Favria
Hi friends, today I'll talk to you about Turin, an Italian city located in the region of Piedmont. With its 842,472 inhabitants (as of October 31, 2022), Turin is the fourth largest municipality in Italy by population and is the capital of the Piedmont region and the Metropolitan City of Turin.
History
Foundation
Turin's history dates back to about 2000 years ago when it was founded by the Taurini, a Celtic people who lived in the area. In the 3rd century BC, the Taurini built their city near the current location of Turin. Later on, the city was transformed into a Roman colony by Augustus, with the name "Iulia Augusta Taurinorum" in the 1st century BC.
Duchy of Turin
After the domination of the Ostrogoths, Turin became the capital of an important Duchy in the Middle Ages. Later on, it passed under the nominal lordship of the House of Savoy in the 11th century. In 1563, Turin became the capital of the Duchy of Savoy.
Kingdom of Sardinia
From 1720, Turin was the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. During the Risorgimento, Turin was the starting point for the unification of Italy, and in 1861 it was chosen as the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
Economy
Turin is one of Italy's major economic, industrial, and innovative centers. Together with Milan and Genoa, Turin forms the so-called "industrial triangle" that contributed to the "Italian Economic Miracle". Today, Turin is the hub of the Italian automotive industry, as well as an important center for publishing, banking and insurance, information technology, cinema, food and wine, space, industrial design, fashion, and artificial intelligence.
Physical Geography
Turin is located in the plain delimited by the rivers Stura di Lanzo, Sangone, and Po. The Po river crosses the city from south to north. The city is also close to several Alpine valleys, such as Val di Susa, Valli di Lanzo, and Val Sangone.
Heritage
Turin hosts various areas and buildings protected by UNESCO, such as some palaces and areas belonging to the circuit of Savoy Residences in Piedmont (world heritage) and the area of the Po Hills (biosphere reserve). The city also hosts several museums, including the famous Egyptian Museum, the largest museum of Egyptian archaeology in the world after the Cairo Museum.
Culture and Leisure
Turin is a city that boasts a long history, with historical and cultural monuments such as the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, the Royal Palace of Turin, and the Mole Antonelliana. Furthermore, the city is an important cultural center, with numerous universities, theaters, cinemas, and music festivals. In 2022, Turin hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, and since 2021, it has been the venue of the ATP Finals.
Cuisine
Turin is famous for its delicious cuisine. Among the most typical dishes of the city are veal with tuna sauce, ravioli al plin, agnolotti, bagna cauda, gianduiotti, and, of course, espresso coffee. Moreover, Turin is renowned for vermouth, a wine-based drink flavored with herbs and spices.
In summary, Turin is a city of ancient and modern charm, offering visitors a wide range of unique cultural and food&wine experiences. With its strategic geographical location, prosperous economy, and vibrant cultural scene, Turin is a city that definitely deserves a visit.
