Turin, the capital of Piedmont and the fourth most populous city in Italy, is a metropolis rich in history, culture, and innovation. Founded by the Romans as Augusta Taurinorum, Turin has evolved over the centuries into a major industrial and cultural center.
Renowned for its automotive tradition and central role in Italy’s unification, the city boasts an extraordinary architectural heritage that ranges from Baroque to Liberty styles, and includes modern contemporary works. Walking through its streets, one can admire a remarkable variety of historic buildings and modern masterpieces, reflecting the rich and diverse history of this fascinating city.
Through CHO.Earth’s VCards, we present four architectural gems of Turin that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Piedmontese city.
The Medieval Village of Turin
The Medieval Village and Fortress of Turin form a unique museum dedicated to medieval architecture. In 2016, the complex attracted 145,000 visitors. Built in the Parco del Valentino as a pavilion for the 1884 Italian General Exhibition, the village faithfully reproduces 15th-century buildings. Initially intended for demolition, it became a Civic Museum in 1942. The village recreates a typical late medieval settlement with houses, churches, squares, and fountains, surrounded by walls and dominated by a fortress. Access is through several entrances, including a gate tower with a drawbridge.
Since 1884, the village has hosted artisan workshops such as those of the potter, weaver, apothecary, carpenter, and blacksmith. The Fortress, inspired by Piedmontese and Aosta Valley castles, consists of four floors: a basement with prisons, a ground floor with kitchens and a dining room, a first floor with the guard’s room and various noble rooms, and a chapel.
Palazzo Del Carretto in Gorzegno
Palazzo Del Carretto in Gorzegno, located in Turin in the historically known “Isola dell’Assunta” block, dates back to the second half of the 17th century. This noble building retains numerous decorative elements reflecting the taste and wealth of aristocratic families of the time, visible in the interiors, entrances, and facades. During the 18th century, the palace underwent transformations that led to the removal of some wooden ceilings and the creation of a lively atrium decorated with polychrome stuccoes. In the second half of the 19th century, a rich decorative phase further embellished the interiors with gilded stuccoes, fireplaces, wood paneling, and mirrors.
Today, Palazzo Del Carretto in Gorzegno is a luxurious hotel and event venue, popular among tourists and locals. Interesting facts include its past as the headquarters of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Turin, the damage from a fire in 1995, and its subsequent restoration, as well as its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royal Museums of Turin
The Royal Museums of Turin, established in 2016, are an important museum complex that includes the Royal Palace, Royal Gardens, Royal Library and Armory, the Sabauda Gallery, the Archaeological Museum, the ground floor of Palazzo Chiablese, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, and since 2021, the Roman Theater of ancient Augusta Taurinorum. In 2018, the complex, which includes exhibitions in the Chiablese Halls, was one of the twenty-two most visited state sites in Italy. After two years of restoration, the Roman Theater is again accessible to visitors.
The interventions concerned the cavea, the backstage portico, and the walls, which were cleaned and consolidated. Discovered in 1899 during the expansion works of the Long Wing of the Royal Palace, the Roman Theater dates back to the Augustan age and was modified several times in the 1st century AD and demolished in the 4th century. Now, with new lighting and a reversible floor, it is ready to host events and shows.
Mole Antonelliana
The Mole Antonelliana, located in the historic center of Turin, is a symbol of the city and Italy. With its 167.5 meters, it was the tallest masonry building in the world from 1889 to 1908, designed by architect Alessandro Antonelli. On August 11, 1904, the statue of the Winged Genius, placed at the top, was struck down by lightning but was replaced in 1906 with a five-pointed copper star, restoring the height to 167.35 meters.
Architect Annibale Rigotti decorated the interiors between 1905 and 1908. Originally lit by gas, the Mole underwent significant restorations in the 20th century, becoming a structure of reinforced concrete and steel. From 1908 to 1938, it housed the Museum of the Risorgimento, and since 2000, it has been home to the National Museum of Cinema. Initially built as a temple for the Jewish community, the original project was abandoned due to high costs, and the Mole was completed by the Municipality of Turin and dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, being inaugurated in 1888.
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