, so get out there and enjoy the views!
9. Each region of Italy has its own distinct cuisine, and the Piedmont region is no exception. Foods produced and/or grown in the Piedmont region include polenta, vermicelli rice, white truffles, and gorgonzola and robiola cheeses.  So, although pasta is available anywhere in Italy, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Turin.  White wines from this region include Asti (still or sparkling), and red wines include Barola, Barbera, and Freisas.
   

   Wines of the region at the farmers’ market

10. The Shroud of Turin, a cloth believed by many to have covered Jesus’ face after his crucifixion, attracts people from all over the world. It’s been in Turin since 1578, it is viewed only on rare occasions, and will not be seen again until 2025.  A replica of the Shroud is kept in the Museum of the Holy Shroud and is worthy of your time.

Have you ever been to Turin?  If so, what would you add to this list?

The Church of Santa Maria al Monte dei Cappuccini is a late-Renaissance-style church on a hill overlooking the River Po

Although we’ve only been there once, we’ve decided that we need to go back and spend more time.  We found that this city should have been on our list of Italian favorites a long time ago.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine