Maglione
Hi friends! Today we will talk about a beautiful city in our country: Turin. We are sure that many of you have already visited it or have heard about it. But did you know that Turin is the fourth largest municipality in Italy by population and the heart of a metropolitan area with about 1.7 million inhabitants? Keep reading to discover more about this wonderful city!
Physical geography
Territory
Turin is located in the plain delimited by the rivers Stura di Lanzo, Sangone and Po, in front of the mouth of some alpine valleys such as Val di Susa, Valli di Lanzo and Val Sangone. The Po river runs through the city from south to north and is one of the most picturesque elements of the urban landscape, on whose left bank stands the charming Valentino Park. Against the backdrop of the Alps, the territory of Turin is characterized by a low-lying alluvial plain and a series of hills dramatically eroded during the ice age. The landscape also offers much in terms of naturalistic beauty: we recommend visiting the biosphere reserve of the hills of Po and the natural park of the Lakes of Avigliana.
History
Foundation and ancient history
Turin has a two-thousand-year history: it was founded around the 3rd century BC by the Taurini and transformed into a Roman colony by Augustus with the name of "Iulia Augusta Taurinorum" in the 1st century BC. After the Ostrogothic domination, Turin was the capital of an important Duchy and then became the capital of the Marquisate. In the 11th century, it passed under the nominal rule of the House of Savoy, becoming later a city of the Duchy of Savoy. It became its capital in 1563 and from 1720 it was the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia (1720-1861). Turin was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to 1865.
International importance and recent events
Hosting important international events such as the International Exposition of 1911, the XX Winter Olympic Games of 2006, the ATP Finals from 2021 (until at least 2025) and the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, Turin has also become the hub of the Italian automotive industry, publishing, banking and insurance, information technology, cinema, food and wine, the space industry (astronomy), industrial design, sports, fashion, and artificial intelligence. Thanks to this constant growth in importance, Turin has reached the rank of a global city (the third Italian city after Milan and Rome) in the "Gamma" category.
Art and culture
UNESCO heritage and symbols of "Made in Italy"
Turin boasts a rich and varied cultural heritage, including assets protected by UNESCO such as some palaces and areas belonging to the circuit of the Savoy residences in Piedmont (world heritage) and the area of the hills of the Po (biosphere reserve). Moreover, the city is the birthplace of some of the most famous symbols of "Made in Italy" in the world, such as vermouth, Gianduiotto chocolates, breadsticks, and espresso coffee.
Museums, universities, and theaters
Turin is also known for its museums: the Egyptian Museum is one of the largest in the world and the Cinema Museum housed in the Mole Antonelliana is a must-see for film enthusiasts. Additionally, the city hosts numerous universities and research centers, as well as important theaters such as the Teatro Regio and the Teatro Carignano. Don't miss the National Museum of Italian Unification, dedicated to the history of our country.
Conclusion
In short, Turin is a city that knows how to surprise and enchant, a city that offers an extraordinary cultural and natural heritage, a city that tells the facets of the Italian soul. If you have never been there, do not hesitate to plan a trip in the near future. If you have already visited Turin, share your experiences and impressions with us!
