MUSEUMS
Turin houses numerous amazing museums, testifying to the history, culture, industry, and internationality of the city. Here are just a few: the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) – the world’s most prominent after the museum in Cairo, the National Museum of Cinema in the glorious setting of the Mole Antonelliana, the Museum of Ancient Art at Palazzo Madama, the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento in Palazzo Carignano, and the National Automobile Museum, which tells of the city’s automotive history and the social issues related to it.
Turin is also renowned for its contemporary art. Works and installations produced over the last thirty years by internationally famous artists are displayed in public spaces through the city and at several museums and foundations such as the GAM-Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art at Rivoli Castle, the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation, the Merz Foundation, and the Giovanni e Marella Agnelli Art Gallery.
ROYAL RESIDENCES
Known as the “Crown of Delights,” the group of castles was built by the House of Savoy and recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. At its centre in Piazza Castello, there is the majestic Palazzo Reale – which, along with the Savoy Gallery, the Royal Armoury, the Royal Library, and the Archaeological Museum, form the “Royal Hub,” Palazzo Madama, and Palazzo Carignano.
Along the River Po is Valentino Castle, built by Christine of France in the French style. It now houses the Faculty of Architecture of Torino Polytechnic. Just a short way from the centre, in the hills of Turin is the Villa della Regina, surrounded by Italianate gardens with pavilions, fountains, and agricultural areas. The “crown” is completed by a wonderful collection of castles and residences in the surrounding areas. The incredible Royal Palace of Venaria now hosts major events, exhibitions, and concerts in its magnificent interiors and spectacular gardens. A favourite spot of the Savoy family for sumptuous feasts and solemn weddings was the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, modeled in the style of Central European residences.
RELIGIOUS SITES
Since 1578, the Duomo – the only example of Renaissance art in the city – has held the Holy Shroud, the Cloth claimed to have wrapped the body of Christ. Devotees can visit the corresponding Museum in the crypt of the Church of the Santissimo Sudario.
Turin’s churches are not only places of worship, but they are also fine examples of architecture and art, mainly in baroque style. The church of San Lorenzo, the first work commissioned by the Court of Savoy from Guarino Guarini, the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo in the eponymous Piazza, the church of San Filippo by Juvarra, and the Basilica della Consolata – much loved by Turin’s citizens – are well worth a visit not just by churchgoers. The new church of Santo Volto – by the architect Botta – is an admirable example of the use of land reclaimed from former industrial areas.
