Turin, Italy — Where to Go
Turin Sightseeing Overview
Turin’s historic center is compact and sightseeing on foot is easy, as most visitor attractions are located there.
Around Piazza Castello are the Duomo (Cathedral) which contains the Cappella della Sindone (Chapel of the Shroud), and the sumptuous interiors of the former Savoy royal palace Palazzo Reale. A copy of the shroud is in the Museo della Sindone, further to the west.
A short walk south, in the Accademia delle Scienze, on via Accademia delle Scienze, is the celebrated Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) and the Galleria Sabauda, the main art gallery.
To the east, near the River Po, is the city’s iconic landmark the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema).
On the outskirts of Turin are the former Savoy Palaces, vast royal residences in the surrounding countryside. The most famous of all is the Stupinigi Palace, set in parkland 9km (5.5 miles) from the city. The best viewpoint is from the Basilica di Superga, a baroque church reached by tramway from Sassi station.
Turin Tourist Information
Turismo Torino
Atrium Torino, Piazza Solferino
Tel: (011) 535 181.
Website: www.turismotorino.org
There is also a tourist information desk at Sandro Pertini airport, and one at Porta Nuova railway station.
Turin Sightseeing
The Torino Card is a pass that gives free entry to over 130 attractions in Turin and Piedmont, including museums and royal residences. Other benefits include free travel on public transport in the city and free trips on the panoramic lift in the Mole Antonelliana. Passes last for 48 or 72 hours.
Turin Sightseeing
The Torino Card is a pass that gives free entry to over 130 attractions in Turin and Piedmont, including museums and royal residences. Other benefits include free travel on public transport in the city and free trips on the panoramic lift in the Mole Antonelliana. Passes last for 48 or 72 hours.
Key Attractions in Turin, Italy
The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud
The 15th-century Duomo (Cathedral) contains the Capella della Sindone, built to house the Holy Shroud (the original is only displayed every 25 years, the last time in 2000), the background story of which is explained in the Museo della Sindone.
Duomo and Capella della Sindone
Piazza San Giovanni
Tel: (011) 436 1540.
The Capella della Sindone is currently under restoration.
Museo della Sindone
Via San Domenico 28
Tel: (011) 436 5832.
Website: www.sindone.org
Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum)
This museum contains the finest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside Cairo, including findings from the tomb of the architect Kha and a reconstructed tomb from 2100BC.
Via Accademia delle Scienze 6
Tel: (011) 561 7776.
Website: www.museoegizio.org
Mole Antonelliana
Built as a synagogue in the 19th century, this striking building now houses Italy’s Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) while the tower (reached by lift) has a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city and the Alps.
Museo Nazionale del Cinema
Via Montebello 20
Tel: (011) 813 8560/1.
Website: www.museonazionaledelcinema.org
Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)
The most accessible of the former Savoy royal residences, this 17th-century palace contains lavish furnishings and paintings, and is set in grounds designed by Andre Le Notre, who also laid out Versailles.
Piazzetta Reale
Tel: (011) 436 1455.
Website: www.ambienteto.arti.beniculturali.it
Galleria Sabauda
This art gallery, housed in the same building as the Egyptian Museum, contains a fine collection of Italian paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, as well as works by artists such as Van Dyke.
Via Accadamia delle Scienze 6
Tel: (011) 440 6903.
Website: www.museitorino.it/galleriasabauda
Further Distractions
Basilica di Superga
This baroque church, reached by a rack tramway from piazza Modena in the city center, is set on a wooded hill high above Turin and affords superb views over the city.
Strada Basilica di Superga 73
Tel: (011) 898 0083.
Website: www.basilicadisuperga.com
Parco del Valentino
This extensive park in the southern part of the city beside the Po, is a great place to relax, as well as to admire the unusual Borgo Medievale (a lifesize reconstruction of a rural medieval village) and the plants in the Orto Botanico, the city’s botanic garden.
Off Corso Massimo D’Azeglio
Orto Botanico
Viale PA Mattioli 25
Tel: (011) 661 2447.
Website: www.bioveg.unito.it
