Main monuments
Mole Antonelliana
The Mole is the symbol of Turin. The tower's composite, classical style
contrasts with its verticalism. Until a few years ago it was the highest
stone building in Europe (167.50 metres). The Mole was built in 1863 like
Synagogue, then become the house of the Museo del Risorgimento, and now
it's the site of the new National
Cinema Museum.
Piazza Castello
Piazza Castello was designed in 1564 by Vitozzi. It's lined with porticoes and
is the real heart of the city: here and hereabouts stand the great buildings that
have witnessed the development of the city, from the ancient Roman era to our
days. In the middle of the square stands Palazzo Madama and on the side you could
see The Royal Theatre, The Royal Palace, the Royal Library (that houses Leonardo
da Vinci's operas). In Piazza Castello (The Castle Square) begin the most important
central streets, like Rome Street, Po Street, Garibaldi Street and Pietro Micca
Street.
Porte Palatine
Porta Palatina is the most conspicuos parts of Roman walls towers. during
the Middle Ages, the fortress was called "Palatium", hence its
present name. On Via XX Settembre, some of the ruins of Roman Theatre,
near the basement of the Royal Palace.
Basilica di Superga
The Basilica of Superga was commisioned by Amedeo II of Savoy: it was
designed by Filippo Juvarra in 1717 and completed in 1731. It was built
to fulfil a vow made to the Virgin Mary - to whom a chapel is dedicated
on the hill - by the Duke on the eve of his victory over the French, who
were besieging the city, on september 1706. In the cript is possible to
visit part of Savoy dinasty tombs.
A curiosity: a nice old track railway from Sassi will take you up to the hill
of Superga, where you can enjoy one of the finest views visible from the hills
of Turin.
Palazzo Madama
Palazzo Madama stands in the centre of Castle Square. The history of the Palace
reflects the history of the city. Infact its baroque facade contrasts sharply
with older medieval parts to lend the building a most unorthodox apparence. The
palace incorporate parts of ancient Roman gate, wich was converted into a castle
in the Middle Ages. In the 17th century it became the residence of the Madama
Reale (Royal Widow). In 1721 Filippo Juvarra enbellish the palace with a splendid
baroque facade. The Palace housed the work of Subalpine and Italian Senate from
1848 to 1864. Today, it's used like Civic Ancient Art Museum (Museo Civico di
Arte Antica).
Borgo e Castello Medievale
The Castello and Borgo Medievale, a mock medieval castle and village, were
built in 1884 as part of 1st Italian General Exibition. The castle is an
exact replica of the Castle of Fenis (Aosta Valley), and the village is
similar to a Piedmont medieval little township.
Gran Madre di Dio
The Gran Madre di Dio, or "Great Mother of God", was built in 1831
to commemorate the return of the Savoy following French occupation in 1814. It's
on the side of the bridge dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele I and visible from Via
Po. In front of the temple: Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Palazzo Carignano
Palazzo Carignano is one of the Guarini's most original creations. It was
built in 1679-1685 with an undulating baroque facade, a majestic atrium
and a lovely gardens. The Palace of the Savoy - Carignano line has staged
many of the most important events in the history of Italy and Piedmont.
The Palace now houses the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento.
Duomo di S.Giovanni e Cappella della S. Sindone
The Cathedral is Turin's only example of Renaissance architecture. It was
built in 1498 and dedicated to John the Baptist. The Chapel of Holy Shroud
was added in 1668-1694. Alongside the Cathedral it's possible to admire
the romanesque campanile (1470).