Turin Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Turin
A Roman colony called Julia Augusta Taurinorum was established in 28 BC. Today the city known as Turin is the capital city of the Piedmont region of Italy. The Romans planned the town as a grid. Garibaldi Street (via Garibaldi) today follows the pattern of the Roman north-south street.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Turin was occupied in turn by Ostrogoths, Lombards, and the Franks of Charlemagne. In the late 11th century, the Counts of Savoy gained control. Duke Emmanuel Philibert, also known as "Iron-Head," made Turin the capital of the Duchy of Savoy in 1563.
Many of Turin's famous squares, castles, gardens, and sumptuous palaces were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The old city center of Turin is named on the World Heritage List for its Royal Residences.
Turin was the first capital of a reunited Italy from 1861 to 1865. It is often called "the Cradle of Italian Liberty." It was the center, politically and intellectually, of the Italian revival. The city is famous for its Baroque architecture. However, the modernist Rome Street (via Roma) was built in the 1930s as an example of Italian Rationalism.
The Sanctuary of the Consolation church was designed by Baroque architect Guarino Guarini in the 1600s. The Basilica of Superga built in 1731, was the burial church of royals. The Renaissance Turin Cathedral houses the chapel of the sacred Shroud of Turin.
The 13th-century Madame Palace is home to the Museum of Ancient Arts. The Carignano Palace, built in 1679, is now the Museum of the Revival. The Royal Palace houses the Royal Armory. The Museum of Antiquities and the Egyptian Museum share an old Jesuit College.
The flashy shopping area of Rome Street connects the grand squares one to another. The Reale Palace, Piazza San Carlo, Egyptian Museum, the Torino Central Market, and the Royal Theatre all are within walking distance. Come to dine by the River Po. Pleasure, culture, fine food, and wines await the traveler in the "Cradle of Italian Liberty."
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Turin was occupied in turn by Ostrogoths, Lombards, and the Franks of Charlemagne. In the late 11th century, the Counts of Savoy gained control. Duke Emmanuel Philibert, also known as "Iron-Head," made Turin the capital of the Duchy of Savoy in 1563.
Many of Turin's famous squares, castles, gardens, and sumptuous palaces were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The old city center of Turin is named on the World Heritage List for its Royal Residences.
Turin was the first capital of a reunited Italy from 1861 to 1865. It is often called "the Cradle of Italian Liberty." It was the center, politically and intellectually, of the Italian revival. The city is famous for its Baroque architecture. However, the modernist Rome Street (via Roma) was built in the 1930s as an example of Italian Rationalism.
The Sanctuary of the Consolation church was designed by Baroque architect Guarino Guarini in the 1600s. The Basilica of Superga built in 1731, was the burial church of royals. The Renaissance Turin Cathedral houses the chapel of the sacred Shroud of Turin.
The 13th-century Madame Palace is home to the Museum of Ancient Arts. The Carignano Palace, built in 1679, is now the Museum of the Revival. The Royal Palace houses the Royal Armory. The Museum of Antiquities and the Egyptian Museum share an old Jesuit College.
The flashy shopping area of Rome Street connects the grand squares one to another. The Reale Palace, Piazza San Carlo, Egyptian Museum, the Torino Central Market, and the Royal Theatre all are within walking distance. Come to dine by the River Po. Pleasure, culture, fine food, and wines await the traveler in the "Cradle of Italian Liberty."
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Turin Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Turin Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Italy » Turin (See other walking tours in Turin)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 14
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: nataly
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Italy » Turin (See other walking tours in Turin)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 14
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: nataly
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Piazza Castello (Castle Square)
- Madame Palace and Civic Museum of Ancient Art
- Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo (Royal Church of Saint Lawrence)
- Royal Palace and Armory of Turin
- Duomo di Torino e Cappella della Sacra Sindone (Turin Cathedral and Chapel of the Holy Shroud)
- Porta Palatina (Palatine Gate)
- Mercato Centrale Torino (Torino Central Market)
- Santuario della Consolata (Sanctuary of the Consolation)
- Via Garibaldi (Garibaldi Street)
- Piazza Carignano (Carignano Square)
- Palazzo Carignano (Carignano Palace)
- Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum)
- Piazza San Carlo (San Carlo Square)
- Via Roma (Rome Street)
1) Piazza Castello (Castle Square) (must see)
The Castle Square (Piazza Castello) of Turin is the grandest place in the city. It is a vast, pedestrianized space. Dominating the center of the square is the Madama Palace (Palazzo Madama), with its unique double facade. It has a castle on one side and a palace on the other. The palace is currently home to the Civic Museum of Ancient Art (Museo Civico d'Arte Antica).
