Discovering Turin

From the Royal House of Savoy to the Royal House of another family that has made the history of Italy, the Agnelli family of Fiat and Ferrari.

In this constant coming and going between past and present, Turin is enclosed.

Visiting the historic center means discovering beautiful squares, baroque palaces, and walking twenty kilometers of arcades, built since the sixteenth century, under which one can find antique shops and the shops of the major Made in Italy brands, as well as historic cafes.

The city that was the first capital of Italy, from 1861 to 1865, still retains much of its aristocratic appearance, and the Royal Palace of the Savoy family is enchanting in its buildings and atmosphere.

Not to be missed is the National Museum of Cinema, located in the stunning Mole Antonelliana, a symbol of Turin, which, at its 167 meters, hosts the tallest film festival in the world, as well as the Egyptian Museum, second only to Cairo in terms of importance and quantity of exhibits and the best collection in Europe.

Moreover, the renovated Automobile Museum boasts a very scenic exhibition and the best collection.

But Turin is also the city of the Holy Shroud, the ancient shroud that recalls the history of Jesus and his death on the cross, kept here since 1936.

Devil’s door

You can find many attractions that are the protagonists of strange legends, and among them, there is one that revolves around the Devil’s Door, in Via XX Settembre, dating back to 1675.

Many veils of mystery shroud this work, adorned with fruit, flowers, cupids, animals, and a central devil. According to the most famous legend, the door appeared out of nowhere on the same night when an apprentice sorcerer invoked dark forces and Satan. Annoyed by the invocation, Satan himself decided to punish the sorcerer by imprisoning him behind the door.

Villa della Regina

In Turin, there are two beautiful places from which to enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view of the city and the mountain range that gently envelops it as if to protect it: the Monte dei Cappuccini, the more famous and popular among tourists, and Villa della Regina, which is decidedly less known.

Built in the early 17th century by the will of Maurice of Savoy, over the centuries, the Villa was the residence of several Savoyard queens, from which it derives its name today. In 1868, Vittorio Emanuele II gave it as a gift to the Institute for the Daughters of the Military, but it was severely damaged during the Second World War.

Since then, the Villa fell into a state of neglect until the 1990s when it became the subject of a grand restoration project that restored it to its former glory.

Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur

A splendid example of Art Nouveau style, Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur is one of the most charming buildings in Turin. Located on Via Principi d’Acaja, it was designed in 1902 by engineer Pietro Fenoglio with the intention of creating his own personal studio. The house was later sold to the French entrepreneur La Fleur.

The building was subsequently abandoned and purchased by private individuals. Today, it houses private residences and professional offices, and it can only be admired from the outside.

Principi di Piemonte

Historic 5-star hotel in the heart of Turin, Principi di Piemonte – UNA Esperienze, is the ideal location to enjoy a luxurious stay in a privileged position. Symbolizing ancient splendor, it is housed within an imposing rationalist-style building, one of the most refined architectural gems in Turin.

Complete with an elegant spa and wellness center, the hotel offers exquisite dining options and provides its guests with spacious and elegant rooms and suites with exceptional views of the city and the surrounding beauty.

The jewel of the property is undoubtedly the famous “Salone delle Feste” (Ballroom), with its dedicated entrance, golden casket adorned with Venini mosaics, and historic Murano chandeliers.

The modern wellness center and SPA, enriched with artistic mosaics, provide guests with precious moments dedicated to self-care within a true urban oasis of relaxation, featuring a Turkish bath in a traditional Middle Eastern style, Finnish sauna, emotional shower, relaxation area, and a spacious whirlpool tub.

Villa Crespi 3 STARS

Orta San Giulio – Novara

Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s cuisine evokes two types of love: one is directed towards the past, to the places that have shaped his story, while the other looks with gratitude at the land that has welcomed him, the backdrop to his earliest dreams come true.

And so, Campania and Piedmont travel hand in hand, bringing to light the excellence of premium ingredients and fine wines, along with the inspiration of unforgettable combinations.

The clock hands slow their movement, and in the air, there’s the tale of dishes that captivate at first glance. Silent dancers move around you to offer the spectacle of impeccable service, in a setting adorned with Moorish details that speak of ancient stories.

Piazza Duomo 3 STARS

Alba – Cuneo

People often talk about how the connection between the Ceretto family and the genius and precision of chef Enrico Crippa was born.

The matchmaker in this encounter was that moment in Paderno D’Adda when, with the first bite of the crispy pumpkin and gorgonzola, Bruno Ceretto realized he had finally found his chef.

It was the early 2000s, and alongside a passion for wine and art, the Piedmontese entrepreneur and patron had in mind to promote his hills through excellent cuisine in a grand restaurant.

For those seated in the pink dining room, bathed in natural light that the frescoed walls by the painter Francesco Clemente know how to reflect and warm, looking out the window is a cinematic experience.

