'''Turin'''[http://www.comune.torino.it/] (Italian: ''Torino''), a large city of about one million inhabitants, is set in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, a one-hour drive from the French border and slightly more than that from the Mediterranean sea.
Understand
Turin was the first capital of modern Italy, and was the host of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. While it's not a famous tourist destination like Florence or Rome, the setting is pleasant, with the Po River flowing through the city, the genteel hills overlooking the city and scattered with pleasant villas and the Italian Alps off in the distance. This is why the famous architect Le Corbusier defined Turin as "the city with the most beautiful natural location in the world".
Turin is an important city of technology and industry, and the FIAT automobile company is based here. (The 'T' in the name stands for Torino). It was also the birthplace to many important cultural and political movements in Italy.
Turin inhabitants are well known across Italy for their understatement and confidentiality and the city reflects this attitude.
Somebody says it's the European capital of Baroque: many palaces and churches were built in this style during the kingdom of the Savoia. It isn't the typical Italian city, with red and yellow buildings: is a bit more French; wide boulevards with white buildings make the city centre more similar to Paris. Around the city, a crown of churches and castles, some up on a hilltop, some lost in a park, provide plenty of interesting views.
Turin is trying to attract more tourists, and so there are many events that worth a visit.
Get in
By plane
Turin's small international airport is placed 15 km north of the city and is named after Italy's former President Sandro Pertini. It is located in the town of Caselle, connected to Turin city by a convenient motorway.
The main carrier is Alitalia [http://www.alitalia.com/], Italy's flagship airline, which operates flight from some European and Italian cities. Caselle is also a destination for some low fares airlines, for example Ryanair. The airport is connected to the city by train (to the station of Porta Dora, which is useless), bus (with a regional bus service, which is long) and taxi (which is expensive, and the reason that the connections by public transport are so bad).
Turin is also easily reached from Malpensa airport, which may be cheaper to fly to. There is a bus service running several times daily between the city and the airport [http://www.sadem.it/Orari_tariffe/orari_tariffe_piemonte7.htm]. The ride lasts 2 hours and costs 18 Euros (as of April 13th, 2007).
By train
Turin has three main railway stations, '''Porta Nuova''', '''Porta Susa''' and '''Lingotto FS'''.
Generally speaking, Porta Nuova is a station dedicated to mid-range and long-range trains. Porta Susa serves some local trains, but the trains for Milan - leaving from Porta Nuova - also transit there. You'd better check in advance where you need to go. Many trains also stops in both stations. nooooo Trains coming from/going to the south of Turin, for example, Genoa, Cinque Terre, Bologna, depart from Porta Nuova via Lingotto FS, to those cities.
All stations are managed by Trenitalia [http://www.trenitalia.com], the Italian state railways.
By car
'''A4'''. From [Milan and Venice (six-lane toll motorway).
'''A5'''. From Ivrea and Aosta (four-lane toll motorway).
'''A6'''. From Fossano, Ceva, and Savona (four-lane toll motorway).
'''A21'''. From Asti, Alessandria, Genoa, and Piacenza (four-lane toll motorway).
'''A32'''. From Frejus and France (four-lane toll motorway).
By bus
Get around
By public transportation
Turin has an efficient system of city connections with buses and trams managed by GTT [http://www.comune.torino.it/gtt/en/]. Currently, the first driverless, ultra-modern underground line was opened for the Olympics in 2006. Both urban and suburban areas are served by an efficient network. Buses and trams cross the city from morning to late at night.
You may run into ticket inspectors any time, everywhere, even on night buses. Most of them do not speak English and some of them may behave rude. Be sure take your ticket/pass on you and validate it immidiately getting on the bus. Once you are caught, you may pay a certian amount of fee about 25euro right on the bus. If you pay latter, this amout may increase to 36 euro. If you forgot to take your pass/valid ticket with you, you may tell the inspectors your situation and get a fine ticket of 10 euro. Then you go the GTT office with your fine ticket and your pass/valid ticket and pay.
'''Torino Pass'''
By bicycle
The City of Turin has recently completed a network of bicycle paths throughout the city. However, a lot still has to be done, and cycling outside the paths (and sometimes even on them) can be quite tricky.
By car
'''Car Rentals''' If you would like to rent a car, you can find all the main car hire companies at Turin Airport.
Car rentals companies are grouped together immediately in front of the Domestic Arrivals, Ground Floor-Level Zero.