The most active period of the Castle Square development was between the 16th and 18th centuries. Porticoed buildings lining the perimeter were redesigned by architect Ascanio Vittozzi. Architects Amedeo di Castellamonte and Filippo Juvarra redesigned the Castle's facade in the Baroque style under Marie Jeanne of Savoy in 1721.
In and around the Castle Square are the Opera House Teatro Regio; the armory museum Royal Armory (Armeria Reale), built for Carlo Emanuele II in the 1600s; and the Church of San Lorenzo. Po Street, a gracefully arcaded street, connects Castle Square to the banks of the river. Gelateria Abela is available for ice cream breaks.
The Castle Square began to take shape in the 14th century when the House of Savoy demolished buildings to erect the original Madama Palace. Theatres, cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops abound. The square is busy day and night. Major roads, like Po Street, Roma Street, and Pietro Micca Street, originate here.
The most active period of the Castle Square development was between the 16th and 18th centuries. Porticoed buildings lining the perimeter were redesigned by architect Ascanio Vittozzi. Architects Amedeo di Castellamonte and Filippo Juvarra redesigned the Castle's facade in the Baroque style under Marie Jeanne of Savoy in 1721.
In and around the Castle Square are the Opera House Teatro Regio; the armory museum Royal Armory (Armeria Reale), built for Carlo Emanuele II in the 1600s; and the Church of San Lorenzo. Po Street, a gracefully arcaded street, connects Castle Square to the banks of the river. Gelateria Abela is available for ice cream breaks.
The Castle Square began to take shape in the 14th century when the House of Savoy demolished buildings to erect the original Madama Palace. Theatres, cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops abound. The square is busy day and night. Major roads, like Po Street, Roma Street, and Pietro Micca Street, originate here.
2) Madame Palace and Civic Museum of Ancient Art
At the beginning of the first century BC, the site of the present-day Madama Palace was occupied by two towers flanking a gate in the Roman walls of Taurinorum. The gate straddled the Decumanus Maximus, the traditional cross-town street of a Roman castrum. After the fall of the Empire, the gate was a stronghold in the city's defenses.
In the early 14th century, the building became a possession of the Savoia-Acaja, a junior branch of the House of Savoy. A hundred years later, Ludovico of Acaja, Prince of Acaia, rebuilt the structure in a square shape with an inner court and portico. Four round towers were set at each corner. These changes are still visible at the rear end of the palace.
In 1637, Christine Marie of France made the palace her residence. She covered the courtyard and redid the apartments. Sixty years later, Marie Jeanne Baptiste de Savoie-Nemours lived there, giving the palace nickname "Madama." Architect Filippo Juvarra created one Baroque white stone facade. Work was stopped in 1721.
Formerly the home of the Subalpine Senate since 1934, the Madama Palace has housed the Civic Museum of Ancient Art. The museum is known for its collection of paintings from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. The museum has 35 rooms on four floors. The underground floor holds medieval works. The first floor is given to Gothic and Renaissance paintings. The second and uppermost floors hold Baroque and decorative art.
The museum's collection also includes a variety of artworks, such as sculptures, ceramics, porcelains, majolica, and ivories, as well as gold and silver works, furniture, and textiles.
In the early 14th century, the building became a possession of the Savoia-Acaja, a junior branch of the House of Savoy. A hundred years later, Ludovico of Acaja, Prince of Acaia, rebuilt the structure in a square shape with an inner court and portico. Four round towers were set at each corner. These changes are still visible at the rear end of the palace.
In 1637, Christine Marie of France made the palace her residence. She covered the courtyard and redid the apartments. Sixty years later, Marie Jeanne Baptiste de Savoie-Nemours lived there, giving the palace nickname "Madama." Architect Filippo Juvarra created one Baroque white stone facade. Work was stopped in 1721.
