Feletto

Hello everyone! Today we will be talking about Turin, an incredible city located in northern Italy. Turin is the fourth most populous municipality in Italy, with a population of approximately 842,472 people (as of October 31, 2022). It is the hub of a metropolitan area with around 1.7 million inhabitants. Turin is the country's third-largest economic-production industrial complex, after Milan and Genoa, and is one of the major university, artistic, tourist, scientific, and cultural hubs in Italy.

The History of Turin

Turin has a two-thousand-year history and was founded by the Taurini around the third century BC. After the Ostrogoth domination, it was transformed into a Roman colony by Augustus in the 1st century BC, under the name of "Iulia Augusta Taurinorum". In the Middle Ages, it was the capital of an important Duchy of Turin, and later came under the lordship of the House of Savoy in the 11th century. In 1563, it became the capital of the Duchy of Savoy. In 1720, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, a state that led to the Italian Risorgimento and made Turin the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946).

Culture and Art

Turin is a city rich in culture and art. Some of the buildings and areas belonging to the circuit of Savoy residences in Piedmont are featured on the world heritage list, and the Po Hills area is also a biosphere reserve. In 1911, Turin hosted the International Exhibition, while in 2006 it hosted the XX Winter Olympics. In 2021, it hosted the ATP Finals, while in 2022 it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. Turin has also given birth to various icons of the "Made in Italy" brand, such as vermouth, Gianduiotto, breadsticks, and espresso coffee, and is at the center of the Italian automobile industry.

Turin: between history, culture, and gastronomy.

The Physical Geography of Turin

Turin is located in the plain delimited by the Stura di Lanzo, Sangone, and Po rivers, in front of the outlet of some Alpine valleys: Val di Susa, Valli di Lanzo, and Val Sangone. The Po river crosses the city from south to north and has been a source of inspiration for many artists.

Tourism and Gastronomy

Turin is a city rich in tourist and cultural attractions. Here you can visit the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Mole Antonelliana. Moreover, you can taste the Piedmontese cuisine, famous for its polenta, boiled meat, tajarin, and Barbera and Barolo wines. If you are chocolate lovers, you cannot miss a stop at Guido Gobino's chocolate shop in the center of Turin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Turin is an incredible city that offers so much to both residents and tourists. Its millennial history, culture, and artistic heritage make it unique in the world. If you have the opportunity to visit this city, do not hesitate to do so, you will return home with a baggage of unforgettable experiences.

Ludovica Neri
Wrote by Ludovica Neri
Updated Wednesday, Feb 9, 2022