By taxi
Taxis in Torino start the meter the moment your call is received. It is not customary to hail a taxi on the street.
'''Pronto Taxi''' Tel: +39-011-5737
'''Radio Taxi''' Tel: +39-011-5730
'''Turin Airport''' Tel: +39-011-9914419
'''Main Railway station - Torino Porta Nuova''' Tel. +39-011-547331
'''Via Sacchi ang. C.so Vittorio Emanuele II''' Tel: +39-011-657139
See
Turin's main attractions include important baroque palaces and churches, a regular and attractive street grid, an extensive network of arcades, famous coffeeshops and a number of world-renowned museums.
'''Mole Antonelliana'''. Turin's landmark building was completed in 1888 as a synagogue. The 167.5-meter tower is the highest work of masonry in Europe and it now contain one of the finest cinema museum of Europe.
* '''The National Cinema Museum''', [http://www.museonazionaledelcinema.org/]. The museum opened in July 2000 in the building that has come to symbolize Turin. The exhibition space covers 3,200 square meters and spans five floors. The themes of the floors are the Archaeology of Cinema, the Video Camera, a collection of cinema posters, video installations (including a number of small rooms screening clips on themes such as Turin in the movies, love stories and experimental film), and The Great Temple (where you recline in comfortable red chairs and watch classic Italian films projected on giant screens overhead). In a spectacular setting the museum offers artifacts from the collection of the Maria Adrianna Prolo Foundation including magic lanterns, optical illusions, photographs, drawings, models and other curious items. Amongst a fascinating array of other movie memorabilia, be sure to check out the original cape worn by Christopher Reeve in Superman. If you're a certain age, that's incredibly exciting!
'''Museo dell'Automobile '''(Also ''Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia'', ''Biscaretti'' for short.), Corso Unita d_fItalia 40, [http://www.museoauto.org]. Some may place this above the Uffizi as a showcase of Italian art. The collection houses over 170 vehicles, from 18th-century carriages to Formula 1 racers, and lots of gorgeous red sports cars.
'''The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist''', ''Duomo di San Giovanni''. The Cathedral's Chapel of the Shroud houses the controversial '''Shroud of Turin''', which is stored in a vault below the Duomo. It is only displayed by papal decree, and the last time it was shown was during the Jubilee Year of 2000. The next time it is slated to be shown is the next Jubilee Year of 2025.
Egyptian Museum. ia Accademia delle Scienze, 6. 11 561 7776. ttp://www.museoegizio.org/. 7.50. Houses the most important collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside Cairo. Founded in 1824 by King Carlo Felice after acquiring archeologist Drovetti's collection, the museum contains 30,000 exhibits. It documents the history and civilization of Egypt from the paleolithic to the Coptic era through unique exhibits and collections of objects d'art, articles of daily use and funeral furnishings (including the Altar of Isis, the canvas painted by Gebelein, the intact tombs of Kha and Merit, and the exceptional cliff temple to Ellesjia). It is also intelligently laid out and the exhibits are lovingly preserved.
'''Palazzo Madama''', Piazza Castello. Recently re-opened after a long refurbishment, it is attracting many tourists. It was home of the Queen, and is a mix of medieval and baroque rooms. There's a room with red sofas to take a rest after the visit, with a magnificient chandelier, and a cafeteria in one of the rooms. Contains plenty of art depicting Christ in various stages of life (and death) and some fascinating scenes of life in Torino in times gone by.
'''Palazzo Carignano''', Via Accademia delle Scienze 5 (close to Piazza Castello).
'''Quadrilatero Romano'''. Full of restaurants, it is the old Roman town, northwest of Piazza Castello.
'''Via Garibaldi'''. Pedestrian-only shopping zone between Piazza Castello and Piazza Statuto.
'''Galleria Subalpina'''. A pedestrian passage from Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Alberto. One of the most elegant place of the city.
'''Valentino Park''', the biggest park in Turin central area. This park is situated along the Po river and in its area you can find the Valentino Castle, and the Medieval Village (Borgo Medievale).
'''Cathedral of Superga'''. On top of the hill near Turin, this cathedral was built in thanksgiving for a victorious battle against French. Today, it houses the tombs of the House of Savoy. In 1949 a plane carrying the entire Turin FC team crashed near the cathedral, killing one of the greatest football teams ever. At the crash site a plate memorializes the dead. The top of the hill offers the best view of Turin, with the magnificent Alps in the background. You can reach the top by car but also by a little chain-train. Ask for the '''Trenino per Superga'''.
