Turin. Enjoy.
It’s possible to feel a little sorry for Torino (Turin). In the race for visitors, it competes with the likes of Rome, Florence, Venice. I’d heard various things about it – that it’s ‘industrial’ (because it’s the home of Fiat); that it’s more like France than Italy (is that a compliment or a denigration?); that it’s dull. But Nietzsche considered it a jewel of a city:
“Do you know Turin? Now that is a city after my heart, a breath of true 18th century. Palazzi that speak to the heart, not Renaissance fortresses! And the sight of the Alps from the center of the city. I would have never thought that the light could make a city so beautiful.”
So I had to go and see for myself.
In March the mists were still rising from the River Po in the mornings (the River Po is famous for its mists – I’ve mentioned these before, when visiting Mantua and San Benedetto Po). I spent two extraordinary days in Torino – far too short for such rich city. I didn’t have time to venture beyond the old city, to visit Fiat or to do justice to the city surrounds. But even so, I can easily compile a list of Ten Reason to Visit Turin.
The River Po.
1. To Stay at B&B All’Orso Poeta
I was fortunate to discover this little jewel of a place to stay. In fact, I was impressed enough to write a TripAdvisor review (something I rarely do):
“Staying in this B&B is like staying in your own elegant 19th century apartment, ideal for experiencing the equally elegant city of Torino. La signora, the lady of the house, is an experienced hostess who attended to all details – from a call on my arrival at the train station, to a welcoming caffé (with pastries), to my room with a view over the rooftops, to the charming sitting room looking over the park, to a very generous breakfast spread — loved it all. Excellent value for money, a delightful room, and a new friend in Torino.”
Thank you Signora Nicoletta.
2.Because Turin is the Chocolate Capital of Italy
Turin is surrounded by the Piedmont countryside, one product of which is hazelnuts. The headquarters of Ferrero Rocher and the factory that makes Nutella are located not far away. The rich combination of hazelnuts and chocolate are the basic ingredients of the classic giandujotto (made without milk), but there are dozens of variations on the chocolate theme. Guido Gobino is the chocolate epicentre, though there are plenty of other gorgeous competitors. And that’s before I’ve even told you about bicerin, the classic popular hot drink composed of a perfect storm of hot chocolate, espresso, fresh cream, and often a shot of something alcoholic too.
Guido Gobino: Chocolate motherlode, Turin.
3. To visit the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt
The Museo delle Antichita Egizie di Torino is undergoing a spruce-up, and some sections are closed, but there are still thousands of rare and beautiful objects from Ancient Egypt to goggle at. The new section has beautiful displays. Don’t miss several enormously long scrolls, the “Books of the Dead”.
4. To ride the elevator in the Cinema Museum
This iconic and oddly-shaped building, the Mole Antonelliana, has become a symbol of the city. Quirkily, it was originally designed as a synagogue, but when money ran out it was sold to the city. It’s now a museum to the history of film. But possibly its most attractive feature is the glass-sided lift that whisks you right through the central atrium of the building and up to a lofty platform with wide views of the city.
5. To learn about Italian royalty in the Royal Palace.
Tour the Palazzo Reale di Torino and wander through the state rooms, galleries, gilded antechambers and luxurious sitting rooms, and the massive hall where the Royal Armoury stores some incredible sets of armour for man and horse. The Palace was designed at the end of the sixteenth century by Ascanio Vittozzi, ducal architect at the court of Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy. The lives of the kings of Savoy – and their Queens – is spectacularly told through the rooms and furnishings. Don’t miss the “Scissor Staircase”, the Scala delle Forbici, by architect Filippo Juvarra.
Most of the reign of the House of Savoy preceded the unification of modern Italy (though The Dukes of Savoy became the Kings of Sicily in 1713 and then Kings of Sardinia which they ruled from 1720). And the king who was elevated to rule after reunification, Victor Emmanuel II, was from the House of Savoy and lived at the Palace.
There’s a good description here.
….continued…..
la vie boheme travel 