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Discover all Turin has to Offer

By: Gen Wright Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Italy is famous for being the epicenter of the Great Renaissance of Europe. To this date, Italian cities carry the distinct mark of being the centers of great art, learning and history. Turin, known as Torino in Italy, is no exception.

While travelling in Turin, do make sure to spend some time at the city's tourist hotspots.

First and foremost among these is the Mole Antonelliana, built in 1888 to be a synagogue it stands 167.5 metres tall. It is the highest structure in Europe built by masonry and is currently home to the National Cinema Museum of Italy – one of the finest in Europe.

Next up in the list, though in no way inferior in importance is the Cathedral of St John the Baptist or the Duomo di San Giovanni. The controversial and mysterious Shroud of Turin resides here in a vault below the Chapel of the Shroud. The Shroud sadly is open for public viewing only in jubilee years – the next of which is 2025.

For a taste of something completely different from the European civilization visit the Egyptian Museum Via Accademia delle Scienze. The Egyptian Museum is home to some of the most important artifacts of Egyptian civilization that can be seen outside the borders of Cairo. The Museum, housing over 30,000 exhibits was founded by King Carlo Felice in 1824 after he acquired the magnificent collection of Drovetti. Various fascinating insights into the Egyptian civilization can be gleaned here from objects as diverse as funeral furnishings and daily artifacts collected from a wide time span from the Paleolithic age to the Coptic.

Next, the famed Piazza Castello at the Palazzo Madama. Once home to the Queen, the Piazza has been created in a mixture of medieval and Baroque styles. A room with red sofas beckons weary travelers while the breathtaking beauty of the chandelier and of the art – religious as well as secular or historical – leave them basking in the aura of times of old.

Turin and its surrounding areas are ripe for exploration. A car hire Turin service opens up a world of touring possibilities. The best deals can be found by booking at the airport as there is a wider choice of rental cars at the busier locations. Booking in advance is recommended. Plan your own schedule and make the most of your free time. Stop off where you like and take a break anytime you are sleepy.

While soaking in the history of Turin, do not forget to enjoy a view of the entire city from Superga. Superga is reachable by chain train from Sassi and offers an unparalleled perspective on Turin.

Finally for a refreshing sip and snack while on the go from one place or activity to another do not forget to sample the food and ambience from Turin's famed cafes. Mulassano is one of the best places to do this matched in excellence by Baratti & Milano, which has been around since 1873.