'''Castello di Rivoli''', [http://www.castellodirivoli.it/]. In the small town of Rivoli, east of Turin. Houses one of Europe's most important Contemporary Art Museums. The Castle of Rivoli is a unfinished XVIII castle that stands on top of Rivoli hills. '''Corso Francia''' (France Road) is one of the world's longest streets and was built because of the desire of the House of Savoy to connect Royal Palace in the center of Turin with Rivoli Castle. You can reach it by bus or taxi.
'''Castello della Venaria Reale''' outside the town of Venaria, north east of Turin. A well restored XVII and XVIII castle and museum for temporary shows surrounded by large italian style gardens
Do
A trip to Superga by chain train from Sassi to see the magnificant view of Turin from there. Sassi is reached by tram 15.
A walk on Via Roma from Porta Nuova Station to Piazza Castello through Piazza San Carlo to see how elegant this city can be.
A walk on Via Po from Piazza Castello to Piazza Vittorio and further to the Gran Madre Church. Stop on the bridge and enjoy the beautiful view of the Po river.
Have a break in one of the historic cafes located around Piazza Castello, such as '''Mulassano''' or '''Baratti & Milano''' (established in 1873).
Learn
The '''University of Turin''' (''Universita degli Studi di Torino''), main campus is located just off Via Po, [http://www.unito.it/index_english.htm]. Is a public university with all the main faculties, located in Turin that was founded in the 16th Century. Also well known is the '''Politecnico di Torino''', a university of engineering and architecture. The Politecnico has multiple campuses, including one in Castello di Valentino (in Parco Valentino) and two outside the city center, one on Corso Francia,the other is in the Ligotto for automotive engineering where once a Fiat factory lied; their main campus is on Corso Duca degli Abruzzi.
Work
Buy
Turin is mediocre city for shopping, although there are plenty of small and expensive brand shops.
'''Via Roma''', from Piazza Castello to the main railway station. Here you can find upscale brands like Hermes and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as cheap chains like H&M, United Colours of Benetton and Zara. In Piazza CLN, behind Piazza San Carlo, there's a good branch of La Feltrinelli, a bookstore chain with shops all over the country. On the Via Roma there is also a branch of FNAC, the French book and multimedia chain.
'''Via Garibaldi'''- People in Turin say it's the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. There are clothes shops, bars, a Nike store and a new branch of the Japanese store Muji at the beginning of the street near Piazza Castello.
'''Via Po''' is more alternative, with record shops and strange clothing stores under the arcades. This street goes from Piazza Castello to the Po River (Piazza Vittorio Veneto).
'''Via Pietro Micca''' also houses upscale shops, but also one of the three shops of Frav. This 2-storey shop sells trendy clothes and is very popular in the city.
'''Via Lagrange''', near Via Roma, houses the Lagrange 15 shopping centre, with La Rinascente department store.
'''Le Gru''' is a shopping center in Grugliasco, just outside Turin. It's noteable because you'll find Ikea here, so those moving to the city can easily stock up on home essentials. Easy access TO the center on the #17 bus, but it's a long walk back from Ikea to the bus stop when you've got a lot of housewares. Consider timing your return trip to one of the infrequent #66 busses, or take a taxi back.
'''Bookstores''' are very popular in Turin, and there are many in the Via Po area. An innovative bookshop is in Via Cesare Battisti, near a lovely square, Piazza Carignano. Together with books you can also sit down and have a cup of coffee, or the famous aperitivo. The Luxembourg International Bookshop is at V. Accademia delle Scienze, 3 (just off Piazza Castello) and it's your best destination for English-language novels, EFL teaching materials and foreign magazines and newspapers.
'''The Quadrilatero Romano''' is a trendy neighborhood north of Piazza Castello. It is the most ancient part of the city, and once was an unsafe area. But now there are many design shops (Marcopolo, via Sant' Agostino) and indepent shops like Autopsie Vestimentaire or Born In Berlin in its pedestrian cobbled streets. Lots of cozy restaurants and outddoor trendy cafes and bars.
'''Porta Palazzo''' in Piazza della Republica (north of the Quadrilatero) is a one of the largest open air markets in Europe, and a spectacle that is well worth the visit. A newly built building by the famous architect Massimiliano Fuksas remains unused.
