| |
Guide to Turin, Italy
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Turin
|
TurinTurin, the businessmans haven in the north of Italy, is both a capitalists dream and a cultural and historical masterpiece. Though today it is situated on Italian land, the influences for its construction are equally divided with those of French origin. Youll enjoy walks along the well-kept boulevards, passing by caf after caf, where, as it turns out, youre more likely to spot executives and accountants with notebooks rather than cappuccino cups. Yet, the inhabitants of this city seem to keep their priorities in line, and while work is what they do, the city is what they have made, and their pride in Turin certainly cannot be downplayed. So visit Turin today, and see why it continues to stand as one of the premier destinations in northern Italy.
When to go:
Turin, along with Milan, Venice and a number of other cities in the region experience a mostly-mild climate throughout the year. The depth of winter may bring a snowflake or two, but for the most part it is just cold and damp. Spring and autumn warm up considerably, yet they dont see the influx of visitors that summer brings to the area. If you plan your visit for summer be prepared for ideal weather, but Turin is packed with tourists and the pre-vacation antsy-ness that is common among city dwellers. Therefore, dont think twice about booking for spring or autumn. They both have their upsides and downsides, but you definitely wont mind the discounted prices and un-crowded sidewalks.
Getting there and around:
Flights to Turin arrive at Caselle International Airport, a great, modern terminal that is just 14km (9mi) from the city. The airport has everything you need, most of the things you may want, and even some things you may not want. Buses and taxis are your main modes of transportation, though you always have the option of renting a vehicle. If you happen to travel to the city at the least-busy time of year, this is surely the best way to go, but your chances of finding that loophole are slim to none. If youre watching your funds carefully, youre better off taking a bus, otherwise hire a cab that will take you directly to your hotel.
The most ideal way of getting around the city is by foot. You get to see all the sights at your own pace, and youre among some of the cleanest city air in the country its a win/win situation. However, if youre running late for a theatre performance or want to catch the last hours of a museum exhibit, youre best taking a tram or a taxi. Obtaining a Torino Card will allow you to travel via the citys public transit systems as many times as you wish within a period of 48 hours.
Attractions:
The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is the most-visited and most-highly praised religious site in all of Turin. This is due, not in part to its architectural details or its grandiose stature, but for the piece known as the Shroud of Turin. This piece of cloth is said be Christs, and while many scientists dispute its authenticity by means of carbon dating, the faithful continue to visit the Cattedrale not to view the Shroud (it is only on view occasionally), but to simply be in its presence. Interestingly enough, the Shroud is most-often kept in the nearby Museo della Sindone, but pilgrims continue to arrive in the black marble chapel of the Cattedrale throughout the year.
Art aficionados will enjoy a visit to the GAM (Galleria Civica dArte Moderna e Contemporanea), where pieces from the 18^th -century to today are housed, including works by Canova, Francesco Hayez, Giorgio de Chirico, Paul Klee, and Andy Warhol. Only one day a month (first Friday) the museum allows visitors a free guided tour of the museum.
|
|
|
