The Italian Job in Turin, Italy.
Michael Caine and mini car chases in Piedmont's capital
Travel to Turin in Piedmont (or Piemonte as the locals call it), Italy, and relive scenes from the classic Michael Caine and minis film, The Italian Job.
The Italian Job is unquestionably one of the greatest films of all time. Anything featuring Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill could hardly fail to be, but that’s not the point really. The real stars of the film are the stunning set pieces involving the minis haring around the city after the heist. But can you go where the daredevil drivers went?
Well, the answer is yes and no. Try taking your own car and pulling off those stunts and you’ll be in a police cell quicker than you can say: “You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” However, you can go there on foot.
The joy of the film was that it took place all over the Italian city. The gridlock and pandemonium shown on the screen was perfectly real. Unbelievably, the producers got permission to bring the city to a grinding halt in order to film it, and a quick walk around the main streets will take you to spots you will have seen in the traffic jams.
But beeping horns and dodgy traffic lights aren’t quite as exciting and chases and stunts, are they? For those, you’ll have to go to a couple of special locations.
The first of these is the church of Gran Madre del Dia, right on the banks of the Po. When you see it, it will be instantly recognisable. Well, not so much the church, but the steps outside it. This was where the uncautiously-driven minis charged down the stairs in an attempt to leave their pursuers behind. It’s a perfect spot for a photo, although beware of revving engines if you decide to sit down for a sandwich and a coffee on the steps.
The other iconic city scene (we’ll leave the truck hanging over the cliff in the Alps out for now), is when the minis are haring round on a rooftop race track and make an audacious leap for freedom.
This racetrack is on to of the Lingotto complex. This used to be the Fiat factory, but now it is a giant shopping, leisure, entertainment and conference complex. It’s absolutely massive, but unfortunately you’re not allowed to go up on top to the racetrack.
Well, not unless you’re staying in the swanky Le Meridien Art + Tech hotel. This five star establishment has commandeered the track, and it is now used as a private running track for guests.
