Turin City – Cinemas, Coffee And Secret Cellers
Turin is the perfect playground for anyone who enjoys the finer things of life – and who also wants value for money. Based in the Piedmont region of Italy, Turin is great for a special break away. Feast on delicious local foods, sip on fine Barolo wines, stroll through wonderful countryside and dip into some of the many sites of interest. It’s easy to get to, so keep an eye out for cheap flights – life in Turin is affordable and enjoyable; it could become your favourite, quick holiday hideaway!
Bit of Background
Turin was created First Capital of The Kingdom of Italy, and was home to Italy’s’ last reigning dynasty, known as The Seat of Savoy. The family castle was in operation until 1946! In Turin you’ll find The Royal Palace built in 1658, the Palazzo Madama, the Mole Antonelliana, and the Royal Villa at Stupinigi. They may sound old, but these buildings are very much alive!
Sightseeing Favourites
The National Museum of Cinema is located in the Mole Antonelliana. This building, now fully restored, pays homage to all things cinematic! The Mole has got to be one of the tallest museums in the world at 160 metres high. There is a lift available, travelling up through the centre of the building, to the dome and pavilion. You’ll get a fantastic view of the exhibits and a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. The Cinema Museum houses a wide range of material including photographs, thousands of film posters and antique magic lantern shows. There’s also a superb film library with periodicals, an audio library and print archive. This is a “not to be missed” day out for film buffs.
You can also find Turin’s Egyptian Museum, which has an extraordinary collection of artworks from ancient Egypt. Lovers of art will also enjoy a visit to The Sabauda Art Gallery, which is a show case for Dutch, Flemish and Italian masterpieces’.
Turin Cathedral, known as The Duomo, houses a religious relic called the Turin Shroud. According to Christian tradition, the Shroud was used to cover Christ’s body, in readiness for burial.
There are plenty of superb cafés to sample some excellent Italian Coffee. Café San Carlo for instance is more like a palace – but for a couple of Euros, you can sample a delicious coffee and a fresh pastry. Open since 1822, this cafe, with sparkling chandeliers and side tables buckling with savouries and sweets, is a “must visit” place. If you need something to lower your heart rate after all that Coffee – try the Barrati de Milano, known for its hot chocolate drinks.
After you’ve warmed up again, explore the Underground City of Turin, where, about 15 metres below street level, there are passages, sub-cellers and lanes linking up royal residences. Fascinating – but take a jacket, as it gets a little cool down there.
The city has many Arcades, which means you can window shop without getting soaked; there are about 17 kilometres ofAarcades – all set back from the street and Turin has beautiful boutiques, so its a joy to see whats on offer here.
There are fine botanical gardens to be found in Orto Botanico, and the Borgo Medieval is a reconstructed 15th century village. Check out the washing facilities!
Useful Information
The Torino Card is a pass allowing free entry to approximately 130 sight seeing attractions in Turin and Piedmont region, including museums and royal residences. It also offers free travel on public transport in the city and free trips on the above mentioned panoramic lift in the Mole Antonelliana. Plan your trip and get to see as many places as possible!
Turin is a terrific city. It’s relaxed, friendly and calm. It’s also gateway to the Piedmont region – known for great wine, and spectacular countryside. Turin is sure to become a favourite holiday base, there’s so much to do and experience here – but if you just want to sit back, enjoy a cup of Italys finest coffee in the warm sun, you couldn’t pick a better place to do so. Check out times and costs with Ryanair who regularly fly to this area.