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Turin Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 11, 2008 |

A trip to Turin
Known as the birthplace of the century-old automobile industry of Italy and home to carmaker Fiat, Turin has seen an increase in the number of visitors to the city since hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006. Located in northwest Italy, Turin’s accessibility is facilitated by the modern Turin International Airport offering daily flights to and from the main airports of Europe and the UK, Additionally, the city’s well-connected railway system links Turin to Milan and Genoa.

Flights to Turin
There are daily direct and connecting flights from the UK and other parts of the EU to Turin International Airport. If you are travelling from the US, the easiest way to reach Turin is via London, from where you can take one of the many direct flights to Turin. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Turin try Thomas Cook. An alternative option is to fly through Malpensa International Airport in Milan, from where express trains travel to Turin in about 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Once in Turin, whether you are travelling by rail or air, there is an abundance of taxis shuttling between the airport, train station, and city centre. The city itself also boasts an efficient network of trams and buses that run from 05:00 until midnight and supplement the extensive taxi service that is available 24 hours.

Turin

Sightseeing in Turin
Of the many attractions in Turin, the most famous is the Turin Shroud, housed in the Duomo. The Shroud is wrapped in controversy; for many years it was thought to bear an imprint of Christ’s body until scientific studies showed it dates from 900 AD. The Duomo is worth a visit for its 15th century art pieces, while the building itself is of an elegant architectural design.

Another landmark is the Mole Antonelliana, once the tallest building in the world at 167 metres. It is a great vantage point to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Turin boasts a good collection of churches including: Gran Madre di Dio, Santuario della Consolata, and San Lorenzo. Castles such as Castello Valentino, Borgo e Castello Medioevale, and Rocca Medioevale make for suitable sightseeing for history and architecture lovers. The ornate palaces of Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale are good places to go to get a feel of the city’s past.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
There is a wide array of accommodation available for all budgets. An interesting place to stay is the recently converted Fiat factory that is now home to a five-star hotel (Le Meridien Lingotto) designed by the world-acclaimed architect Renzo Piano. Turin offers a one-stop entertainment area - Parco del Valentino; a great location featuring many bars, cafés, pubs and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Basilica di Superga church on a small mountain in Turin affords stunning views of the city and the Alps. Also worth a visit is the Stupinigi Palace, once home to Napoleon during his stay in the region. The region of Piedmont is known for producing Italy’s best wines and the world’s best white truffles, and opportunities to try these delicacies are plentiful. Alternatively, explore the neighbouring towns of Alba and Asti for a taste of the region’s delicious cuisine.


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