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Discovering Turin, a multifaceted city rich in historic splendour

Elegant and earnest, Turin boasts a one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural heritage: the elegant aristocratic residences of times gone by, breathtaking Baroque architecture, bountiful museums and priceless monuments still stand tall today, creating a unique blend between past and present.

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UNESCO
Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama

What is now Palazzo Madama in Piazza Castello, practically opposite the Royal Palace, was originally a city gate, was made into a fortress in the Middle Ages, and then became the castle of the princes of Acaja. The civic collections of ancient art were formed separately elsewhere from 1863, to collect and pass on the historical and artistic heritage of Turin and Piedmont. The respective fates of the ancient building and the century-old collections were joined in 1934. In the meantime, the building had been, among other things, the seat of the first Senate of the unified Italian state. The present-day museum, which is divided into several routes dedicated to history, architecture and collections, has over seventy thousand works of painting, sculpture and decorative arts from the Byzantine period to the 19th century. The development of European art from the early Middle Ages to the Baroque is also illustrated by illuminated manuscripts, majolica and porcelain, gold and silver, furniture and textiles. Among the most famous works are a Portrait of a Man by Antonello da Messina, the codex of the Très belles Heures de Notre Dame by Jean de Berry, and a series of artistic objects from the Cabinet of Wonders of Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy. The Senate Hall, the Medieval Court and the Atelier Hall host temporary exhibitions. The museum is incorporated with the GAM-Galleria Civic Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Museum of Oriental Art as part of The Turin Museums Foundation.
Museums and monuments
The Sphinx

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum a Journey into Ancient Egypt "The road to Menfi and Thebes passes through Turin." (Jean-François Champollion) It is the oldest museum in the world dedicated to Ancient Egyptian culture. It houses more than 40,000 finds including ancient plaques, mummies, papyrus, objects, stuffed animals, statues and sphinxes that make this venue the sixth most visited place in Italy. The Museum offers the opportunity to join thematic visits, admire temporary exhibitions and take part in educational tours and workshops to explore the knowledge preserved here. Several exhibition spaces and tour itineraries with a broad offering in terms of knowledge and experience. Visitors absolutely must see the Silvia Curto Library with its interesting ancient works and collections of immense value. At the Egyptian Museum in Turin: with the tablet Tablets, interactive tables and clever lighting effects for total immersion in the courts of the pharaohs. The Egyptian Museum in Turin, second only to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, underwent an impressive renovation in 2015, with the collaboration of the famous Oscar-winning set designer Dante Ferretti. And today it allows a plunge into ancient Egyptian culture, brought to life by multimedia. An Oscar-winning set design Dante Ferretti is a star of the Italian firmament that shines on the international stage. A set and costume designer, he has won three Oscars, including one for Martin Scorsese's film The Aviator, and other prestigious awards. His talented visionary touch is also at the Egyptian Museum in Turin. As part of the complete renovation of the museum in 2015, he was asked to take care of the lighting and some of the installations. Not to be missed is the one entitled The Great Nile, which reproduces the course of the legendary river all the way to its estuary, created with gelatin and fibreglass as a giant jigsaw puzzle of fabric panels. It will be spectacular to admire it as you make a 24-metre leap through an escalator system, above a Mesopotamia recreated today in a very modern style. Immerse yourself in the play of light and mirrors Semore by Ferretti the lighting of the Statuary, one of the most spectacular rooms of the Egyptian Museum, all based on LED technology with a high level of environmental sustainability. It is a highly evocative space, with Pompeian red walls, where the individual statues are illuminated both from above and below, multiplied by a play of mirrors that allow you to observe the masterpieces in their three-dimensionality. You will feel as if you are standing next to the pharaohs, you, in the first person. Thanks to studied lighting technology and special shaping projectors, you can admire every single detail of Ramesses II, the most famous pharaoh, and the Sphinx of the New Kingdom; of King Amenhotep II and Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess, and the bovine-horned goddess Hathor. Linger over the shades of pink granite of the statue of Ramesses with the god Amun and the goddess Mut. Let yourself be enchanted by the hieroglyphics engraved on the sarcophagus of Gemenefherbak and the inscriptions on the stone. Why Turin? In the early 19th century, in the wake of Napoleon's campaigns in Egypt, the fashion for collecting antiquities from that country spread throughout Europe. Bernardino Drovetti, consul general of France during the occupation, boasted a collection of 8,000 pieces and later King Charles Felix also acquired countless pieces: from the union of these two collections, the museum in its embryonic state was born. Exponents of the House of Savoy, over decades of expeditions, continued to enrich the collection and consequently the museum. Turin thus became a great centre for the study of Egyptian culture. A truly pharaonic route More than 2 km of exhibition space on four floors, 8,000 findings covering a span of history from 4000 BC to 700 AD: these are the record numbers of the largest Egyptian Museum, second only to Cairo in terms of the quantity and importance of its collections, and the oldest in the world entirely dedicated to Egyptian culture. Funerary furnishings, statues, sarcophagi, jewellery and papyri are on display. The itinerary is well-maintained and you do not run the risk of getting lost. If you prefer, you can choose a tour entirely guided by experts or opt for the multimedia audio guide on your smartphone, framing the QR.codes in the rooms. The rooms are dotted with tablets and interactive tables: have fun exploring the aspects that interest you most. Don't miss the 3D videos, which will make you experience the thrill of feeling like an archaeologist for a day. Through sequences showing excavation documents and period photographs, you will find yourself inside the tomb of Kha and that of Nefertari, then inside the Chapel of Maia. Two accompanying experiences One of the experiences to enjoy, especially if you have children in tow, is the thematic guided tour entitled Life in the Afterlife. The ancient Egyptians devoted a great deal of time to preparing for their future after death, which was considered to be the transition to a subsequent existence just as glorious as their earthly one. An Egyptologist tells you about these sophisticated practices, from the production of sarcophagi to the preparation of the body, which had to remain intact, to the mysterious symbolism of the funerary papyri. Art lovers are advised to visit the Restoration Area, on the second floor, where they can watch live restorations of artefacts in the Museum.
Museums and monuments
Automobile Museum of Turin

