Regal palazzos, Baroque arcades, an air of French allure (…and as much chocolate as your heart desires) Torino is known as Italy’s ‘Royal City’ for some very good reasons. If you haven’t visited this treasure trove of architectural grandeur, storied streets and historic cafés that are home to some of the most defining moments from Italian national history, then it’s high time you packed a weekend bag and ventured over with us!
Getting there
Located in the northern Italian region of Piemonte, Torino is less than an hour’s train ride from Milan, and it’s also easily accessible by train from Genova and Nice (France). With its own airport (Turin-Caselle Airport), Torino is well-connected to other Italian cities and European destinations, making it an ideal stop on your route from Italy to France or Switzerland, or indeed, as your final destination!
The architectural opulence and scale of Torino’s buildings is one of the first things you notice about the city – we’re talking palaces, grand civic monuments and even castles. Discover the historical narratives and stories hidden in the vast halls of Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Carignano, which you’ll explore when visiting some of Torino’s most important public and civic museums housed in these destinations.
Italy’s ‘Royal City’? The House of Savoy (Italy’s royal family) was based in Torino from the 1500s, which explains the abundance of regal residences, palaces and well-preserved castles across the city.
Indulge your medieval fantasies at Borgo Medievale in Parco del Valentino, located on the banks of the River Po. Here you’ll discover an entire village of ‘locals’ just as it was in the Middle Ages – with a castle included! It’s like a piece of ancient history for all to enjoy, especially on weekends when there are workshops run by local artisans showcasing period crafts and skills.
Art lovers from all over the world visit Torino for its enviable modern and contemporary art collections, and the city is even considered the birthplace of the Arte Povera movement that started in the 1960s. We’ve long admired the abstract paintings of Turinese artist Giorgio Griffa, who is part of the city’s contemporary art legacy that can be seen at major galleries including Galleria d’Arte Moderna, houses a collection of over 45,000 works!
Strolling through the city’s Baroque arcades feels a touch Parisian, and a lot romantic! These ornate covered walkways reflect French history and culture that was present in Torino until the late 1800s when the region of Piemonte included areas that are part of present-day France. Lose yourself in these arcades and their historic shops and boutiques, as seen in Via Po and Torino’s famous arcaded Piazza San Carlo.
Torino’s atmosphere doesn’t feel as busy or touristic as other major Italian cities (another reason we love it!) and there’s even plenty of things to see beyond the popular central attractions. Take a drive, or even an original 1930s tram up the hillside towards Superga, and tour the Basilica di Superga. This Baroque masterpiece houses the crypt of the Savoia Family’s Royal Tomb, as well as a sublime dome that’s well worth climbing (…131 stairs, to be precise!). The panoramic views of Torino from the church’s balcony are something you’ll talk about for years to come!
Don’t make us choose a favourite building in the city! Although, we are eternally inspired by the Mole Antonelliana, an architectural feat and city landmark that is sometimes referred to as the ‘Eiffel Tower of Italy’. Home to the National Museum of Cinema, we suggest spending an afternoon exploring this monumental building and its surrounds, or at the very least, scaling its 168-metre-tall spire in a glass elevator.
You haven’t truly visited Torino unless you indulge in the three C’s – chocolate, coffee and Campari (…possibly all three at the same time, we won’t judge!). The city is regarded as one of the world’s foremost producers of premium chocolate, boasting a rich history that dates back to the 1500s. What’s so special about Turinese chocolate? For starters, Gianduja was invented here; a decadent blend of cocoa and hazelnut paste that melts in the mouth. And from Gianduja came some of the world’s favourite chocolate treats, including those little Gianduiotto delights wrapped in their iconic gold foil – a hero of the city!
Be sure to try classic treats, desserts and beverages made with Turinese chocolate (often paired with locally ground coffee) at some of the city’s immaculate historical cafes including Caffè Fiorio, Baratti & Milano and Caffè Torino. Sit yourself under the cover of a romantic arcade, and savour a glass of hot Bicerin (a typical drink made from espresso, drinking cocoa and milk) with a dolci.
If it’s aperitivo hour, something with Campari is a must! The world-famous red Italian bitter has early origins in Torino, and continues to define the city’s bar culture and beyond. A plate of traditional Tajarin (a type of long flat egg pasta) served with a brown butter sage sauce is the perfect Turinese dinner, especially at authentic old-world osteria like Porto di Savona and Piola Da Celso.