'''Gallary 8''' is a long corridor with various shops, located in Lingotto area, sharing the same building with Politecnico di Torino Automotive department and Turin University. It can be reached by autobus No.1, 35, 18, 17. Or if you are near the Lingotto FS station, you can pass a bridge which directly connect to the Gallary 8. It is one of the few shopping centers which still open at Sunday.
Eat
Budget
'''Obelix''', Piazza Savoia. This bar served a nightly aperitivo- meaning with the purchase of a beverage you receive unlimited access to a food buffet. During the aperitivo, all drinks (from water to cocktails) cost the same price, which is about EUR 8. The aperitivo starts around 18:00 and ends when the food runs out, usually around 21:00.
'''Gennaro Esposito''', Via Passalacqua 1/g (near Piazza Statuto). 011 535 905. For about 15 euros, sit at one of the few tables and one of the best pizzas in Turin.
'''Fratelli La Cozza''', Corso Regio Parco 39. 011 859 900. Outside the city center, this large pizzeria is brightly decorated and popular with large groups. If you're a couple, ask for a balcony seat for the best view!
'''Exki''', Two locations in the center of Turin: Via XX Settembre 12 and Via Pietro Micca near Piazza Castello. 011 560 4108. The healthiest fast-food you'll find in Turin, Exki serves up fresh salads, soups, quiches and health-minded entrees at low prices. You'll also find a selection of fresh juices, organic beers and organic coffees.
'''Tre Galli''', Via Sant'Agostino 25. 0115216027. Nice "Vineria" in the quadrilatero perfect for the aperitivo. Service is good and the ambiance is young and relaxed, not too trendy. Here you can eat or just drink. Typical dishes of Torino reinvented.
'''Sfashion Cafe''', Via Cesare Battisti 13. 011 5160085. The owner and the decorations are the same of Fratelli La Cozza: kitsch an funny. Infact the owner is Piero Chiambretti, an Italian actor. Good pizza and southern italy dishes. Perfectly located on the lovely Piazza Carlo Alberto, pedestrianized.
Mid-range
'''L Birichin''', Via Vincenzo Monti 16/a, 011 65 74 57, [http://www.birichin.it/. $35-$45.
'''Arcadia''', Galleria Subalpina (Piazza Castello), 011 56 13 898 beautiful place, sushi bar.
'''Trattoria Ala''', Via Santa Giulia 24, 011 81 74 778. For about 35$ you will get delicious food and wine. Definitely to try ''Cantucci con vinsanto'' dessert. Beware that they cook Tuscan food, so if you are looking for local food, you may not be in the very right place.
Spada Reale. ia Principe Amedeo 53. ear Piazza Vittorio Veneto. 11 8171363. A classic restaurant with local Piedmontese as well as Tuscan offerings.
'''Trattoria Decoratori & Imbianchini''', via Lanfranchi 28, 10131, Torino, Tel. +39 011.819.06.72, fixed menu 24 euros, beverages excluded. Near the Gran Madre Church.
'''A Livella''', Corso so Belgio 50/A, 011 86 00 173. Stylish restaurant with moderate prices.
Splurge
Drink
Where before there were boatsheds, you will find many modern bars by the river Po at the Murazzi close to the bridge Ponte Vittorio Emanuele.
'''Vinicola Al Sorij''' Via Matteo Pescatore 10c (close to Piazza Vittorio), 011 835667, wine and entries.
'''Zonk''' Via Bellezia 20. 011 521 7568. In the heart of the Quadrilatero Romano, Zonk features an expansive cocktail list (from Mojitos to Manhattans to cocktails with dried, powdered scorpions!), long wine list and nightly aperitivo buffet in a funky environment. When the food is cleared away a live DJ starts spinning.
caffe rossini. orso Regina Margherita. t the corner to Via Gioacchino. Caffe Rossini is a nice Caffe/Pub with music and young local people.
lab. iazza Vittorio Veneto, 13/E. 39 011 8170669?. modern bar with lots of young people and nice music. some place to go out during the week when the city is sleeping.
Sleep
Budget
'''Hotel Due Mondi''' [http://www.hotelduemondi.it/inglese/hotel.asp] Via Saluzzo, 3. (''Savoyard City'') Singles, doubles, and suites. Breakfast included.
'''Bed & Breakfast Casa Romar''' [http://www.casaromar.it/]
'''Hotel Nizza-Turin''' [http://www.hotelnizza.to.it/]
'''Hotel Conte Biancamano''' [http://www.hotelcontebiancamano.it/]
'''Hotel San Carlo''' [http://www.hotelsancarloroma.com/]
'''Hotel Bologna''' [http://www.hotelbolognasrl.it/] is right across the street from Porta Nuova station. Single rooms are EUR 50 per night and the staff are sweethearts.
