Turin Top Attractions and Landmarks

Firstly, Turin should be on everyone’s Italy itinerary.  Turin, Italy, is a captivating city that seamlessly combines rich history with modern elegance.  Known for its grand baroque architecture and the iconic Mole Antonelliana.  It offers visitors a glimpse into Italy’s regal past.  Moreover, the city is also renowned for its exquisite cuisine, including luxurious chocolates, refined wines and good hotels.  As a result, a haven for food enthusiasts.  Additionally, Turin’s proximity to the Alps makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures year-round.  Let’s take a look at the top Turin attractions.

Royal Palace of Turin (UNESCO site)

The Royal Palace of Turin, set in the historic Piazza Castello.  In addition, it’s a UNESCO-listed site that originally served as a court in the 16th century.  Transformed into a grand Baroque-style palace in the 17th century, it was the residence of the dukes and duchesses of the Duchy of Savoy.  What’s the Duchy of Savoy? A European sovereign state from 1416 to 1860.  Today, this stunning palace functions as a museum, showcasing the illustrious history of the Savoy dynasty.

Palazzo Madama (UNESCO site)

Palazzo Madama is next to the Royal Palace of Turin in Piazza Castello.  Equally important, it’s a historic gem originally serving as the city’s main gate during the Roman Empire.  In the 14th century, it was transformed into a castle, and by the 17th century, it had become a duke’s residence.  For this reason, it features a regal facade as well as a castle-like rear.  Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Palazzo Madama houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art.  Consequently, one of the top Turin attractions.

Palazzo Carignano (UNESCO site)

Palazzo Carignano was named after the Princes of Carignano, the relatives of the House of Savoy.  Furthermore, it was built in a Baroque architecture style in the 17th century.  An interesting fact about the Palazzo Carignano is that the first king of Italy was born here in 1820.  As part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, it’s one of the five UNESCO sites in Turin city.  Today, it’s the home of the museum of the Risorgimento.

Castle of Valentino (UNESCO site)

The Castle of Valentino is located in Valentino park on the banks of the river Po.  It’s a French style castle in which a French princess lived.  In addition, it’s part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy which makes it a UNESCO site.  This is because a duke bought the castle.  Lastly, it’s now part of the University of Turin.

Villa della Regina (UNESCO site) – Top Turin Attractions

A short walk uphill from the River Po lies Villa della Regina.  A splendid retreat originally designed in 1615 by an Italian soldier for the House of Savoy.  Serving both as a villa and a vineyard, it provided a serene escape just outside the city.  Over the centuries, it has been home to numerous royals, including Anne Marie d’Orléans, the Queen of Sicily.  Interestingly, the villa’s name, ‘Villa della Regina,’ which means ‘Villa of the Queen’ in Italian, honors her.  Today, as part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Lastly, Villa della Regina offers stunning panoramic views over Turin.

Turin Cathedral and the Shroud of Turin

Turin Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is located next to the Royal Palace and was built in the 15th century.  Its notable addition, the Chapel of the Shroud, was constructed in the 17th century.  Constructed specifically to house the Shroud of Turin.  This sacred cloth, believed to bear the imprint of Jesus of Nazareth, is rarely displayed, adding to its mystique.  Finally, the shroud’s elusive visibility makes it one of Turin’s top attractions, drawing visitors eager to uncover its secrets.

Egyptian Museum

The most visited museum in Turin is the Egyptian Museum.  It houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt.  As a matter of fact, it’s the only museum in the world that is solely dedicated to Egyptian culture outside of Egypt.  As you would expect, you’ll find ancient sarcophagi, mummies, tombs and other artefacts from Ancient Egypt inside.

Mole Antonelliana and Cinema Museum

The Mole Antonelliana dominates the Turin skyline.  In addition, you can ascend it for a view of the city.  Housed in the Mole Antonelliana is the cinema museum.  Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Italian cinema.  There is memorabilia and props from historic movies.  Did you ever wonder what happens to the old film technology as new technology is released?  A lot of the historic filming equipment is on display here.

Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo

Via Roma is one of the main avenues of the city of Turin.  Consequently, you’ll find many high end stores along this avenue.  It has been described as the Oxford Street of Turin.  In the center of via Roma is the Piazza San Carlo where you’ll see many points of interest.  It’s a 16th-17th century plaza and is surrounded by buildings of Baroque architecture.  Photography lovers can make several amazing reflection photos at Piazza San Carlo and along via Roma during rain.  Lastly, for shopaholics, this area is definitely one of the top Turin attractions.

Monte dei Cappuccini

The easiest way to get a city view of Turin is from Monte dei Cappuccini.  This is a Renaissance style church on a small hill.  However, the church is not as impressive as the city view.  Furthermore, the mountains you can see from Turin are the Italian Alps.  For this reason, on a clear day you’ll see the Italian Alps behind the Turin cityscape.  This makes a visit to Monte dei Cappuccini a must for everyone visiting the Turin.  If you wish to go higher you may visit the Basilica of Superga.  It’s a 20 minute uphill walk from the Monte dei Cappuccini.  Finally, many members of the House of Savoy and Italian royal family were buried here.

Via Po

You will walk on Via Po as it’s connects Piazza Castello and the River Po.  Here, you’ll find lots of bars, restaurants and shops.  The traditional trams of Turin are orange.  Around Via Po and the Piazza Castello you’ll see lots of these orange trams.  Trams combined with the architecture of Via Po as a backdrop are guaranteed to be vibrant photos.

Watch a Juventus Football Match at the Allianz Stadium

Turin is home to two famous football teams, Juventus and Torino.  If you’re lucky, one of these teams will be playing at home when you visit Turin.  The home stadium of Torino is the Stadio Olimpico.  Unfortunately there are no Stadio Olimpico stadium tours available.  The only way to visit the Stadio Olimpico is if Torino are playing at home.  Alternatively, the Allianz Stadium of Juventus has many stadium tours each day.  Read about the Allianz stadium tour experience.  Finally, with the Italian passion for football, watching games are definitely top Turin attractions not to be missed.

Enjoy a Bicerin

Bicerin is a drink native to Turin.  In fact, Bicerin translates into English as ‘small glass’.  In the small glass is a mixture of espresso, chocolate and whole milk.  Here’s a tip; when drinking, do not stir but drink it as it’s served.   The delicious Bicerin pictured above was enjoyed in Caffè al Bicerin.  This cafe has been serving Bicerin since the 18th century.  As well as enjoying the delicious drink, you’ll enjoy historic surroundings.

How to get from Turin to Milan by bus

There are regular Flixbus services between Turin and Milan.  Often this service costs as little as €5.  Furthermore, the journey time is less than 2 hours.  Turin has 3 bus stops so make sure you choose the stop closest to you and closest to the center is Vittorio Emanuele.

Milan to Brescia by train