Turin

Turin is a city located in the northern part of Italy, situated along the Po River. It is an industrial city, though the city gained popularity among Christians as the place where the Shroud of Turin is located.

Sights & Activities

Visitors who come to Turin to view the famous shroud will probably be disappointed to know that it is only exhibited every 25 years and is stored in a vault most of the time. The structure that contains the vault is the Duomo di San Giovanni, more commonly known as the Turin Cathedral, located at the Piazza San Giovanni. It was built during the 15th century and was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Though unable to view the shroud, visitors can still tour the cathedral’s underground passages and view some items related to the shroud. A replica of the shroud is also displayed.

Near the cathedral is the remains of a Roman amphitheater, which has been dated back to the 1st century BC. What remained of the old city wall can also be viewed, now called the Porto Palatina.

Other churches in Turin worth visiting are Basilica di Superga and the Santuario della Consolata. The former is located on a hill at the edge of the city and is where members of the House of Savoy were buried. The latter is situated along Via Maria Adelaide and bears a pink and white façade. Its interior is replete with works of art such as paintings and statues.

Adjacent to the Piazza San Giovanni is the Piazza Castello, where the Palazzo Madama e Casaforte degli Acaja is located. The castle was built in the 14th century, on the site of the original stronghold of the city. It became the residence of two queen regents in the 17th and 18th century, thus the name of the castle. It now houses the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica, showcasing rare collections of artifacts. Also located within the building is the Armeria Reale, housing one of the most complete collections of antique armor and weapons in the continent, some dating back to the 16th century. On the grounds of the palace is a French garden that features the Fountain of the Naiads and Tritons.

Another distinctive structure in the city is the Mole Antonelliana, a domed structure located along Via Montebello. Built in the later part of the 19th century, the building is now home to the National Museum of Cinema. Visitors can take the lift to top of this city’s tallest building, where magnificent views can be enjoyed.

One of Turin’s contemporary attractions is the Lingotto Centre on Via Nizza. The structure once served as factory of automobile manufacturer Fiat, though production halted in 1982. It is now converted into an amusement center, with concert halls, shops, and theaters. However, a small part of the original facility is still preserved for visitors to explore.

One of the city’s most popular outdoor destinations is the Parco del Valentino, located along the banks of the river. This extensive park features several miniature woods, a rose garden, the Castello del Valentino that is home to the Faculty of Architecture, and a medieval village built in 1884 for the Turin International Exhibition.

Weather

Unlike most of the Italian cities, Turin enjoys what can be described as a continental climate. As the rest of the country becomes hot during summer, Turin enjoys a much cooler temperature, especially in areas near the surrounding hills of the city. Winter can get cold and dry, with north winds blowing in to bring frost. Thick fogs are also characteristic of the autumn and winter months in Turin. Spring, though still cool compared to the rest of the country, ushers in a lot of sunlight and brings the colors of nature back into the city.