Formerly the home of the Subalpine Senate since 1934, the Madama Palace has housed the Civic Museum of Ancient Art. The museum is known for its collection of paintings from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. The museum has 35 rooms on four floors. The underground floor holds medieval works. The first floor is given to Gothic and Renaissance paintings. The second and uppermost floors hold Baroque and decorative art.
The museum's collection also includes a variety of artworks, such as sculptures, ceramics, porcelains, majolica, and ivories, as well as gold and silver works, furniture, and textiles.
3) Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo (Royal Church of Saint Lawrence)
On the 10th of August 1557, the Feast of Saint Lawrence, the Hapsburg army, led by Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, soundly defeated the French in the Battle of Saint-Quentin in France. Turin and Savoy were returned to Duke Emmanuel. He made the capital in Turin. He erected the Royal Church of Saint Lawrence in 1634.
Architect Guarino Guarini was a great fan and innovator of Baroque principles established by the Roman Architect Francesco Borromini. In the Church of Saint Lawrence, Guarini took the classical orders of column and entablature far beyond tradition.
The ground plan is a square. The square becomes an octagon at the level of the entablatures above the columns. It changes to a Greek cross at the level of the pendentives of the vaults. The base of the dome is circular, supported by eight ribs. The choir is elliptical. The high altar gets natural light from a hidden dome.
The dome is supported by eight intersecting arches reminiscent of the eight-pointed stars seen in mosques, with smaller windows decorating the areas between the arches. The lantern atop the dome is octagonal. As a result of the way the geometric characteristics interact with the reflection of light, the dome takes the shape of an ominous-looking face. People call it the "face of the devil."
Architect Guarino Guarini was a great fan and innovator of Baroque principles established by the Roman Architect Francesco Borromini. In the Church of Saint Lawrence, Guarini took the classical orders of column and entablature far beyond tradition.
The ground plan is a square. The square becomes an octagon at the level of the entablatures above the columns. It changes to a Greek cross at the level of the pendentives of the vaults. The base of the dome is circular, supported by eight ribs. The choir is elliptical. The high altar gets natural light from a hidden dome.
The dome is supported by eight intersecting arches reminiscent of the eight-pointed stars seen in mosques, with smaller windows decorating the areas between the arches. The lantern atop the dome is octagonal. As a result of the way the geometric characteristics interact with the reflection of light, the dome takes the shape of an ominous-looking face. People call it the "face of the devil."
4) Royal Palace and Armory of Turin (must see)
The Royal Palace of Turin was the family seat of the royal dynasty House of Savoy. In 1645 Regent Chistina Maria ordered the construction of the palace. She wanted to expand her residence. The site chosen was the Bishop's Palace of Turin. Baroque designs are by Filippo Juvarra. The palace also includes the Chiablese Palace (Palazzo Chiablese) and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
The Royal Armory (Armeria Reale) is a significant collection of arms and armor, formed in Turin in 1837 by Charles Albert, King of Sardinia. It is part of the Royal Museums of Turin, including the Royal Palace, the Sabauda Gallery, the Archeological Museum, the Royal Library, and the Armory.
The Armory is housed in the Beaumont Gallery, which joins the Royal and Madama Palace. The Gallery, designed by Filippo Juvarra in 1733, was decorated with paintings depicting the Stories of Aeneas by Claudio Francesco Beaumont in 1743. The arms and armor of King Charles were from the arsenals of Genoa and Turin.
The Royal Palace of Turin was the center of the Savoy family for 200 years. After World War II, it became the property of the State and was turned into a museum. It is listed today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Royal Armory (Armeria Reale) is a significant collection of arms and armor, formed in Turin in 1837 by Charles Albert, King of Sardinia. It is part of the Royal Museums of Turin, including the Royal Palace, the Sabauda Gallery, the Archeological Museum, the Royal Library, and the Armory.
The Armory is housed in the Beaumont Gallery, which joins the Royal and Madama Palace. The Gallery, designed by Filippo Juvarra in 1733, was decorated with paintings depicting the Stories of Aeneas by Claudio Francesco Beaumont in 1743. The arms and armor of King Charles were from the arsenals of Genoa and Turin.