National Automobile Museum of Turin

A unique collection of cars in the world The MAUTO - National Automobile Museum is among the oldest museums of its kind. In 1932, Cesare Goria Gatti and Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia – two of the founders of the Turin Automobile Club in 1898 and of Fiat the following year – had the first idea of creating a museum dedicated to an object whose history had only just begun: the automobile. Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia (son of Roberto) – appointed 'provisional authorising officer' on 19 July 1933 – assembled the initial collection and fought for that visionary idea to become a reality. He passed away in 1959 and the current headquarters on Corso Unità d'Italia were named after him, built to the design of architect Amedeo Albertini and solemnly inaugurated on 3 November 1960. Today, the MAUTO preserves a collection of cars that is unique in the world, enhanced by the spectacular scenic contextualisation created by François Confino and the architectural renovation carried out by architect Cino Zucchi on the 150th anniversary of Italian unification: over 200 original cars of 80 brands from around the world divided into an exhibition itinerary on three floors: The car and the twentieth century, The car and man and Temporary exhibitions and design. Completing the museum itinerary: the Documentation Centre, the Mauto Labs - where the various educational activities proposed by the museum take place - and the Restoration Centre that carries out conservation and restoration activities of historic vehicles in collaboration with ACI – Automobile Club Italia, which is still among the Museum's ordinary shareholders, in order to pass on the cultural, technological and social value of historic cars from generation to generation. Interesting fact: The museum's collection includes 217 vehicles, including 189 cars, 14 motorcycles, motor tricycles and quadricycles, 40 engines and 28 chassis. Among the most valuable cars, the delightful Peugeot Type 3 of 1892, the first car ever to circulate in Italy. In 2013, the Times ranked it among the 50 most beautiful museums in the world. MAUTO has won TripAdvisor's most coveted award: the Travelers' Choice Award, based on feedback and opinions from the global travel community.
City

A noble capital transformed into a cultural melting pot

At the foot of the Alps, Turin was once the capital of the House of Savoy and birthplace of the Italian resurgence. Today, it is an innovation hub of Italian industry, rich in art and culture. Dynamic and baroque, Turin wows with its renowned Egyptian museum, architectural and monumental wonders, art galleries, international events and delicious traditional food – it’s a chocoholic's paradise!

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Turin Verbania Vercelli Novara Biella Asti Alessandria Cuneo
Turin
Turin

Discovering Turin, a multifaceted city rich in historic splendour. Elegant and earnest, Turin boasts a one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural heritage: the elegant aristocratic residences of times gone by, breathtaking Baroque architecture, bountiful museums and priceless monuments still stand tall today, creating a unique blend between past and present.

