Turin Travel

Once seen as little more than an industrial city, Turin is now undergoing extensive urban regeneration. Situated on the mighty River Po in the far northwest of Italy, and surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, Turin offers visitors a feast of baroque architecture, ornate Art Nouveau cafes, and museum collections covering everything from Egyptology to contemporary art. In 2006 it is expecting a surge in tourist numbers, as it is hosting the Winter Olympic Games.

For years Turin was synonymous with car giant FIAT, which was founded here in 1899 - however the citys origins go back much further. Julius Caesars Quadrilatero Romano (Roman Quarter) can still be seen and is now abuzz with trendy restaurants. By the early Middle Ages the powerful Savoy dynasty had taken control - leaving a legacy of lavish palaces. After unification, Turin was the first capital of Italy, an honour it held for just four years.

The symbol of the city is the Mole Antonelliana, an eye-catching dome, while its most famous relic is the Holy Shroud, thought by some to be the cloth that wrapped Christs body after the crucifixion. It still attracts thousands of pilgrims. Other visitors come to shop under the citys elegant porticoes, or try some of the local gastronomic specialities such as Lavazza coffee, Gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and Vermouth.

Turin Tourist Information Office

Address: Piazza Castello, 161, 100100 Torino

Email: info@turismotorino.org

Phone: +39 011 535 181