The Royal Palace of Turin was the center of the Savoy family for 200 years. After World War II, it became the property of the State and was turned into a museum. It is listed today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5) Duomo di Torino e Cappella della Sacra Sindone (Turin Cathedral and Chapel of the Holy Shroud)
The burial shroud of Christ had been owned by the Savoys family since 1453. Today it is kept in a glass case in the Baroque Chapel of the Sacred Shroud, adjacent to Turin Cathedral and connected to the Royal Palace of Turin. The chapel was designed by priest and architect Guarino Guarini in the late 17th century. It is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The Turin Cathedral sits on the site of an old Roman theatre. The site originally was a complex of three churches dedicated to the Holy Savior, Santa Maria de Dompno, and John the Baptist. Some sources claim the main church was consecrated by Agilulf, King of the Lombards, who reigned between 590-616. The three churches were demolished by 1492.
Construction of the cathedral, also dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, began immediately. Design and construction by Amadeo de Francisco di Settignano took seven years. The pre-existing bell tower was renovated by Filippo Juvarra in the 17th century. In 1667, the architect Guarino Guarini was invited to complete the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
Guarini redesigned the dome. He replaced piers inside the dome with ornamental pediments and volutes. He used weight-bearing arches. The top of the dome was done in six levels in a hexagonal plan. Atop is a roof lantern formed in a twelve-pointed star. Inside the star is a cap with the dove figure of the Holy Spirit.
The Turin Cathedral sits on the site of an old Roman theatre. The site originally was a complex of three churches dedicated to the Holy Savior, Santa Maria de Dompno, and John the Baptist. Some sources claim the main church was consecrated by Agilulf, King of the Lombards, who reigned between 590-616. The three churches were demolished by 1492.
Construction of the cathedral, also dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, began immediately. Design and construction by Amadeo de Francisco di Settignano took seven years. The pre-existing bell tower was renovated by Filippo Juvarra in the 17th century. In 1667, the architect Guarino Guarini was invited to complete the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
Guarini redesigned the dome. He replaced piers inside the dome with ornamental pediments and volutes. He used weight-bearing arches. The top of the dome was done in six levels in a hexagonal plan. Atop is a roof lantern formed in a twelve-pointed star. Inside the star is a cap with the dove figure of the Holy Spirit.
6) Porta Palatina (Palatine Gate)
In the Roman era, Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina) was a gate providing access through the city walls of Julia Augusta Taurinorum, now known as Turin. Since the gate opened to the north side, it was Right-Side Main Gate (Porta Pricipalis Dextra). The Turin Gate may be the best preserved of its kind.
The name Porta Palatina refers to a palace situated close to the gate. Although, the specific palace to which the term is mentioned is uncertain. Some believe it could refer to the old Senate House (Casa del Senato), a medieval palace close to the gate. Others say maybe it involved the City Hall (Palazzo di Citta). Still, some think the palace is the Amphitheater in the historical Borgo Dora neighborhood outside the walls.
The Palatine Gate has had other names over the years, such as Count's Gate (Porta Comitale); Doranea Gate since it led to the Dora River, and Palace Gate (Porta Palazzo).
The remains of the gate, which granted access to the ancient north-south Cardo Maximus, can be seen in the streets of Palatine Gate and San Tommaso; and in the center of Cesare Augusto Square.
The Palatine Gate is erected on a square base and flanked by two towers, each 99 feet high. The center section is 66 feet long with two rows of windows. The towers are cylindrical. The left one has a crenelated top. There are four entrances. The two central entries are wide to admit vehicles. The two end entrances are for pedestrians only.
The name Porta Palatina refers to a palace situated close to the gate. Although, the specific palace to which the term is mentioned is uncertain. Some believe it could refer to the old Senate House (Casa del Senato), a medieval palace close to the gate. Others say maybe it involved the City Hall (Palazzo di Citta). Still, some think the palace is the Amphitheater in the historical Borgo Dora neighborhood outside the walls.
The Palatine Gate has had other names over the years, such as Count's Gate (Porta Comitale); Doranea Gate since it led to the Dora River, and Palace Gate (Porta Palazzo).
The remains of the gate, which granted access to the ancient north-south Cardo Maximus, can be seen in the streets of Palatine Gate and San Tommaso; and in the center of Cesare Augusto Square.
The Palatine Gate is erected on a square base and flanked by two towers, each 99 feet high. The center section is 66 feet long with two rows of windows. The towers are cylindrical. The left one has a crenelated top. There are four entrances. The two central entries are wide to admit vehicles. The two end entrances are for pedestrians only.
