Chialamberto
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Turin, a very important and fascinating city located in northern Italy. Turin is the fourth most populous municipality in Italy, with over 842,000 inhabitants as of October 31, 2022. It is the capital of the Piedmont region and the Metropolitan City of Turin, which has about 1.7 million inhabitants. In this text, I will tell you a little about the physical geography of Turin, its millennial history, and its main points of interest.
Physical Geography
Territory
Turin is located in the plain delimited by the Stura di Lanzo, Sangone, and Po rivers. The Po river runs through the city from south to north, while in front of it some Alpine valleys open up. Among these, we find the Val di Susa, which connects the city with nearby France through the Frejus tunnels, and the Lanzo Valleys and Val Sangone. In Turin, there is also the Natural Reserve of the Superga Hills, a splendid natural park that offers breathtaking views of the city.
History
Origins
Turin has a millennial history. It seems that the city was founded around the 3rd century BC by the Taurini, a Celtic people who gave it its name. Later, Turin was transformed into a Roman colony by Augustus, with the name "Iulia Augusta Taurinorum".
The Middle Ages and the Modern Era
After the rule of the Ostrogoths, Turin became the capital of an important Duchy. Later, it passed under the nominal lordship of the House of Savoy. In 1563, Turin became the capital of the eponymous Duchy. In 1720, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia and, subsequently, the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
Important Events
During its long history, Turin has hosted many important events. In 1911, it hosted the International Exhibition. In 2006, the city was the venue for the XX Winter Olympic Games. In 2021, it hosted the ATP Finals, while in 2022 the city was chosen as the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest.
What to see in Turin
UNESCO-protected sites
Turin is famous for its numerous cultural and historical sites of interest. In particular, the city is famous for its UNESCO-protected sites. There are some palaces and areas belonging to the circuit of the Savoy Residences in Piedmont, a world heritage site, and the area of the Po hills, a biosphere reserve.
Places of Interest
Among the places of interest in Turin, we find the Mole Antonelliana, a tower 167.5 meters high that houses the National Museum of Cinema; the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a beautiful religious building dating back to the 15th century; and the Royal Palace of Venaria, a sumptuous royal palace located near Turin.
Economic Sectors
The Automotive Industry
Turin is an important industrial center that hosts many internationally renowned companies. One of the most important economic sectors in Turin is the automotive industry: it is where the headquarters of some of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, such as Fiat and Alfa Romeo, are located.
Gastronomy and Wine
But Turin is not just about industries and factories. The city is also famous for its excellent gastronomy and wine. Among the many gastronomic products that Turin has given to the world, we find vermouth, Gianduiotto chocolates, grissini, and espresso coffee.
Conclusion
In summary, Turin is an incredible city full of history, culture, and innovation. It is a place where art, science, and industry come together to create a unique experience. If you have the opportunity to visit Italy, be sure not to miss Turin. I hope this text has been helpful in getting to know this wonderful city better.
