Guide of Turin, Italy

Turin, Italy

PREFACE

This Guide, written by Nozio in collaboration with Slow Food Publisher, is part of a larger project carried out by two brands that share the same mission: the short supply chain. The formula is simple: Nozio is to travel as Slow Food is to food. What we share is the belief that shortening the chain and, thus, direct contact between producers and consumers can bring about significant benefits in terms of economic sustainability of territories, meaning both food production areas and tourist destinations.

The Turin Guide, inspired by these shared values, provides a myriad of information, tips and helpful suggestions for travelers seeking to discover the most authentic local aspects. These are travelers who really want to get to know the local population, experience the thrill of an unknown part of the city and breathe in the exhilaration of its history and royalty. But they also want to taste its culinary specialties in places attentive to preserving authenticity and excellence.

The Guide is a precious tool for those who want to spend a relaxing, cultural and fun vacation in Turin without going broke: zero useless costs and respect for  local economy, for a trip that is worth a bit more and... costs a bit less!

Besides being available online, the Guide is also available in PDF format for free download and as an iPhone and smartphone App.

Have a nice journey at... "0 kilometers"!

Nozio editorial staff

We would like to thank Aldo Anfossi, Anna Guazzotti, Erika Carpaneto and Gianni Giovine for their valuable contribution.

INTRODUCTION

Walking around Turin, under its porticoes or near the enchanting Piazza Castello, means giving into and being enveloped by a city able to enrich us.

In silent and discreet progression, Turin astonishes us with the triumphant Baroque of its churches and buildings, ancient Roman origins and friendly citizens, that welcome us as soon as we enter one of the downtown cafés.

Turin owes its charm to both its aristocratic history as the first capital of Italy and its humble, disciplined and eager soul. Its austere rigor made it an excellent example exported throughout the world, from its automobile industry to its computer sector, from its culture to its cuisine.

In a splendid geographic location nestled between the Western Alps and rolling hills, bathed by the Po river and embellished by the Savoy family's ancient homes - declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1997 - Turin is a city that loves nature offering numerous parks, gardens and even 160 km of bike routes, allowing it to be elected one of Europe's first green metropolis.

One of the leading Egyptian Museums in the world, the spectacular Film Museum inside the Mole and many modern art galleries are accompanied by prestigious events like the Salone del Gusto, the Mito, the Turin Film Festival and recent 2006 Winter Olympics, able to embrace millions of visitors in the arms of a youthful and dynamic city.

The same contagious enthusiasm recently involved Turin's former industrial areas, intelligently renovated to house exhibits and expos that reinforce the city's fundamental role as a cultural and trade center where large investments have always focused on the innovation, research and development of the tertiary sector.

You can feel the youthful air on the streets of Turin and events like the International Biennial of Young Artists, the Jazz Festival, the Traffic rock festival and the vitality of the Murazzi glorify entertainment and imagination, introducing new musical talents and the works of brilliant emerging painters and sculptors every year.

Between cocktails at the Quadrilatero, a trip to the Porta Palazzo market and shopping excursions on Via Lagrange, Turin awaits you all year round to add a touch of class to your vacation and transform your trip into a stimulating, fun and unexpected experience!

WHEN TO GO
Turin is now a city you can visit all year round but the important cultural and trade events held between fall and spring make these the best seasons to tour Turin, attending the exhibits, events, concerts and shows. Summer, that is usually 'low' season in all large European cities, has recently been re-evaluated to attract tourists. The goal is to position Turin as a tourist destination in the summer months due to its green parks and surrounding hills, museums always open to the public, contagious gaiety of the Murazzi and more convenient hotel and accommodation rates.

NozioSpy > Nozio's tips for a trip that is worth a bit more and....costs a bit less