7) Mercato Centrale Torino (Torino Central Market)
There has been a market at Palace Gate (Porta Palazzo) since 1835. The new Torino Central Market (Mercato Centrale Torino) was constructed in 2011 and renovated in 2019. This unique market is based on formats launched in Florence in 2014 and 2016 in Rome. The 200-year-old social life of the outdoor market, mixing cultures, flavors, colors, and traditions, is enlarged.
The modernistic market building, with the glass and steel facade, was designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas in 2005. Inside, in what was once the Palatine Center (Centro Palatino ), is a cultural and gastronomic adventure involving gourmet foods and wines. The aim is to strengthen the relationship between producers and consumers.
Several artisan food shops have been opened within the market. Restaurants well-known in the city are represented. Mare Nostrum serves fish. Alberto Marchetti is there with ice cream. Farmacia del Cambio has reservable tables. Visitors can enjoy street foods such as Sicilian Specialties. In the center is a brewery/cafeteria. Valerio Lo Russo has more fish.
The second floor has clothing shops and a cooking school. "The Distillery" is a trendy lounge bar with floor-to-ceiling windows giving the best views of the square. The third floor is a space for events and shows. In the basement are the 18th-century ice-storage rooms.
Palace Gate (Porta Palazzo) has become a zone where colors, aromas, cultures, and traditions mix, creating a "melting pot" of human energy.
The modernistic market building, with the glass and steel facade, was designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas in 2005. Inside, in what was once the Palatine Center (Centro Palatino ), is a cultural and gastronomic adventure involving gourmet foods and wines. The aim is to strengthen the relationship between producers and consumers.
Several artisan food shops have been opened within the market. Restaurants well-known in the city are represented. Mare Nostrum serves fish. Alberto Marchetti is there with ice cream. Farmacia del Cambio has reservable tables. Visitors can enjoy street foods such as Sicilian Specialties. In the center is a brewery/cafeteria. Valerio Lo Russo has more fish.
The second floor has clothing shops and a cooking school. "The Distillery" is a trendy lounge bar with floor-to-ceiling windows giving the best views of the square. The third floor is a space for events and shows. In the basement are the 18th-century ice-storage rooms.
Palace Gate (Porta Palazzo) has become a zone where colors, aromas, cultures, and traditions mix, creating a "melting pot" of human energy.
8) Santuario della Consolata (Sanctuary of the Consolation)
The Sanctuary of La Consolata is located at the intersection of Consolata and Carlo Ignazio Giulio Streets. It is a Marian sanctuary and minor basilica in central Turin. A church with a chapel and sacred icon of Mary stood there in the 5th century, adjacent to the city walls.
Legends of miracles of the icon of the Virgin began in the 12th century. The records say that in the 12th century, a vision of Mary appeared inside the church, and a blind pilgrim regained sight. Ex-votos (testimonials) inside the shrine document centuries of these occurrences.
Originally built as a basilica, the church was expanded several times. In 1678, Marie Jeanne Baptiste of Savoy-Nemours commissioned architect Guarino Guarini and engineer Antonio Bertola. They created the elliptical nave and added a hexagonal chapel for the venerated icon of Mary.
Architect Filippo Juvarra added two distinct axes featuring an altar and chapel. Painter Giovanni Battista Crosato decorated the dome. The neoclassical facade and burial crypt are the work of Pietro Anselmetti and Carlo Ceppi.
The interior is best described as jubilantly Rococo. It has colored marble and biblical-looking columns. The whole thing is eclectic. A Romanesque bell tower, Baroque domes, Gothic icons, and Neoclassic porticos all lead to a sort of Byzantine clash.
Legends of miracles of the icon of the Virgin began in the 12th century. The records say that in the 12th century, a vision of Mary appeared inside the church, and a blind pilgrim regained sight. Ex-votos (testimonials) inside the shrine document centuries of these occurrences.
Originally built as a basilica, the church was expanded several times. In 1678, Marie Jeanne Baptiste of Savoy-Nemours commissioned architect Guarino Guarini and engineer Antonio Bertola. They created the elliptical nave and added a hexagonal chapel for the venerated icon of Mary.
Architect Filippo Juvarra added two distinct axes featuring an altar and chapel. Painter Giovanni Battista Crosato decorated the dome. The neoclassical facade and burial crypt are the work of Pietro Anselmetti and Carlo Ceppi.