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Verbania
Verbania

Lakeside villas and gardens The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola stretches between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore, on the shores of which stand stunning villas surrounded by gardens, like Villa Taranto and Villa Giulia in Verbania or Villa Pallavicino in Stresa. From Stresa, you can take a boat to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Isola Bella is home to the 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo, with Baroque gardens, original furnishings, and paintings by Tiepolo and Carracci. On Isola Madre is a magnificent botanical garden, while on Isola Superiore or Isola dei Pescatori, the only inhabited island, you can stroll through charming villages. Also along the shores of Lake Maggiore are the medieval villages of Cannobio and Cannero Riviera, with a small harbour carved out of the rock, the Parco Degli Agrumi ecological park and moated castles. In Pallanza is the 12th-century Oratory of Saint Remigio. The picturesque town of Omegna sits by Lake Orta, while Vogogna is home to the Visconti Castle. Don’t miss the Toce Falls and the Vigezzo Valley, nicknamed the Valley of the Painters, as the landscapes enchanted 19th-century artists. The medieval town of Domodossola is located right here, near the Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola. For wilder nature, we recommend visiting the Val Grande National Park. In Macugnaga, in the shadow of Monte Rosa, you can discover Walser culture.

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Vercelli
Vercelli

Rice paddies, castles and a mysterious valley Vercelli, in Piedmont, is a jewel to discover. Surrounded by rice paddies, which are fantastic to cycle through while they are flooded between April and May, the city has countless sites of interest, including the Gothic-style Basilica of Sant'Andrea, the Cathedral of Sant’Eusebio, the Visconti Castle, the Leone Museum and the Francesco Borgogna Art Gallery. The province is full of surprises. In Buronzo stands the Castellone castle, while stunning fortresses can also be found in Balocco and Rovasenda. On the banks of the Sesia river is the Lame del Sesia wildlife park, where you can enjoy wonderful walks. Don’t miss Monferrato, with its rolling, vineyard-covered hills. The beating heart of the province of Vercelli is Valsesia. It is home to the Sacro Monte of Varallo, a monumental religious complex that, together with other Italian Sacri Monti, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Alagna Valsesia, you can discover Walser culture, a people of German origin who settled in this valley in the Middle Ages. Valsesia is a must for anyone who loves winter and river sports, from fishing to rafting. It is also home to Europe’s highest mountain hut, Capanna Margherita, at 4,554 metres atop Monte Rosa.

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Novara
Novara

A journey from the lake to the mountain A crossroads of important trade traffic, the province of Novara is characterised by its varied territory. In the small, quiet old town, visit the Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, an unfinished project by architect Alessandro Antonelli, creator of Turin's most famous Mole Antonelliana. Also unfinished is the Basilica of San Gaudenzio, from whose dome you can admire a magnificent panorama stretching as far as Monte Rosa. Alto Vergante, between Lake Maggiore and Mottarone, is rich in hilltop villages, including the historic Massino Visconti. On Lake Orta, discover the Island of San Giulio, with its Romanesque basilica and the ring road, an itinerary of spirituality and meditation. Another beautiful location is Arona, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore. From here, admire the Rocca di Angera, surrounded by the enchanting medieval garden and used as a museum, including the Sala delle Maioliche (Majolica Hall) and Europe's largest doll and toy museum. On the eastern outskirts of Cameri, on an erosion crag of the Ticino River, stands the prestigious Villa Picchetta. Finally, the Colline del Boca, an area rich in history and picture-postcard landscapes, famous for the production of the famous DOC wine of the same name and the imposing Boca Sanctuary.

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Biella
Biella

Snow, lakes and medieval villages The province of Biella offers unforgettable experiences for all tastes, from the snow-covered slopes of Bielmonte to historic villages, nature reserves, hill-top sanctuaries, castles, and food and wine delights, with polenta concia being the most popular dish. Biella lies at the foot of the Alps and is medieval at heart: the historic centre of Piazzo is located on a rocky ridge that looms over the rest of the town, which was later built and named Biella Piano. Don’t miss the Romanesque baptistery of St John the Baptist in Piazza Duomo, where you can also find St Stephen’s Cathedral. The most beautiful church, however, is the Renaissance basilica of St Sebastian. The cloister of the adjacent monastery houses the Museum of the Biella Territory. Near Biella is Ricetto di Candelo, a still intact, walled medieval walled village. Towards the Biellese Alps you can find the Sanctuary of Oropa on the Sacro Monte, where the locals venerate the Black Madonna. To be surrounded by nature, we recommend visiting the Parco Burcina Natural Reserve or Oasi Zegna, true natural paradises. Lake Viverone, the third largest lake in Piedmont, also offers beautiful walks and views. History buffs, meanwhile, should head to Masino Castle, the former residence of the Counts of Valperga.