'''Doria''', Via Academia Albertina, 42 (near to Porta Nuova Train Station, Center) +39 011 889300. Single rooms are EUR 30, doubles EUR 40. TVs and bathrooms in the room, with very friendly staff.
'''Hosteling International Torino''' [http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Turin---Torino-031006.en.htm] Via Alby 1 (across the river from the city center in the area called La Collina) +39 011 6602939. Just outside the city center and up a fairly steep hill, Torino's main youth hostel is services by Bus #52 (get off across the river, after the obelisk). It's clean, quiet and includes breakfast, but there is an afternoon lockout. EUR 14.50 for dorm-room accommodation.
'''Serenella''' [http://www.albergoserenella.com/index.html] Via conte Luigi Tarino, 4 (Center) +39 011 837031 Double from EUR 42. Clean and nice. Good prices for Turin.
Mid-range
'''Hotel Artua'&Solferino''' via Brofferio, 3. (''Piazza Solferino''). Rooms for 1-4 people. Internet access and parking available. $80-$200
'''Hotel Interporto''', Sesta Strada Interporto Sud Sito, 10040, Tel. +39 011.3981600 | Fax. +39 011.3981750, [http://www.hotelinterporto.it/en/index.htm]. Easily accessible from the Caselle highways and the nearby Caselle international airport, the three star Hotel Interporto is located in the Turin area.
Splurge
'''Relais Villa Matilde''', Via Marconi 29, 10090 Romano Canavese (Torino). The Relais Villa Matilde Hotel is located in Romano Canavese, only 35 km away from Turin. Romano Canavese is a peaceful ancient town, dominated by a high bell tower and, situated near the boundaries of Valle d'Aosta.
'''Le Petit Hotel''' [http://www.lepetithotel.com/web/index.htm] Via San Francesco d'Assisi, 21.
'''Le Meridien Lingotto''' Via Nizza 262. Four-star business hotel in a former Fiat factory located just outside city center. $200 and up.
'''Hotel Diplomatic''' Via Cernaia 42.
'''Hotel Victoria''' Via Nino Costa, 4. Three-star. Junior Suites feature two-person jacuzzi bathtubs. Free wireless Internet in most rooms and lobby.
'''Jolly Hotel Ligure''' [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/turin/jolly-hotel-ligure.html] Situated in the cultural and financial heart of Turin, the Jolly Hotel Ligure offers 169 rooms (2 of which are suites). (There are two other NH Hotels in Turin [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/turin.html] if this one is too pricey or full.)
Contact
Stay safe
Be aware that the Porta Nuova area (train station) can be pretty dangerous, not only at night (watch out for pickpockets). This especially applies to the San Salvario neighbourhoods, which lies between the station and Parco Valentino. Be very careful especially with your luggage and backpacks.
You can be followed from Porta Nuova to the Roma Stree(Via Roma). But stay calm. What the follower wants is just your purse. Watch on it and stay in a big shop or a bar, and call the police.
Also the areas near Porta Palazzo can be dangerous, especially in the smaller streets.
Cope
Get out
House of Savoy residences and hunting reserves. The city of Turin is surrounded by magnificent XVI, XVII and XVIII residences, like Royal Palace and Carignano Palace (in the centre of the city), Valentino Castle (inside the city, near the Po river, within Valentino Park), Rivoli Castle (10 km west of the city), Stupinigi Hunting Pavillion (between the town of Orbassano and Nichelino, south of the city), the Racconigi Castle (near border with Cuneo province).The two main Savoy's hunting reserves, La Mandria Park and Stupinigi Park, are now natural reserves.
The Alps. Turin is a city that feels its mountain legacy and their proximity is why so many inhabitants have second homes in the thousands of little valley villages. During Summer, if you have a day and want to relax, take a trip to Gran Paradiso National Park, or Orsiera Rocciavre Park, or Val Varaita Park. During Winter, the Alps offer a wide range of ski resorts, from one of the world's greatest, [http://www.vialattea.it Via Lattea], to a number of small ski areas which are less crowded and cheaper.
Aosta
'''Saint Michael_fs Abbey''' (Sacra di San Michele) [http://www.sacradisanmichele.com/] a fascinating ancient abbey built on top of a rock at the beginning of Susa Valley.
Ivrea