Enrico Crippa loves to amaze his guests with artistic, dynamic, and surprising tastings, where centuries-old recipes and local excellence meet an adventurous palate.

If Crippa were a painter, vegetables would be his palette, and the vegetable garden, the landscape of his intimate and surprising heart to which he remains faithful; every day interpreted differently.

The Chef has been precise: “The vegetable element is now one of the cornerstones of my cuisine, and it causes the nuances of my dishes to change from day to day.”

Andrea Larossa 1 STAR

Via Sabaudia – Torino

At the foot of the hills of Turin, Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Larossa has found the place of his heart for his restaurant, where he can best express his respect for the traditions of the Langhe and the historic city of Savoy, the first capital of Italy, through a captivating, innovative, and elegant cuisine.

Care, attention, a deep understanding of techniques, and the continuous search for the most prestigious ingredients make each dish special and refined.

Here, the most diverse palates and gastronomic preferences can find enjoyment and novelty: meats and fish, game and seafood, and during the autumn season, the exquisite White Truffle of Alba.

Condividere 1 STAR

Via Bologna -Torino

The project aims to blend culinary excellence with the joy that characterizes the Italian dining experience. In a welcoming and informal environment, gourmet cuisine becomes entertainment for all so that people can exchange stories, experiences, and knowledge through food.

The Condividere menu is the result of a journey that, starting from the origins of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, places conviviality and sharing at the heart of the experience.

The desire to bring authenticity to an informal space, where tradition and culinary history are interpreted in a modern way, has led Chef Federico Zanasi down uncharted paths, earning him a Michelin star in 2019.

Magorabin 1 STAR

Corso San Maurizio -Torino

In Turin, “magorabin” is the bogeyman who scares children in fairy tales. Since 2003, it has also been synonymous with contemporary regional cuisine, crafted by Marcello Trentini.

Attention to detail, care, and comfort, a delightful approach to dining, are the keys through which the Magorabin restaurant daily extends the concept of hospitality and taste, in every dish or glass proposal, even in the recently opened cocktail bar where it all began.

Twenty years later, after continuous evolutions, Magorabin is a venue with a contemporary and international design, yet deeply rooted in Turin’s identity.

In the historic and elegant Via Roma and its parallel streets, such as Via Lagrange and Via Carlo Alberto, you will find the boutiques of major Italian and international high fashion brands like Gucci, Hermès, Calvin Klein, Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton.

For lovers of vintage and antiques, the ideal shopping spots in Turin are undoubtedly Via Po, with its numerous stalls selling used books and records, and the many shops offering ethnic clothing.

You can also explore the Galleria Subalpina to find antique pieces or visit Vintage della Gran Madre or Extravaganza for all retro style enthusiasts.

The Italian city of chocolate also offers delightful variations: there are numerous excellent local products to explore.

Turin’s refined gourmet shops showcase the regional specialties, with Piedmont IGP hazelnuts being a highlight among them, known as “round and gentle trilobate” natural delicacies.

Shopping in Turin is undeniably one of the most enjoyable experiences in the country, and it’s not just about food and drink.

Piedmontese wine is a pride, and Turin boasts well-stocked wine shops where you’ll have a wide selection to choose from: deep reds and equally bold whites encapsulate the intense flavors of the hills of this enchanting and generous region.

If you can’t resist the temptations of the palate, remember that Turin is also a city of vintage and antiques: the Balon is the largest and oldest flea market in Turin, where enthusiasts of this genre can find a wide array of items.

In Turin, the nightlife scene mainly revolves around the main squares: this is the case for Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, which mark the boundaries of the Roman Quadrilateral.

It also includes Piazza Vittorio Veneto, overlooking the River Po. And it’s from this square that you can reach the venues along the Murazzi, the riverside area, a real hotspot especially in the summer! Here, you can easily move around on foot. However, the quintessential nightlife district is San Salvario, which also encompasses Valentino Park.

The Roman Quadrilateral is one of the oldest areas in Turin, at the heart of the historic center. It is bordered by Piazza Statuto on one side and the beautiful Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo on the other. The iconic venues include the renowned Lobelix Café and KM5. For those leaning towards alternative and live music, there’s the FolkClub and the T·Club Cocktail Bar.

San Salvario is the ultimate nightlife neighborhood. It’s also a perfect area to stay if you want to go out every night. Located to the south of the historic center, it also includes the famous Valentino Park. The iconic venues here are the renowned Ottantaquattro, Discoteca Life Torino, and Gørilla.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto is filled with outdoor cafes, and it’s especially the starting point for heading along the Murazzi, the Po riverside. Here, numerous venues line up, including The Beach, GiancaMurazzi, Flora, La Drogheria, and Caffè Vittorio Veneto.