Turin Overview

Describing Turin is not an easy task; the city is known for its cold, greyness and large industries. On the other hand, it is also a fascinating, interesting city. Linked to the Savoy tradition and being the ex capital of Italy, it is a city of charm, rich in historic monuments with the entrepreneurial spirit of a city in continual economic growth. It is an ordered city, built to an urban plan from the roman period with linear streets that are clearly set out.

The physical, historic and cultural centre is the symbol of the ancient capital of kingdom of Savoy. Turin would not be the same without its "palaces", such as the come Palazzo Madama or the Palazzo Reale, and the porticoes which date from the baroque period. These make up an extraordinary walk which winds around the centre for 18 kilometres, and were built to protect the royal family and their court from bad weather. Starting from the Porta Nuova walk towards the Cittadella, and from there walk to Piazza Castello and under the porticoes which are surrounded by shops, bars and cafés of all kinds until you reach the River Po. Crossing Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Carlo Felice, walk opposite Palazzo Reale and in the distance, continuing towards Via Po, the Gran Madre can be seen beyond the Piazza Vittorio bridge.

The numerous cafés in the centre are an excellent refuge in the cold winter days where one can warm up with a tea or a hot chocolate.

Platti is a seductive place with its desserts, as is Pfatish with its chocolates. The atmosphere in Caffè Torino is a perfect place to taste "bicerin" as is Baratti, in the Galleria Subalpina, which has a reminiscent feeling of far-off days of princes and princesses. On the opposite side of Piazza Castello is the Cathedral which houses the Holy Shroud and is currently undergoing restoration after the fire of a few years ago.

The Mole Antonelliana stands out amongst the other buildings, and offers a splendid landscape view of the city to anyone who climbs to the top.

Turin facts and figures

Area : 130 sq Km9

Time zone : GTM + 1

Electricity : 220 volts AC, 50Hz; square two-pin plugs are standard

Average January temp : 2.2°C (36°F)

Average July temp : 22.7°C (73°F)

Annual rainfall : 835mm (38 inches)

Airports : Caselle