A major city of Northern Italy, together with Milan, Turin is a great cultural and economic centre in the area. The name of the settlement speaks of Turin’s first inhabitants and founders, the Taurini, who were living in this region in the 1st century BC. The Romans later turned the place into one of their military basis with a living capacity of 5,000. This was the number of people that had made their homes between the city walls. After the Romans, came the Lombards and the Franks who set their imprint on the history of the place. Yet, Turin remains in the Italian memory as the capital of the Duchy of Savoy.
Turin also knew the domination of the Napoleonic forces but for a very short while and then started to pursue the unification of the Italian kingdoms in one powerful state. Maybe, Italy wouldn’t be where it is today without the efforts of the leaders of Turin. Once the long-hoped for goal was finally achieved, Turin became the first capital city of the united country. When you come to Turin, you’ll know this is a special place, not only for the Italian people, but for anyone who takes the time to discover its mysteries. Let’s have a quick look around and check on the cultural heritage of Turin.
Probably the best known building in Turin and the main tourist attraction is the Mole Antonelliana, built to serve as a synagogue in the 19th century. It definitely dominates the city by its impressive height, no less than 113 meters. Not only will you enjoy a great panorama of the city but you’ll get the chance to see the collections of the National Cinema and Film Museum. One side of the dome carries an artistic representation relevant for the Art Nouveau movement, presenting the Fibonacci numbers depicted in red neon lights. This art work is entitled the Flight of the Numbers and belongs to artist Mario Merz.
Next stop is the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the largest church in Turin and a huge attraction for the tourists who would like to see the Shroud of Turin. Some claim that the Shroud is the very one that Joseph of Arrimathea used when he placed Jesus in the tomb, and that the traces on the linen are actually left by Jesus’s body. There are other voices who say that the shroud is a medieval forgery; be it as it may, tourists still find it highly interesting, particularly since there are other artifacts to be seen under the church. The Cathedral was built towards the end of the 15th century and is still in great condition.
In terms of museum and precious artifacts, Turin has only one other rival in the world, The National Museum in Cairo. Turin’s Museo Egizio is then the second largest institution housing an important collection of art works that belongs to ancient Egypt. Artifacts, statues, furniture, mummies and a huge collection of papyruses are all on display. Many of the treasures found during excavation sessions at the beginning of the 20th century ended up in Museo Egizio. For those of you who don’t know what the Egyptians looked like, here is the chance to see their royalties in one of the largest displays of Pharaonic statues in the world.
For any sweet-toothed tourist, Turin is a Wonderland. You may not know, but this is the place where solid chocolate was invented, this is the homeland of our bars of chocolate. Before the 18th century Turin invention, chocolate was only known under the liquid form. The local traditional chocolate is called Gianduiotto that is absolutely delicious. There is even a two-week chocolate festival called Cioccolato, held every year by the local producers.