Turin Turism - Hotel Reservations and tourist attractions

Dubbed European capital of Baroque, on the one hand, and Automobile Capital (FIAT), on the other hand, Turin is one of the main cities in Italy chosen as tourist destination, despite the fact that the city in itself does not thrive on tourism. Thus, the city is world renowned for its historic and cultural background imprinted in the many well preserved landmarks bursting with an incredible architectural spectacle.

But its historic and cultural heritage is complemented by the fact that several automobile companies, such as FIAT, have their main headquarters in Turin. Adding its long preserved reputation among literates and artists, and the fact that the city is home of the controversial Turin Shroud, one may argue that the city is rightfully deemed a prized tourist destination.

Short History of Turin

As expected, Turin has been a Roman settlement since around the 1st century BC. Even if its origins render Turin as a military camp, its historic trajectory turned the settlement into the capital city of the Duchy of Savoy (the 16th century). Subsequently, it became, even if only for a short period of time, the capital of the United Italy (the 19th century). But however harsh or mild might history have been with Turin, the one thing the city understood was that preserving the imprints of history is a is a token of respect to its own identity.

Accommodation in Turin

Despite the fact that Turin is renowned mainly as a business trip destination, the city is well endowed with establishments able to provide accommodation services for those traveling for pleasure, that is, for tourists as such. Camping sites or certain hotel chains, pensions and youth hostels may prove to be a solution for those traveling on a rather limited budget, even if the location of such establishments may sometimes prove to be a shortcoming. Luxury hotels are just as available, and their central location is an upside which is worth paying for.

Piedmontese cuisine at Turin

Pizza and pastas represent top choices among locals, but tourists may just as well try those world renowned Italian dishes. Anchovy and garlic also stand as basic ingredients for certain local specialties, such as Bagna càuda, but should one look for a lighter snack, they may always try the grissini. The tourist may make their way through desert – mainly represented by chocolate delights – by trying the large range of meats usually served with certain sauces, either cold or hot.

Tourist Attractions and Objectives in Turin

Mole Antonelliana is, perhaps, the most notable landmark of the numerous objectives in Turin. But the Valentino Castle, the Lingotto Center, Piazza Castello, the Roman Amphitheater and the Porta Palatina must not be disregarded in terms of tourist attractions. Turin also replete with museums and art galleries, of which the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Cinema, the Motor Museum and the Gallery of Contemporary Art or the Museum of Antiquities and Fine Art belong to the must-see category. The same holds true when it comes to a series of religious establishments – the Superga Cathedral, the San Giovanni Dome, the Santuario della Consolata – or to the remarkable range of palaces: the Reale Palace, the Madama Palace, or the Cavour Palace. Turin also hosts Juventus Torino football club.

Events and Festival in Turin

The Artissima International Fair of Contemporary Art, Settembre Musica, the Docume in the Park and the International Theater Festival count as the more significant cultural events held in Turin. Automotoretro is meant to gather together old car enthusiasts, and the Turin Marathon is an event which attracts competitors all over the world. Turin also hosts events like CioccolaTO or the Feast of San Giovanni.