Turin attractions

The monumental Basilica of Superga (Basilica di Superga), built in 1731, is one of the most unique churches in Turin and an excellent example of the baroque classical style. A must for architecture aficionados, the basilica is also fascinating for history buffs, as its Royal Crypt holds the tombs of the House of Savoy.

A dramatic hilltop perch and imposing watchtowers make this 13th-century fortress one of the most remarkable sights in the UNESCO-listed Le Langhe-Roero countryside. Just outside the town of Alba, the castle is home to the Enoteca Regionale, a shop stocked with local specialties, including the region’s prestigious wines.

Among the most striking buildings on Turin’s Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama is half fortified medieval castle and half sumptuous baroque palace. The building now houses the city’s Civic Museum of Ancient Art (Museo Civico di Arte Antica), with a sprawling collection spanning from the Roman era to the 18th century.

Turin is known as a fast-paced hub of industrial and financial business. Slow down and unwind within this bustling metropolis at QC Termetorino, an indulgent spa where you’ll find thermal and steam baths, relaxation rooms, massages, and other spa treatments.

The longest river in Italy, the Po River (Fiume Po) flows down from the Alps near the French border for more than 400 miles (644 kilometers), winding its way east through Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara and connecting to Milan via a network of canals before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The Po Valley is one of Italy’s most fertile and lush regions.

Colloquially known as “La Consla,” the Sanctuary of the Consolata (Santuario della Consolata) is an important site of Catholic worship, an architectural feat, and a key Turin landmark whose history dates back millennia. Rebuilt, remodeled, and expanded throughout the centuries, the Santuario della Consolata is unlike any other local basilica.

Home to the Museo di Arte Contemporanea (Museum of Contemporary Art) since 1984, this restored royal Savoy residence outside Turin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sumptuous castle interiors, visit contemporary exhibitions, and view the remarkable Cerruti Collection of art spanning seven centuries, set to be unveiled in 2019.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Valentino Castle (Castello del Valentino) is one of Turin’s most noteworthy landmarks. Situated in the Parco del Valentino and a former House of Savoy royal residence, the castle is today used by the local university and is occasionally open to the public.

Also known as Juventus Stadium, this world-class soccer venue is known simply as “lo stadium” in Turin. It’s the kicking ground of the popular Serie A soccer team Juventus, and it’s a modern venue that suits its top-performing team well. If you’re not there to watch a match, you can enter on a tour and visit the on-site Juventus Museum, which showcases more than a few trophies to check out.

At Mercato Centrale Torino, a contemporary addition to Turin’s Porta Palazzo on the Piazza della Repubblica, dozens of artisans sell goods and cook up a variety of dishes. This 4,500-square-foot (420-square-meter) market has more than 26 food stalls, a mill, a roastery, and a culinary school spread out across three floors.

Turin’s Turin Duomo (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista)contains the Holy Shroud of Turin (Sacra Sindone), one of the world’s most famous and debated religious relics. Faithful and curious visitors from around the globe come to view this linen cloth believed by some to have been laid over Jesus’ body after his crucifixion.

Set just outside Turin, this small zoo is an ideal family-friendly break from the bustle of the city. Covering 45 acres, the park is home to 300 animals representing 80 African and Asian species born exclusively in European zoos. With open-air habitats, daily talks, and interactive activities, a visit here is both fun and educational.