The interior is best described as jubilantly Rococo. It has colored marble and biblical-looking columns. The whole thing is eclectic. A Romanesque bell tower, Baroque domes, Gothic icons, and Neoclassic porticos all lead to a sort of Byzantine clash.
9) Via Garibaldi (Garibaldi Street)
Garibaldi Street in Turin is a pedestrian street. It may be the oldest street in the city. Long before it was called Garibaldi, it was the Decumanus Maximus of the Roman settlement of Julia Augusta Taurinorum. It connected the two main gates of the city, the Decumana Gate (Porta Decumana) and the Praetoria Gate (Porta Praetoria).
The Decumana Gate can be seen in the front towers of the Madama Palace. Praetoria Gate is now on Garibaldi Street, near Consolata square. Over time the road was known as Contrada Dora Grossa. By the 18th century, it had sidewalks and pavement, with fine churches built along its sides.
Following the Risorgimento and the unification of Italy, the street was named for modern Italy's greatest hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi. Along the way are the churches of the Holy Martyrs, the Holy Trinity, San Dalmazzo, the Scaglia di Verrua Palace, and Saluzzo di Paesana Palace.
Garibaldi Street runs from Castello Square to Statuto Square. It has no shortage of shops, restaurants, bars, and street vendors. It has been called "the Longest Pedestrian Street in Europe." It is always lively, especially on Saturday afternoons.
The Decumana Gate can be seen in the front towers of the Madama Palace. Praetoria Gate is now on Garibaldi Street, near Consolata square. Over time the road was known as Contrada Dora Grossa. By the 18th century, it had sidewalks and pavement, with fine churches built along its sides.
Following the Risorgimento and the unification of Italy, the street was named for modern Italy's greatest hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi. Along the way are the churches of the Holy Martyrs, the Holy Trinity, San Dalmazzo, the Scaglia di Verrua Palace, and Saluzzo di Paesana Palace.
Garibaldi Street runs from Castello Square to Statuto Square. It has no shortage of shops, restaurants, bars, and street vendors. It has been called "the Longest Pedestrian Street in Europe." It is always lively, especially on Saturday afternoons.
10) Piazza Carignano (Carignano Square)
Historical Carignano Square is not large, it measures only 289 feet by 108 feet. It is near Roma Street and Pietro Micca Street and bounded by the streets of the Academy of Sciences (Academia Delle Science), Cesare Battisti, and Principe Amadeo. Among the Baroque-style buildings on the square, the finely curved facade of the monumental Carignano Palace stands out.
Across from the Carignano Palace are the Carignano Theatre and the watering holes Del Cambio Restaurant and Gelateria Pepino. Behind the palace is the famous Carlo Alberto Square. The presence of prestigious institutions like the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities makes the square a cultural center of the city.
The Carignano Square was opened in a period of urban expansion presided over by Duke Vittorio Amedeo I of Savoy. The Carignano Palace itself was erected in 1679. Intended for Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia-Carignano, it was finished in 1685. In the center of the square stands a statue of the 19th-century radical philosopher Vincenzo Gioberti.
After the Carignano Savoys took their subalpine throne, the square was a scene of dramatic events. The Albertine Statute of King Charles Albert of Sardinia, which became the constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, was announced from the sumptuous balcony of the Carignano Palace in 1848. The palace housed the first parliament of the country.
Across from the Carignano Palace are the Carignano Theatre and the watering holes Del Cambio Restaurant and Gelateria Pepino. Behind the palace is the famous Carlo Alberto Square. The presence of prestigious institutions like the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities makes the square a cultural center of the city.
The Carignano Square was opened in a period of urban expansion presided over by Duke Vittorio Amedeo I of Savoy. The Carignano Palace itself was erected in 1679. Intended for Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia-Carignano, it was finished in 1685. In the center of the square stands a statue of the 19th-century radical philosopher Vincenzo Gioberti.
After the Carignano Savoys took their subalpine throne, the square was a scene of dramatic events. The Albertine Statute of King Charles Albert of Sardinia, which became the constitution of the Kingdom of Italy, was announced from the sumptuous balcony of the Carignano Palace in 1848. The palace housed the first parliament of the country.
