Turin, a city in northern Italy, is famous mainly for the Fiat concern, old confectionery traditions, and the Turin Shroud. It also impresses with baroque architecture, beautiful and well-kept greenery of parks, as well as with delicious cuisine and a wide variety of fine wines.
The majority of historic buildings in Turin represents the baroque and Art Nouveau styles. Despite this typically Austrian architecture, you can experience an authentic atmosphere of Italy here – the ubiquitous love for wine, splendid coffee, and great cuisine. What is worth visiting and tasting here? On the first day of your stay, take a stroll to the historic city center, characterized by richly decorated facades of tenement houses and cobbled plazas, such as Piazza Castello. At Piazza San Carlo, known as the heart of Piedmont, you can step into the Palazzo dell'Accademia delle Scienze that houses Museo Egizio – one of the biggest museums in the world with exhibitions on ancient Egypt.
You also should visit the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile at Corso Unita d’Italia and the Turin Cathedral. Take the antique tram line to the top of Monte dei Cappuccini to see the Basilica of Superga. Head also for Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace) to admire its splendid gardens and armory. Those keen on Italian movies will certainly love a visit to Museo Nationale del Cinema (the National Cinematography Museum). This place tempts tourists also with its observation deck offering a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Alps.
Remember that Turin is called “the chocolate capital” of Italy; local confectionery traditions are more than 50 years old and each year the chocolate festival is held here. In Farmacia Del Cambio taste gianduiotti (chocolate with hazelnuts) and have one of typical drinks of Turin – Martini or Campari Soda. And what to eat in Piedmont? You should try fonduta (a kind of cheese fondue), vitello tonnato (veal in tuna sauce), potato gnocchi, corn polenta or insalata di carne cruda (marinated beef tartare). It is worth searching for tajarin hand cut pasta and agnolotti – a special type of ravioli. Ask also for risotto, e.g., with frog legs or with truffle flakes. To get the best regional cuisine go to La Taverna dei Mercanti, Il Bistrot della Bottega del Gusto, or Trattoria La Madia.
