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Weekend: visit Turin in three days

Weekend: visit Turin in three days

Vue sur la ville de Turin

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Majestic and discreet, Turin throws open the doors to its Baroque treasures, former automobile sites, and pleasures of the palate. Three jam-packed days to dive into the elegance and culture of the Piedmont region!

Day 1: Turin art and history, from the via Roma to the Quadrilatero romano

  • Morning
    With its Baroque elegance and wide avenues, Turin welcomes you to the monumental Piazza San Carlo. Dubbed “Turin’s living room,” this square lined with archways and cafes is home to two twin churches, Santa Cristina and San Carlo, and exudes an atmosphere in which history seems to stand still. Take the time to observe the details on the facades before reaching the Palazzo Carignano, a Baroque masterpiece in sinuous lines. Continue with a visit to Turin’s Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio), one of the most important Egyptian art museums in the world. With over 30,000 items, including the tomb of the architect Kha and a spectacular Gallery of Kings, the museum reveals the rites, art and history of all the periods of Ancient Egypt.
  • Lunch
    On Piazza Carignano, Del Cambio has been a culinary institution since 1757: awarded a star in the Michelin Guide, this historic restaurant has welcomed figures such as Nietzsche, Verdi and Balzac. At lunch, take a seat in the Risorgimento dining room, where 19th-century frescos rub shoulders with contemporary works, and enjoy meticulously prepared regional recipes such as agnolotti alla piemontese, stuffed pasta typical of the Piedmont region.
  • Afternoon
    Resume your stroll along Piazza Castello to discover Palazzo Madama, one of the finest edifices in the Piedmont capital, which combines a medieval base and a Baroque facade. The interior houses the Municipal Museum of Ancient Art (Museo Civico d’Arte Antica), which displays an array of paintings, ceramics and sculptures from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. On leaving the museum, Baratti & Milano, a historic cafe in the square, awaits you to enjoy Piedmont’s most famous gourmet specialty: bicerin, a delicate blend of coffee, chocolate and whipped cream.
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Top tip

For even more sweet treats, pay a visit to Caffarel to stock up on gianduiotti, delicious chocolate and hazelnut bars that have been Turin residents’ pride and joy for 150 years.

  • Evening
    When night falls, head for the Quadrilatero romano, Turin’s ancient Roman district, which offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Its narrow cobbled streets are brimming with trattorie, hip restaurants and wine bars where you can sip the local aperitif — vermouth. Then stroll through the neighborhood’s illuminated streets before returning to your hotel.
La Piazza San Carlo à Turin (Italie)

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Day 2: The Savoy dynasty and cultural treasures around the Via Po

  • Morning
    Begin your day with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud (Cappella della Sindone), a Baroque masterpiece by Guarini, magnificently restored after the 1997 fire. The chapel is directly connected to the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), the former residence of the Savoy family listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace’s richly decorated rooms, such as the ravishing Sala del Medagliere, bear witness to the power and refinement of this royal family. It is also worth taking the time to discover the palace’s gardens, an oasis made up of French-style flowerbeds, perspectives and groves spanning seven hectares.
  • Lunch
    Weather permitting, take advantage of the tranquility of the gardens to enjoy an impromptu picnic. Purchase fresh produce from the Mercato Centrale, one of the largest markets in Europe, before sitting down on the grass. Cheeses, cold meats and artisanal bread will make the perfect lunch to soak up the Italian way of life!
  • Afternoon
    To the south of the gardens, the astonishing building of the Mole Antonelliana makes its mark on the urban landscape with its spire reaching a height of 167 meters. Climb to the top for an unbeatable view over the city and the Alps. When you come back down, explore the National Museum of Cinema, which has been set up in this unique building and can be seen on Italian two-cent coins. From film sets to legendary posters, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of cinema.
  • Evening
    Head to the Via Po, lined with archways and boutiques, for a stroll at dusk before sitting down to eat at Fratelli Bruzzone. This family-run trattoria concocts typical Piedmont cuisine, paying particular attention to seasonal produce. Let yourself be tempted by tajarin — composed of the tagliatelle of the day, cut with knives! — or grilled meat, accompanied by a glass of Barolo, a grand cru from the Piedmont region.
Dôme de la Chapelle du S

©claudiodivizia/ Getty Images Plus

Day 3: Automobile heritage and contemporary art in the Lingotto

  • Morning
    For your last day, start at the Automobile Museum (MAUTO), a must-visit for fine motorcar enthusiasts, housed in Turin’s former automobile district. The institution looks back over the history of the car with over 200 vehicles on display — from the first steam-powered vehicle to the latest models. Of course, you are sure to come across some legendary Fiat 500 designs!
  • Lunch
    Then make your way to the Lingotto, Fiat’s former industrial site, which has been converted into a cultural and shopping space. When you arrive, stop at the very first Eataly, a temple of Italian gastronomy that opened in 2004. Between the aisles of exceptional produce and food counters, you can create a meal based on focaccia, mozzarella di bufala and homemade desserts. Don’t hesitate to pick up a few foodie souvenirs to take home with you!
  • Afternoon
    Exhibited in a building designed by Renzo Piano at the heart of the Lingotto, the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli does not take long to discover but is a real delight: the museum presents a fine collection of modern artworks, including Modigliani’s famous Reclining Nude and several paintings by Matisse and Picasso.
  • Evening
    At the end of the day, climb up to the Lingotto’s roof for a stroll along the Pista 500, Fiat’s former test track that has been turned into a hanging garden. On the rooftop, end your weekend on a refined note with dinner at La Pista, the restaurant run by talented chef Alessandro Scardina. Combining inventive cuisine and an out-of-the-ordinary setting, the experience promises to be unforgettable.

Staying an extra day in Turin?

If you extend your stay, set off to discover the Palace of Venaria (Reggia di Venaria), 20 km outside Turin. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this estate is one of the most extensive royal residences in Europe: decorated with numerous masterpieces of Baroque art and sumptuous furnishings, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens to explore at your leisure before returning to urban life.

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