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asti
Asti

Villages, churches and castles in the hills of Monferrato Lush countryside covered with vineyards, ancient villages and parish churches, castles perched atop rolling hills: this is the province of Asti, the beating heart of the Monferrato region known for its wine production. Every year it hosts the Douja d’Or, awarded to the best Piemonte wines. The city of Asti, along the ancient Via Francigena, has been nicknamed the city of a hundred towers since the Middle Ages. Many of them are still standing, including the 12th-century, 44-metre-high Torre Troyana tower, a symbol of the city. Don’t miss the Collegiate Church of Saint Secundus, the largest Gothic-style church in Piedmont dedicated to St Mary of the Assumption and St Gotthard, Palazzo Alfieri, the birthplace of writer Vittorio Alfieri, and the baroque Palazzo Mazzetti, now a civic museum. The most beautiful villages include Cocconato d’Asti, with magnificent views over the Versa Valley, Moncalvo, known as the smallest city in Italy, Mombaruzzo, famous for its amaretti biscuits, and Nizza Monferrato, where “hunchback” cardoon is grown. Albugnano is home to the splendid Romanesque-Gothic Abbey of Vezzolano. Don’t miss the castles of Piea, San Martino Alfieri, Montiglio and Castell’Alfero, as well as the 14th-century Costigliole d’Asti, which houses the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. Speaking of cuisine, local delicacies include agnolotti pasta, truffles, cured meats and, of course, bagna cauda. In summer and autumn, you can enjoy a picnic among the grapevines with local wines and cheeses. More information: Langhe Monferrato Roero Tourism Board - Official website (visitlmr.it)

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alessandria
Alessandria

The pleasure of discovery, among castles, historic battles and Romanesque masterpieces Known in Frederick Barbarossa’s time as Civitas Nova, after joining the Lombard League in 1168 it was offered to Pope Alexander III, who agreed to make it a feudal holding of the Church. It was renamed Alessandria in his honour. While, historically, its relationship with neighbouring Monferrato, which is only about thirty kilometres from the city, was marked by struggles and divisions, today Casale is an unmissable destination to discover some of its precious treasures — starting with the Synagogue of 1595, among the best examples of Piedmontese Baroque style, with the Jewish museum attached. We recommend visiting the Casale Monferrato Cathedral dedicated to Saint Evasius, one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches with its characteristic double narthex. If you find yourself in the historic centre, don’t forget to taste the authentic Krumiri, the popular biscuits inspired by the shape of King Victor Emmanuel II’s moustache. Among the fortresses in the Alessandria countryside, it is worth visiting the 12th-century Giarole Castle of the Sannazzaro family, with its frescoed halls, tower, fascinating dungeons and imposing 19th-century park. For fans of the Napoleonic campaigns, the Marengo Museum is a must for reconstructing Bonaparte’s exploits, as well as the causes, developments and consequences of the Battle of Marengo.

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Cuneo
Cuneo

Hunting for truffles, castles and storks Created as a military citadel by the Savoy family, Cuneo stands at the confluence of the Stura and Gesso rivers, on a plateau in the shape of a “cùneo” (wedge), after which it was named. The historic centre winds around Piazza Galimberti, an elegant gathering place surrounded by porticoed buildings. Via Roma, the main street, is lined with architecturally fascinating buildings, including the Palazzo della Torre, surmounted by the 14th-century Civic Tower, Casa Basso, with its ancient brick decorations, and Casa Quaglia, with its façade frescoed with heraldic motifs. A traditional, less crowded corner is the old Jewish ghetto, Contrada Mondovì, with several historic shops. If you visit the city, be sure to try Cuneesi, the typical chocolate made with meringue and rum. For more refined palates, we recommend visiting the Langhe area, from Barolo, the town famous for its namesake red wine, to Alba, with its prized white truffles. Every year, the cream of the crop are auctioned for charity. Don’t miss the castle of Racconigi with its beautiful park. Owned by the Savoy family since the 14th century, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Nearby is the Associazione Centro Cicogne e Anatidi nature reserve, which specialises in protecting storks. In this green oasis, you can admire the storks and enjoy a picnic, making it the perfect outing for the whole family.

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