Italy: Turin Travel Facts & Trivia
Mole Antonelliana, Black Magic, Lingotto Shopping, Christmas Lights
Tourists in Piemonte's capital can learn about Ancient Egypt, St Giovanni Bosco and Roman influence, or visit Juventus Football Club and the National Museum of Cinema.
Turin is one of the most exciting, bewitching cities in Italy, but there are some things that visitors will not know about the city. Here are some facts and trivia about the former capital of the Savoy dynasty that those travelling to Turin may find of interest.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – White and Black Magic triangles
Turin is supposedly a key point on two magical triangles: a black magic triangle involving London and San Francisco and a white magic triangle involving Lyon, France and Prague, Czech Republic. To find out more about Turin’s magical triangles, try the Somewhere Tour (00 39 011 6680580). It leaves from Piazza Statuto every Thursday and Saturday at 9pm and explores places linked to the magical theme.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – St Giovanni Bosco
St Giovanni Bosco, who founded the church of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, was notorious for entertaining his congregations with magic tricks. His most famous was making three separate pieces of rope combine as one to explain the Holy Trinity. He later became the patron saint of magicians
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Lingotto shopping complex
If you’re after a big shopping spree, head to the giant Lingotto complex on Via Nizza, which was formerly the major Fiat production plant. Now it’s home to just about anything you could possibly want, from art galleries to cinemas.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Mole Antonelliana
Turin’s tallest and most distinctive building is the Mole Antonelliana on Via Montebello. It was originally intended to be a synagogue, but the city’s Jewish population washed their hands of it after costs went out of control. This wasn’t helped by the architect deciding to make it 47m taller than originally planned.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – National Museum of Cinema
The Mole Antonelliana is home to the superb National Museum of Cinema (00 39 11 8138 560). Watch out for when the films finish – the whole building turns into a dazzling light show, with hidden blinds raised to let the sunlight in, and projections flashed across the roof.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Christmas Lights/ Luci d’Artista
Turin puts everyone else’s Christmas lights to shame. The Luci d’Artista (or Artists’ Lights) are specially commissioned works that line the whole city. This year’s included a fairy tale being told in snippets all the way down Via Garibaldi.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Brand names
Turin, and the area around it, is home to many famous brand names, such as Ferrero Rocher, Cinzano, Martini, Tic-Tacs, Nutella and Lavazza.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Roman influence
Torino (as the Italians call it) means ‘little bull’. Many think this is linked to ancient practice of Roman soldiers, who would sacrifice bulls to gain strength from the blood. It’s mere coincidence though – there was a settlement called Taurisia here long before.
The Roman influence can still be seen, however. The old city gate, Porta Palatina, is the most prominent, but there are the ruins of the amphitheatre too. Both can be found just northwest of the cathedral.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Chocolate festival
Turin is obsessed with chocolate, and celebrates it in the CioccolaTò festival every March. If you miss it, don’t fret, as there are chocolatiers (such as Peyrano on Corso Vitorio Emanuele II) to be found all over the city.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Museo Egizio
If you into Ancient Egypt, then don’t miss the Museo Egizio on Via Academia delle Scienze. Originally a private collection, it is widely agreed to be home to the best Egyptian collection outside of Cairo.
Turin Travel Facts & Trivia – Juventus Football Club
Italy’s most famous football club, Juventus, is based in Turin. They started wearing their famous black and white kit when the original pink one faded after washing. One of their players, John Savage, was from Nottingham, and sourced a job lot of Notts County’s kit.
