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Turin is the capital of the Province of Piedmont, it is situated on the western edge of the Padana Plain, between the Po hills and the Alps, where the Doria Riparia and Po Rivers converge. Turin is the fourth most popular city in Italy, after Rome, Milan and Naples. An important economic center, its main industry is automobiles (80% of Italy’s entire production), along with subsidiary industries like steel and metal working, and motors for aeronautical and naval industries.

It acquired notable importance thanks to its geographically central location in the sub-alpine region since Romans empire, later it became a Lungobard duchy and a Frankish county. The Savoy asserted their power from the 13^th century onward. In 1563, Turin became their State capital. At that time, the city’s transformation began and it assumed its characteristic Baroque stamp. Subsequently, Turin was dominated by the French, until 1814, when it was again under Savoy rule. From then on the city became the center of the Italian Risorgimento and had the privilege of being the first capital of Italy (1861-1865).

Turin to see

The Porta Palatina and the western Porta Praetoria towers which are incorporated within the Madama Palace. From the Romanesque period, the Belltower of Sant’Andrea, now called the Belltower of the Consulate, is still preserved. The only piece of Gothic architecture left is the San Domenico Church, with frescoes in the trans-alpine painting style. The Renaissance reached Turin at the end of the 15^th century with the construction of the Duomo. In the 1600’s, Guarini brought the Baroque experience to Turin, among his works there are the Chapel of S. Sindone (Holy Shroud), the Church of San Lorenzo, the Carignano Palace and the Palace of the Academy of Sciences.
Inside the Cathedral, Turin conserves one of the most important items for the Christian religion, the Holy Shroud, or sheet that is thought to have been wound around the body of Christ. The whole city is starred with churches and religious monuments. With its fourteen museums Turin can satisfy everyone's curiosity.

Turin's 18 kilometres of arcades that criss-cross the city centre offer protection from both rain and hot summer sun, allowing people to admire in all comfort the windows of designer fashion and Italian design.

Unforgettable flavours:

Turin is the capital of the wines, both red and white, that perfectly match its traditional dishes. Do not miss the rich flavour of agnolotti, bollito [boiled meats] and the exquisite desserts and for those with a sweet tooth, the city's special chocolates, gianduiotti, are a must. By night, Turin's hill is animated by the most famous discotheques, whether elegant or alternative, they offer the best in music and entertainment.