Location & Historical Background
Romantic Setting
Turin lies at the foot of the Alps in northwestern Italy, where broad boulevards meet mountain horizons. The Po River glides calmly through the city, and arcaded streets create long, graceful perspectives. Today, visitors are struck by the sense of order, space, and dignity—an Italy that feels measured rather than impulsive.
Origins & Foundation
Founded by the Romans as Augusta Taurinorum in the 1st century BC, Turin began as a military outpost laid out in precise grid form. Legend claims the Romans chose the site because it offered both strategic clarity and a commanding Alpine backdrop—qualities the city never abandoned. Over centuries, Turin evolved into a political and dynastic center.
The Three Greatest Blows
French Occupation (1536–1562)
Between 1536 and 1562, Turin was occupied by French forces. Political autonomy vanished, fortifications were tested, and the city endured decades of instability before reclaiming its role as a regional power.
Napoleonic Rule (1798–1814)
In 1798, Napoleon annexed Turin, dissolving Savoy authority and imposing foreign administration. Noble institutions were dismantled, and the city’s traditional power structure was disrupted.
Industrial Crisis (Late 20th Century)
From the 1970s onward, the decline of heavy industry—especially automotive manufacturing—hit Turin hard. Unemployment rose, neighborhoods struggled, and the city was forced to reinvent itself culturally and economically.
The Golden Age
Turin’s golden age spanned the 17th and 18th centuries, when it served as the capital of the House of Savoy. Baroque palaces, grand squares, and royal institutions flourished, transforming Turin into one of Europe’s most elegant capitals. A second golden era followed in the 20th century, when industrialization made it Italy’s manufacturing powerhouse.
Why Visit the City Today
Today, Turin is cultured, confident, and refreshingly authentic. Its museums rank among Italy’s best, its café culture is legendary, and its culinary scene balances refinement with comfort. Add nearby vineyards and Alpine escapes, and Turin becomes an ideal destination for travelers who value sophistication without spectacle.
Tourist Information & Must-See Places
Practical Information (Estimated Averages)
- Average lunch: €12–18
- Average accommodation (per night): €110–190
- One beer: €4–6
- One coffee (espresso): €1.50–3
Most Interesting Parts of the City
Historic center, Piazza Castello area, Po riverbanks, and the elegant Savoy districts.
Top 3 Must-See Attractions
Mole Antonelliana
Turin’s unmistakable symbol, originally intended as a synagogue and now home to the National Museum of Cinema, offering panoramic city views.
Royal Palace & Savoy Residences
A UNESCO-listed ensemble of palaces that reveal the ambition, taste, and authority of the Savoy dynasty.
Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)
One of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities outside Egypt—serious, scholarly, and world-class.
Final Summary
Turin doesn’t rush to impress—it expects you to catch up. Come for the palaces and museums, stay for the cafés and calm confidence, and leave knowing that some cities don’t need drama when they already have authority.