Vestignè
Hello friends! Today I will talk to you about Turin, an Italian city that is definitely worth a visit. With a population of 842,472 inhabitants, Turin is the fourth largest municipality in Italy and the beating heart of the Metropolitan City of Turin, which has about 1.7 million residents. It is the country's third-most important industrial center, after Milan and Genoa, and has a two-thousand-year history that is worth discovering.
History
Founding and Romanization
Turin was founded around the 3rd century BC by the Taurini, a Celtic tribe that settled in the region. In the 1st century BC, it became a Roman colony, called "Iulia Augusta Taurinorum", under Emperor Augustus. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the city came under the rule of the Ostrogoths, before being conquered by the Franks.
House of Savoy and Capital of Italy
In the 11th century, Turin became part of the Duchy of Savoy and grew in importance, gradually becoming the capital of the duchy in 1563. In 1720, after the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht, Turin became the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, unifying the lands of the House of Savoy. In 1861, after Italian unification, Turin was the first capital of the new Kingdom of Italy.
International Events
Turin has hosted many important international events over the years, such as the International Exposition of 1911, the XX Winter Olympic Games in 2006, the ATP Finals since 2021, and, in 2022, the Eurovision Song Contest.
Physical Geography
Territory
Turin is located in the plain between the rivers Stura di Lanzo, Sangone and Po, in a strategic position for access to the Western Alps. The city faces the alpine valleys, such as the Val di Susa, which connects the city to France through the Frejus Tunnel. The city is also surrounded by the Lanzo Valleys and the Val Sangone.
Economy
Turin is the third most important economic center in Italy and one of the main university, cultural, and tourist hubs in the country. It is known for its automotive industry, publishing, finance and IT, the aerospace industry, fashion, and industrial design. Additionally, it has a rich culinary tradition that has given rise to iconic products like vermouth, Gianduiotti, grissini, and espresso coffee.
Culture
UNESCO Heritage
Turin is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Royal Residences of the House of Savoy and the Po River Hills Area.
Galleries and Museums
Turin has numerous galleries and museums, including the Sabauda Gallery, the Egyptian Museum, the National Automobile Museum, the National Museum of Cinema, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Risorgimento Museum, and the Museum of Natural Sciences.
Architecture and Design
Turin is a city rich in historic buildings, such as the Royal Residences, Turin Cathedral, the Mole Antonelliana, and Valentino Castle. The city is also a center of industrial design, with important annual events like the Salone del Mobile and the International Design Week.
Sports
Turin has a long sporting tradition, with football teams like Juventus and Torino, as well as the Juventus Stadium sports facility. In 2006, the city hosted the XX Winter Olympic Games.
In conclusion, Turin is a city that has much to offer. A historic capital of Italy, appreciated for its art, culture, sports, and gastronomy. I hope I have convinced you to visit this wonderful city!
