Torino, as named in Italian, is some more of the more classic cities in Italy with an overabundance of history.The city is in Piedmont and is located right in front of the alps which, in turn, creates some amazing views of the white mountain tops along with the grandiose baroque designs of the buildings.Unlike some of the more tourist heavy cities such as Venice or Florence, Torino offers a more authentic Italian culture and taste along with lots of innovative and creative experiences.Because of Torino’s rich history, it was the first city to be the capital of Italy.As a city of such power and intellect, Torino is the perfect spot for those who like to appreciate the history of a location and for those who enjoy modern and contemporary lifestyles.
The history of the city goes all the way back to Roman times when it was first named Augsta Tuarinorum.This is when the modern street grid planning was begun and is popular to this day.In the 16th century, the house of Savoy, who were one of the most influential royals of Europe, moved to Torino and the city became their seat.In 1861, Torino became the first city to be the capital of a unified Italy, which in turn brought even more political and cultural significance to the city.Although the capital was moved to Florence and then to Rome, The city of Torino kept their elegance, prestige and spirit.
Turin has the appearance of an open air museum.The city has great wide streets with grand archways and impressive buildings.The blend of baroque, neoclassical, and modern artisan styles are visually pleasing.The porticoes are visually pleasing, and functionally offer shelter from rain and snow.The blending walkable experience and sheltering porticoes with shops, cafés, and museums throughout the city make Turin one of the most walkable cities in the entire country.
Turin has a reputation as a city of visionaries and creators.Turin’s vast museums feature an array of artistic collections from the ancient world to modern times.The city is home to a multitude of international cultural activities such as films and art exhibitions, and is celebrated for organizing film festivals and art fairs on a seasonal basis.The city’s literary cafes were home to great philosophers, writers, and politicians, many of whom still feature in the city’s historical legacy and continue to operate as cafes to this day.
Turin is a food lover’s dream.Cuisine from the Piedmont region is seasonal, hearty and comforting.The region’s dishes are made from local Cadin.Foods such as vitello tonnato, agnolotti, and bagna cauda, along with the renowned truffle, especially the premium white one, are signature to this region.Turin is where gianduja, a unique blend of hazelnuts and chocolate, was first made, along with other Italian chocolates.The streets are lined with grand historical chocolate shops that offer an array of unforgettable flavors.
Turin has some of the best coffee culture in Italy.The bicerin, a mixture of coffee, cream, and chocolate, is an iconic drink. Elegant and historical cafes, such as Caffè Mulassano and Caffè Torino, have been pleasing the residents of the city for many centuries.In the evening, the aperitivo culture comes alive.It is common for bars to serve free or cheap snacks with drinks, transforming the meal into a social event.
Turin is best to visit in spring and autumn, as the weather is pleasant and the crowds in the city are manageable.The city has a liveliness to it but is not overwhelmingly busy.Winters are snowy and have festive holiday markets.Summer has long days that are perfect for exploring the multiple museums and the countryside.
The Mole Antonelliana
The Mole Antonelliana is the most famous of the buildings in Turin, is the most recognizable and is the tallest building held in the city.The building was originally designed to be a synagogue, but has since been converted to the National Museum of Cinematography.It also has a panoramic elevator and is one of the best places to view the city and the Alps.
The Royal Palace of Turin
The royal palace is a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site.The Palace has a large collection of historical items including furnishings, gardens, and a royal armory which provide insight into the historical lifestyles from the dynasty of the Savoys in Italy.
The museum of Egyptian antiquities
The Egyptian Museum, located in Turin, is the second largest in the World and has the most historical items in Europe.It contains many ancient objects including extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, mummies, and large statues spanning from many thousands of years.
Piazza Castello
Piazza Castello is located in the center of the city and is encircled by significant historical structures, museums, and little coffee shops, making it an ideal base for venturing out into the remainder of the city.
Turin’s position makes it ideal for organizing a day trip.It is an excellent starting point for visiting the alpine valleys, the Lange wine region, or Lake Maggiore.These trips are perfect for adding more depth to your Turin itinerary.Traveling to the city without first visiting Italy is for the most part problematic for international travelers.Most non European travelers will have to check the visa laws as Italy is a part of the Schengen Area.This means that you can get a single visa for many European countries including Italy.
The role of schengen visa agents
Most travelers coming from outside Europe incur destination bonuses to their planes for tours to the city of Turin.Schengen Visa Agents assist travelers by providing knowledge and experience to help make the travel process faster and easier.Trusted Schengen Visa Agents make certain that visa applications are meticulous, and that all financial documentation and travel plans are aligned to compliance of the embassy protocols.Mistakes that Schengen visa agents often help avoid include lengthy delays and applications being rejected.These Agents often provide templates and samples for travel insurance, accommodation proof, and Schengen compliant cover letters.Working with Schengen Visa Agents allows travelers the ability to dedicate their concentration to planning excursions in Turin, rather than dealing with the complexities of travel visa paperwork.This is an immense help to family members, business people, and tourists on tight schedules who are looking to avoid the time limitations of a stress filled application process.
The public transport in the sity of Turin is well developed and allows visitors to use buses, trams, and a metro line.Other people that enjoy walking can fully experience all that Turin has to offer, as the city is flat and has continuous walkways.Those travelers who enjoy the luxury of flexibility and are keen to explore the nearby countryside and wine regions, should consider renting a car.
Where to stay in Turin
Accommodation Options in Turin Historic and modern boutique hotels have different price ranges and styles Turin is near the city center and has major attractions such as affordable eateries and spacious shopping avenues.
Local Markets and Shopping Porticoed streets and traditional open air markets in Turin are quite delightful.Porta Palazzo and commodity markets are culinary gates to Italian gastronomy as they offer authentic street foods, regional cheeses, and fresh products.
Final thoughts
Turin is one of the few cities in Italy that Truly deserves a Place on your Italy Itinerary Turin, Italy is a city that doesn’t expose itself easily.It is charming, with elegance, depth, authenticity and doesn’t overwhelm itself with loud attractions or huge crowds.It is now rewarding curiosity with a stunning tapestry of irrevocable royal palaces, historic architecture, grand museums and lovely cuisine with balconies on the Alps.If you want to visit Italy more adventurously from the standard tourism itinerary, you deserve your time in the captivating city of Turin.