11) Palazzo Carignano (Carignano Palace)
The Carignano Palace (Palazzo Carignano) is located on Carignano Square, facing the Academy of Sciences Street (Via Accademia delle Scienze). Once the private residence of the Princes of Carignano-Savoy, it now houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, the reunification of Italy. In 1997, it was listed with 13 other residences of the House of Savoy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Carigano Palace, built between 1679 and 1684, was commissioned by Prince Emmanuel Philibert. Among his other talents, he was considered a true connoisseur of architecture. The Prince's architect was Guarino Guarini. The Baroque-style building is of brick. The facade is unique in its undulating curvilinear appearance.
Guarini designed the building as a square. The east facade was to be straight. The exterior facing the Carigano square was elliptical. Guarini also designed a forecourt in the center of the palace. The window decorations on the piano nobile, the main floor, recall the 1667 exploits of the Carignan Regiment against the Iroquois.
The interior is lavishly decorated with stucco and frescoes. The Carigano Palace is the birthplace of Marie-Louise de Lamballe, a confidant of Marie Antoinette. Carignano Prince Charles Emmanuel was born there in 1770. King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, was born in the palace in 1820. From 1848 to 1861, the Carigano Palace housed the Parliament.
The Carigano Palace, built between 1679 and 1684, was commissioned by Prince Emmanuel Philibert. Among his other talents, he was considered a true connoisseur of architecture. The Prince's architect was Guarino Guarini. The Baroque-style building is of brick. The facade is unique in its undulating curvilinear appearance.
Guarini designed the building as a square. The east facade was to be straight. The exterior facing the Carigano square was elliptical. Guarini also designed a forecourt in the center of the palace. The window decorations on the piano nobile, the main floor, recall the 1667 exploits of the Carignan Regiment against the Iroquois.
The interior is lavishly decorated with stucco and frescoes. The Carigano Palace is the birthplace of Marie-Louise de Lamballe, a confidant of Marie Antoinette. Carignano Prince Charles Emmanuel was born there in 1770. King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, was born in the palace in 1820. From 1848 to 1861, the Carigano Palace housed the Parliament.
12) Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) (must see)
The first Egyptian-style exhibit arrived in Turin in 1630. It was Mensa Isiaca, a first-century altar table created in Rome for the Temple of Isis. It is made of bronze with enamel and silver inlay and covered with hieroglyphs. Inspired, King Charles Emmanuel III sent botanist and archeologist Vitaliano Donati to Egypt in 1753 to acquire more items.
Donati returned with 300 pieces recovered from Karnak and Coptos. These were the start of the Turin collection. Today, the museum houses the best collection of Egyptian antiquities after the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, including over 37,000 artifacts. It had 853,320 visitors in 2019. It is one of the most visited museums in Italy.
In 1824 King Charles Felix acquired 5,268 pieces, including 100 statues, 170 papyri, stelae, and mummies. In 1833, 1,200 more pieces were added to the museum's collection. Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli filled it with still more items by 1920. The small Temple of Ellesiya was added to the museum in the 1960s.
The Egyptian collection has been in Turin from the beginning in the building designed for it. The building was remodeled in celebration of the 2006 Winter Olympics. The main rooms were redesigned by art director and designer Dante Ferretti. A new layout of the museum was opened in 2015.
The most valuable items in the museum include The Kings Assembly of statues of kings of the new Kingdom; the Temple of Ellesyia; sarcophagi, mummies, and books of the dead; a painted fabric from 3500 BC; and a painted figure of Prince Sethherkhepshef, son of Ramses III, in a pose of worship.
The celebrated Tomb of Kha and Merit, the Bembine tablet of the Mensa Isiaca, the Turin List of Kings, the papyrus map, an erotic papyrus, and a judicial papyrus add to the list, along with three different versions of the Egyptian Book of the Dead.
Donati returned with 300 pieces recovered from Karnak and Coptos. These were the start of the Turin collection. Today, the museum houses the best collection of Egyptian antiquities after the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, including over 37,000 artifacts. It had 853,320 visitors in 2019. It is one of the most visited museums in Italy.
In 1824 King Charles Felix acquired 5,268 pieces, including 100 statues, 170 papyri, stelae, and mummies. In 1833, 1,200 more pieces were added to the museum's collection. Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli filled it with still more items by 1920. The small Temple of Ellesiya was added to the museum in the 1960s.
