Things to see in Turin
Attractions
Turin Cathedral and the Holy Shroud
The 15th-century Turin Cathedral contains the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, built to house the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud (a rectangular linen cloth purported to be the burial shroud of Christ) is displayed intermittently with gaps of up to 25 years not uncommon. Its background is explained in the Museo della Sindone.
Address: Centro, Via XX Settembre 87, Turin, 10122Telephone: +39 11 436 1540.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0700-1230 and 1500-1900, Sun 0800-1230 and 1500-1900.
Website: http://www.comune.torino.it/chiese/sangio.htmAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum)
Originally founded in 1824, the Museo Egizio has housed one of the finest collections of Egyptian artefacts outside Cairo for nearly 200 years. A complete, €50 million overhaul of the museum has turned it into a real masterpiece and it now has 3D reconstructions of the tomb of Kha, the tomb of Nefertari, and the chapel of Maya.
Address: Centro, Via Accademia delle Scienze 6, Turin, 10123Telephone: +39 11 440 6903.
Opening times:
Mon 0900-1400, Tue-Sun 0830-1930.
Website: http://www.museoegizio.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Mole Antonelliana
Built as a synagogue in the 19th century, this striking building now houses Italy's Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) - a fabulous interactive romp through a century of films. The tower (reached by lift) has a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city and the Alps.
Address: Centro, Via Montebello 20, Turin, 10122Telephone: +39 11 813 8560.
Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-2300, Sun 0900-2000.
Website: http://www.museocinema.itAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Polo Reale
Offering a smorgasbord of art, history and culture, the Polo Reale is five museums rolled into one. Featuring the Royal Library, the Royal Armoury, the Royal Palace and Gardens, the Sabauda Picture Gallery and The Archaeological Museum, it gives real insight into the historical importance of the House of Savoy. Visits are via a single ticket.
Address: Centro, Piazzetta Reale 1, Turin, 10122Telephone: +39 11 436 1455.
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0830-1930 (Palazzo Reale); Tue-Sun 0900-1830 (Sabauda Picture Gallery); Tue-Sun 0900-1930 (The Archaeological Museum).
Website: http://www.poloreale.beniculturali.itAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy are the result of the Duke of Savoy moving the seat of his court to Turin in 1562. Built throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, these impressive baroque houses and hunting lodges are still resplendent today. All are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with many open to visitors. Use the City Sightseeing bus for an overview. Line A stops at Polo Reale, Villa della Regina and Castello del Valentino; Line B visits Palazzina di caccia di Stupinigi; and Line C passes Reggia di Venaria, Castello de La Mandria and Castello di Rivoli.
Address: , Various, Turin,Telephone:
Opening times:
Times vary between Residences.
Website:Admission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Museo dell'automobile (Car Museum)
A homage to all things auto, this huge interactive museum lets visitors explore the history of car design and the characters that have influenced it. Turin is home of Fiat and there are plenty of historical vehicles on display here and lots for children to engage with.
Address: , Corso Unità d'Italia 40, Turin, 10126Telephone: +39 11 677 666.
Opening times:
Mon 1000-1400, Tue 1400-1900, Wed-Thu 1000-1900, Fri-Sat 1000-2100, Sun 1000-1900.
Website: http://www.museoauto.itAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Basilica di Superga
This baroque church, accessible by rack tramway from Piazza Modena, is set on a wooded hill high above Turin. The royal tombs in the crypt are incredibly grandiose, climb the 131 steps to the balcony that surrounds the dome for a spectacular view of the city and the Alps.
Address: , Strada Basilica di Superga 73, Turin, 10132Telephone: +39 11 899 7456.
Opening times:
Wed-Mon 0930-1330 and 1430-1900 (summer); Sat-Sun 1000-1300 and 1400-1800 (winter).
Website: http://www.basilicadisuperga.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Palazzo Madama (Museo Civico d'Arte Antica)
You may recognise the grand staircase of the Palazzo Madama – especially if three Mini Coopers come crashing down it. This is one of the locations for the police chase scene in the 1969 film, The Italian Job. Built in the 17th century, this fabulous palace is now a museum and includes remains of the Roman city.
Address: , Piazza Castello, Turin, 10122Telephone: +39 11 443 3501.
Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1000-1900.
Website: http://www.palazzomadamatorino.itAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Juventus Stadium and Museum
The Juventus Stadium museum allows football fans to relive the triumphs of Turin's greatest team through stacks of memorabilia, including players' shirts and plenty of silverware. Tours of the arena are also available, but for the complete experience go and watch a live game.
Address: , Via Druento 153/42, Turin,Telephone: +39 899 999 897.
Opening times:
Mon 1030-1900, Wed-Fri 1030-1900, Sat-Sun 1030-1930.
Website: http://www.juventus.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Parco del Valentino
This extensive park, in the southern part of the city beside the Po, is a great place to relax. It is also worth visiting to see the unusual Borgo Medievale (a life-size reconstruction of a rural medieval village) and the plants in the Orto Botanico, the city's botanic garden.
Address: , Parco del Valentino (off Corso Massimo D'Azeglio),, Turin,Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website:Admission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Turismo Torino e Provincia
Address: Centro, Piazza Castello, Via Garibaldi, Turin, 10121Telephone: +39 11 535 181.
Opening times:
Mon-Sun 0900-1900.
Website: http://www.turismotorino.orgTurismo Torino e Provincia has information on public transport, events, tourist services and brochures about the city and surrounding areas. They can also book guided tours and hotels.
Tourist passes
Valid for one-, two-, three- or five-days, the Torino+Piemonte Card (www.turismotorino.org) includes free admission to 60 cultural sites including most museums, exhibitions, castles, fortresses and the Royal Residences. Available from the Turismo Torino e Provincia tourist information centre, it also offers further discounts at cultural sites and free travel on public transport.
