TORINESE ITINERARY:
For tourists who wish to take the opportunity to visit the big city, we would recommend a brief Torinese itinerary to discover its numerous treasures. Turin is a city rich in history and culture, capable of inspiring awe in any visitor.
An important part of any visit would be the city's marvellous buildings, and emblem of Turin's noble history as the heart of the Savoy Kingdom and the hub of Italian Unification.
Piazza Castello provides the perfect starting point, site of the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, but you really should not miss the extraordinary "crown of delights" comprising ancient summer residences or hunting lodges such as Castello del Valentino and the Reggia di Venaria.
A tour of Turin's famous churches is a must for Christian visitors, but also for those who simply wish to admire their extraordinary facades, altars and frescoes. The Cathedral ("Duomo") is an obvious first choice, home to the famous shroud housed under Guarini's eccentric cupola, but others such as Superga, the 'Gran Madre' and the 'Consolata' are equally worthy of a visit. Turin's museums also offer a wealth of collections including exhibits inherited from the House of Savoy, such as weapons, jewels, tapestries and paintings. Museums not to be missed include the Royal Armoury, the Savoyard Gallery, the Civic Museum of Ancient Art and the Egyptian Museum, the most important of its kind after that in Cairo.
On the other hand, the city also has a strong passion for modern and contemporary art, demonstrated by permanent displays and exhibitions at Gam (Gallery of Modern Art), Palazzo Bricherasio, Rivoli Castle and the National Cinema Museum, an avant-garde display set up inside the Mole Antonelliana, symbol of Turin.
To discover these treasures and much more besides, the "Carta Musei Torino Piemonte" has been created, a card which enables you to visit more than 120 collections in the city and the surrounding region.
(Info: 800 329329)
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