Turin

Turin, Italy

Turin, Italy's first capital, is a city awash with history, green parks and art, not to mention that it is a town with renowned food and even better drinks. Under the arcades of the city centre there are countless wine bars, grandiose continental cafés and lively bars and restaurants, all just steps away from luxury shopping streets. Even if it is mostly known abroad for Fiat and Juventus, Turin is a fascinating metropolis with its eyes set firmly on the future thanks to its young population and great universities.

Population:

887.849

Currency:

Euro €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Polizia (Police): 113
Vigili del fuoco (Fire Brigade): 115
Ambulanza (Ambulance): 118

Opening Hours:

Smaller shops are open from Monday to Saturday 9.30am-1pm and 3.30pm-7.30pm. Larger stores stay open all day long, until 7.30/8pm. Shops in the city centre are normally also open on Sundays.

Newspapers:

La Stampa
Torino - la Repubblica
La Nuova Voce Torino
Torino Notizie
Tuttosport
City - Torino

The City

Turin is ideally located at the foot of the Alps, which you will have the chance to admire from anywhere in the city. The city has its roots in the 20th century industrialisation and in the struggle for democracy and progress of that period. But today, in particular after the Olympic Games of 2006, Turin has turned into a lively and coloured place awash of students and young workers, also thanks to the University and the Polytechnic of Turin - the best in Italy.

The struggle to unify Italy started in Piedmont, which is why Turin became the country’s first capital city, but before that it was the centre of the Savoy Reign. Thanks to this noble family, Turin is rich in history and art of every sort. In addition, having been the centre of Italian automation during the 20th century, the city is also an important hub for contemporary arts, in particular for design and movie making.

Do & See

Turin's vivid history still colours the atmosphere of the entire city. Walking in the streets of Turin, its past as capital of the richest reign of Southern Europe is plain to see: stunning palaces, squares and arches cover the entire city centre, giving to it a magic aura. In Turin are also settled some of the most important museums in Italy, as the Egyptian Museum (second only to the one in Cairo), and the Museum of Cinema located in the building-symbol of the city - Mole Antonelliana.

Besides art and history, in Turin you can also enjoy open air activities both in the city centre - in its huge park Valentino - and in the vicinity, where dozens of Savoy's estates are located with their amazing gardens and parks. Last but not least, if you are a sport enthusiast don't miss to visit Piedmont's ski runs, among the best in the Alps!

Dining

Piedmont region is a very important Italian gastronomic centre. Some of the creations invented here are now known all over the world, such as Grissini breadsticks or Gianduia (a typical hazelnut chocolate), a mix of chocolate and nuts which gave the start to Nutella (which is also produced here in Piedmont).

If you are an adventurous eater this region certainly won't disappoint you, offering a wide range of pasta, rice, game meat, freshwater fish and delicious desserts made with the best chocolate in the country. All this is normally accompanied by some of the finest wines in Italy: Barbera, Dolcetto, Barolo, Moscato and more. Last but not least, to finish your meal with a high note, enjoy some delicious local grappas.

Cafes

Italy knows coffee, and Turin is no exception. In the city centre, you can find plenty of ancient cafes mirroring the splendour and elegance of days of old. Turin cafes are all about chocolate and gianduja cream (a mix of chocolate and nuts). Speaking of which, do not miss the chance to try Bicerin, a very tasty and beloved liquor. Last but not least, don't leave Italy before tasting a real Italian ice cream.

A very typical Turin tradition is the apericena (halfway between aperitif and dinner) served in almost all bars and cafes of the city, for which normally one pays for the drink and gets various dishes with it. It is the ideal meal to start your night in this amazing city.