TURIN, AN ELEGANT AND MAGICAL CITY WITH ARISTOCRATIC CHARM
CATHEDRAL ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST & THE HOLY SHROUD
Just closed to Piazza Castello, there is Cattedrale San Giovanni Battista which is the main cathedral of the city. Built at the end of the fifteenth century, this Renaissance-style church has a beautiful white marble façade and it is mainly known and visited by Christians from all over the world thanks to Cappella della Sacra Sindone, a breathtaking chapel added in the seventeenth century by architect Guarino Guarini. It preserves the Holy Shroud, the shroud which was wrapped around Jesus' body after his death.
PORTA PALATINA
From the cathedral, you can get easily to Porta Palatina, an impressive gate that was built in the first century B.C., during the Roman age.
PALAZZO CARIGNANO (pic n°6)
After visiting Porta Palatina, get back to Piazza Castello and turn to Via Roma, the central street of Turin featuring beautiful shops and elegant cafes. Nearby you will find Palazzo Carignano, one of the most evocative Baroque palaces in Turin and in Italy, which played an essential role in the Italian history because in 1861 the unification of Italy was declared here. It was also the first seat of the Italian Parlament till 1864.
MUSEO EGIZIO
Some blocks ahead there is the Egyptian Museum. A real not-to-be-missed attraction! It is considered to be the most important and the oldest Egyptian museum in the world outside Cairo.
PIAZZA SAN CARLO (pic n°2)
After your visit to the museum is over move back to Via Roma again and stop at Piazza San Carlo, the most beautiful square of Turin and its real heart. On one of the sides, there are two churches, one of Santa Cristina and the other of San Carlo while several aristocratic buildings overlook this large square. In the center stands the equestrian statue of Emmanuel-Philibert, Duke of Savoy.
Also, we like to mention here some historic and elegant cafes located in the square such as Cafe San Carlo, which was opened in 1842, Turin Cafè, and the Pastry shop of Stratta Brothers with the original furnishings of 1836.
VALENTINO PARK
We also suggest visiting the main park of the city called Parco del Valentino. Located on the left bank of the river Po, it is 2 kilometers long and it was designed in the nineteenth century. A landmark of the park is Castello del Valentino, built in the sixteenth century and declared human heritage by UNESCO. It was built at the request of Christine Marie of France, and today it hosts a university.
Not far from the castle, still in the park, you will find the characteristic Borgo Medioevale (Medieval Hamlet). Built in 1884 in occasion of the International Exposition, it is the reconstruction of a Medieval village, with houses, alleys, bridges, tiny shops and a Rocca (a castle) typical of that time. It is a very pleasant place to wander about.
SUPERGA (pic n°5)
Superga is the name of a hill located east of the city 670 meters a. s. l. and just above Turin. When here, visit the amazing Basilica, the Baroque-style church built in the eighteenth century, and rich in treasures, such as the Royal Crypt. Beautiful views over Turin and the Alps!
TURIN & CHOCOLATE
When your visit is over, do not miss some local desserts: Turin is also the "capital" of chocolate, (the Italian chocolate-making tradition was born in Turin in the 17th century), "gianduja", "bignolini" (kind of cream puffs), eggnog or marron glacé.
TURIN & MAGIC
Turin is considered to be one of the capitals of the word for magic, .... white and black magic areas are distinct in the city ... , it is said, the city is crossed by mysterious energies channeled along specific routes marked by monuments full of esoteric symbols ....
Some pics of Turin:
Turin with the Alps and Mole Antonelliana (pic n°1); Piazza San Carlo (pic n°2); The Royal Palace (pic n°3); Palazzo Madama - inside (pic n°4); Basilica of Superga (pic n°5); Palazzo Carignano (pic n°6);
Id: 154
Tour: Turin, an elegant and magical city with aristocratic charm
Category: Art City
Published by/Copyright: Touring-Italy.net
Location: Countryside
Region: Piedmont , Italy
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