The Egyptian collection has been in Turin from the beginning in the building designed for it. The building was remodeled in celebration of the 2006 Winter Olympics. The main rooms were redesigned by art director and designer Dante Ferretti. A new layout of the museum was opened in 2015.
The most valuable items in the museum include The Kings Assembly of statues of kings of the new Kingdom; the Temple of Ellesyia; sarcophagi, mummies, and books of the dead; a painted fabric from 3500 BC; and a painted figure of Prince Sethherkhepshef, son of Ramses III, in a pose of worship.
The celebrated Tomb of Kha and Merit, the Bembine tablet of the Mensa Isiaca, the Turin List of Kings, the papyrus map, an erotic papyrus, and a judicial papyrus add to the list, along with three different versions of the Egyptian Book of the Dead.
13) Piazza San Carlo (San Carlo Square) (must see)
San Carlo Square, or Saint Charles' Square, was previously known as Royal Square and Napoleon Square. It is the main square of Turin. It was laid out in the 16th and 17th centuries in the Baroque style. Italian-French sculptor Carlo Marochetti erected a monumental statue of Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, in the square in 1838.
San Carlo Square is surrounded by porticos designed by Carlo di Castellamonte in 1638. The twin churches, Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo line the southern end. Among the Palaces overlooking the square are the Solaro dei Borgo, home of the Philharmonic Academy since 1839, and The Whist Society (La Società Dei Whist), founded in 1841.
One should visit the Caffè San Carlo, opened in 1842, the Caffè Torino, and the patisserie Stratta, world-famous for its chocolate and still in operation with its furnishings from 1836. The square was redeveloped in 2004. It is fully pedestrianized and has an underground parking area with 380 spaces.
San Carlo Square is surrounded by porticos designed by Carlo di Castellamonte in 1638. The twin churches, Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo line the southern end. Among the Palaces overlooking the square are the Solaro dei Borgo, home of the Philharmonic Academy since 1839, and The Whist Society (La Società Dei Whist), founded in 1841.
One should visit the Caffè San Carlo, opened in 1842, the Caffè Torino, and the patisserie Stratta, world-famous for its chocolate and still in operation with its furnishings from 1836. The square was redeveloped in 2004. It is fully pedestrianized and has an underground parking area with 380 spaces.
14) Via Roma (Rome Street)
Roma Street was built in the Fascist era from 1931 to 1937. The style favored by the fascist government was called Italian Rationalism. The street runs between Carlo Felice Square and Castello Square. The buildings between Carlo Felice Square and San Carlo Square were designed by Rationalist architect Marcello Piacentini.
Blocks were rectangular and severe in a plain Rationalist style, such as the architecture of the Prince of Piedmont Hotel (Hotel Principe di Piemonte) or the former Hotel Nazionale (Hotel Nazionale). Piacentini's style is a combination of Novecento Italiano, Neoclassicism, and Futurist Modernism.
The first six blocks kept the 18th-century style like that of neighboring San Carlo Square. Beneath the elegant arcades are shops with popular and luxury labels. Roma Street and Garibaldi Street are the two main shopping streets of Turin. Roma street, however, is more upscale, with a good mix of high-end and more affordable shops.
Blocks were rectangular and severe in a plain Rationalist style, such as the architecture of the Prince of Piedmont Hotel (Hotel Principe di Piemonte) or the former Hotel Nazionale (Hotel Nazionale). Piacentini's style is a combination of Novecento Italiano, Neoclassicism, and Futurist Modernism.
The first six blocks kept the 18th-century style like that of neighboring San Carlo Square. Beneath the elegant arcades are shops with popular and luxury labels. Roma Street and Garibaldi Street are the two main shopping streets of Turin. Roma street, however, is more upscale, with a good mix of high-end and more affordable shops.
Walking Tours in Turin, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Turin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Turin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Coffee, Food and Chocolate Tour in Turin
Among other things, the capital of Italy's Piedmont region – Turin – is well known for its rich culinary tradition, which includes long-standing coffee and chocolate culture. There are several cafes and coffee houses in the city that have been in business for hundreds of years.
The most notable of them are found in the historic heart of the city, such as the Caffè al Bicerin.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The most notable of them are found in the historic heart of the city, such as the Caffè al Bicerin.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
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