A cultural escapade in Torino, capital of the Italian Piedmont region

Only 1h15 by air from Paris, the former strong place of the Dukes of Savoy is no longer the industrial city that certain claim it to be. Cradle of the Italian cinema, from Fiat, Martini to Lavazza and the Juventus football team, Torino, capital of the Piedmont region sheltering many architectural treasures, will be in the news this summer with a cultural event of international scope.

The cultural assets of Turin, capital of the Piedmont

In the middle of Piazza San Carlo, the equestrian statue of Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia stands proudly. © DR

Lift your eyes towards the sky to admire the Duomo and the Guarini church, the most famous monuments in Torino. © DR

Museums and palaces galore

You can stroll around the historical center, filled with palaces dating back to the era of the Dukes of Savoy, and covered by 18 kms of arcades. They are filled with museums nestled in harmonious buildings. One is dedicated to Egypt, another to antique art while Palais Carignano focuses on Italian unification—Teatro Regio is one of the most handsome opera houses in the country. Cherry on the tiramisu, Torino is also a blessed destination for gourmets and fashionistas.

Important museums in Torino

• Museum of modern and contemporary art: for the eventful exhibition, Back to the Future, by Giorgio de Chirico, 75 works by the painter dialog with young artists. www.gamtorino.it
• Egizio Museum: the largest collection of Egyptology in the Western world is presented in a 17th century palace. museoegizio.it
• National Museum of the Cinema: the story of the silver screen to be discovered during an interactive itinerary, featuring films to watch on a deck chair under the Mole Antonelliana cupola. www.museocinema.it
• Municipal Museum of Antique Art: paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, the cabinets of curiosities belonging to royal families are installed in the salons of Palais Madama. www.palazzomadamatorino.it
• Carignano Palace: the National Risorgimento Museum features all the documents on Italian unity, during the middle of the 19th century, under the dome of a baroque palace. www.museorisorgimentotorino.it

Surrealist and enigmatic, the works of Giorgio de Chirico will be on display all summer long. © DR

Historical bistrot

Ristorante del Cambio, Baratti & Milano, Pastificio de Filippis, Porto di Savona, Caffè San Carlo, Mulassano, Fiorio and Torino with centennial decors rival with elegance under their arcades.

Fashion and gourmet shopping

Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Via Roma : two elegant avenues where boutiques will meet your high expectations.

With its golden statues, the courtyard of the Golden Palace, that transforms itself during fashion shows, hosts the most chic events. © DR

More than a restaurant with delicious specialties, Café San Carlo has the allures of a palace. © DR

Bearing the emblem of the most famous aperitif brand in Italy, Café Torino is a must-go spot. © DR

Staying in Torino

At the Golden Palace Hotel, a 5 star located at the heart of the city, offering unequaled amenities in a Dolce Vita spirit, with a covered pool, SPA and renown gourmet restaurant. www.goldenpalaceturin.com 

Streamlined design, precious materials, the flagship hotel of Allegria is a lowkey cocoon. © DR