Torino is a city rich in history and culture, with an artistic and architectural heritage of inestimable value. It holds timeless treasures that enchant visitors with their majesty and historical significance.

Its strategic location in the centre of northern Italy meant that the city was an important political and cultural centre for centuries, even hosting the Savoy court. This helped create a unique atmosphere of art, history, and tradition.

The destinations below can be viewed on our Google Map of Torino’s Timeless Treasures.

The Savoy Family and Their Influence on Torino

Originating in Savoy, a mountainous region between France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Savoy family has left an indelible imprint on the history of Torino and Piedmont. This aristocratic dynasty was a key player in many crucial events, from the founding of the Kingdom of Sardinia to the unification of Italy.

Torino served as their principal residence for centuries and was transformed under their rule into a cultural, political, and economic center of international significance.

The Savoy family contributed to the construction of numerous monuments and works of art, enriching the architectural and cultural heritage of the city. Even today, despite the passage of centuries and political changes, the bond between the Savoy family and Torino remains palpable. Their palaces, gardens, and museums continue to bear witness to the grandeur and magnificence of this royal family, while the city itself proudly preserves the memory of its illustrious rulers.

Iconic Landmarks

Piazza Castello and the Royal Palace

Piazza Castello is the beating heart of the city. Here, you will find some of the city’s most important monuments, such as the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Torino), the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, and the Royal Library. The palace’s majestic rooms are rich in frescoes and period furnishings that recount the events of the Savoy court. The Piazza is also the venue for numerous events and festivals, such as the Torino Film Festival and Christmas in Piazza Castello.

Mole Antonelliana

Mole Antonelliana is one of Torino’s most recognisable symbols. Originally designed as a synagogue, the Mole is a neo-Gothic building, constructed in the late 19th century as the seat of the Torino Synagogue. Its dome offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, inviting visitors to lose themselves in the beauty of Torino from above.

Today, it is a museum dedicated to the history of cinematography and is home to the National Museum of Cinema.

Torino Cathedral and the Shroud

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista) houses the Holy Shroud, a historical and religious object of veneration and study that attracts pilgrims and scholars from all over the world.

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) in Torino is one of the most important collections in the world dedicated to ancient Egypt. Its rooms house a collection of more than 30,000 artifacts, including the famous Rosetta Stone, as well as statues, sarcophagi and papyri, offering a fascinating and evocative journey into the civilisation of the pharaohs. The Egyptian Museum is one of the most important Egyptology museums in the world, ideal for discovering the history and culture of ancient Egypt.

Palace of Venaria

Just a few kilometres from the centre is the magnificent Reggia di Venaria Reale, one of the most famous Savoy residences, so much so that it has been on the World Heritage List since 1997. The sumptuous gardens and richly decorated rooms tell the story of the sovereigns who lived there, providing a glimpse into the Baroque era. It often hosts internationally significant cultural events and exhibitions.

Basilica of Superga

Located on the Superga hill, the Basilica is another historically important site linked to the Savoy royal family. It is an architectural jewel with a spectacular view of the city and the Alps, aspects that make it an unmissable stop for those visiting Torino.

Monte dei Cappuccini

Monte dei Cappuccini is a hill in the Borgo Po district that is about 200 metres from the right bank of the Po River and is known for spectacular panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The hill takes its name from the convent of Capuchin friars that sits on its summit. The church of Santa Maria al Monte (Chiesa Di Santa Maria Del Monte Dei Cappuccini), built in the 17th century, is well worth a visit and contains important works of art.

Parco del Valentino

Parco del Valentino is a large public park located along the Po River. Rich in greenery, gardens, fountains, and monuments, Valentino Park is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.

Galleria Sabauda

The Galleria Sabauda is an art museum housing a collection of over 30,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects. It is an ideal place to admire works by Italian and foreign artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Caravaggio, and Anthony van Dyck.

Additionally, be sure to visit:

• The National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile), which houses a collection of over 200 vintage and modern cars.
• The National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento (Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano) tells the story of the Unification of Italy.
• The Museum of Oriental Art (MAO Museo di Arte Orientale), which houses a collection of over 10,000 works of art from all over the world.
• The Museum of Cinema (Museo Nazionale del Cinema), which tells the history of cinema.
• The Civic Museum of Ancient Art (Museo Civico di Arte Antica) in Palazzo Madama, which houses a collection of ancient art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects.
• The Regional Museum of Natural Science (Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali), which houses a collection of over 2 million natural history artifacts.
• Collina di Superga Park (Parco Naturale della Collina di Superga), which offers a panoramic view of the city.

Get out and see Torino!

Torino is a city rich in history, culture, and nature with timeless treasures that represent an extraordinary cultural heritage, bearing witness to centuries of history and magnificence. Every visitor can find something to enjoy.

We hope you will make time to explore this fascinating city! When you do, let us know what you discover!

Buon viaggio!