Turin: Art, Theatre and Savoy History

Turin combines art collections, theatre history and culinary traditions with paths along the Po and viewpoints overlooking the Alpine arc. Its attractions tell different stories: from the Savoys’ dynastic collections and Egyptian culture to two landmark openings in the history of the Teatro Regio. As you plan, you can consider whether to focus on museums, performing arts, landscapes or culinary experiences.

Art Collections and History

The Galleria Sabauda displays more than 500 works from the Savoys’ dynastic collections. Its span ranges from European art of the 14th to the 20th century. This makes it an extensive collection through which to explore several centuries of art history. Palazzo Madama offers a different perspective on art: the building houses a museum of the city and the Piedmont region, as well as a museum of decorative arts from every period and region. Its ceramics collection comprises more than 4,000 pieces and is among the most important in Italy.

The Museo Egizio is the world’s oldest museum devoted entirely to Egyptian culture. It was founded in 1824, based on the collection assembled by Bernardino Drovetti. Those exploring Turin’s cultural history can compare very different collection profiles: the dynastic artworks of the Galleria Sabauda, the broad scope of Palazzo Madama and a museum dedicated entirely to Egyptian culture.

At the Mole Antonelliana, architectural history and the visitor experience also come together. The building was originally designed as a synagogue. Inside, stairways climb through the dome to the panoramic terrace. The ascent is therefore part of the visit, offering a different way to experience a cultural site than walking through exhibition galleries.

Theatre, the Underground and Remembrance

The history of the Teatro Regio can be traced through two different openings: the theatre opened on 26 December 1740 with Francesco Feo’s opera Arsace. The current building opened on 10 April 1973 with Giuseppe Verdi’s opera I Vespri siciliani. Guided tours include the foyer, auditorium, stage, underground rehearsal rooms and tailor’s workshop. These stops offer insight into different aspects of theatre operations.

At the Museo Civico Pietro Micca, the collection features models, prints, weapons and mementos from the period. The visit also includes an underground route through the counter-mine tunnels of the Mezzaluna del Soccorso. The collection of objects and the subterranean route thus offer two different ways to explore the same museum. The Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano preserves paintings, drawings and sculptures, as well as textile collections of uniforms and flags.

You can also encounter Savoy history at the Basilica di Superga, whose underground areas contain tombs of the Savoy dynasty that are open to visitors. The Basilica also offers a viewpoint overlooking Turin and the Alpine arc. As access arrangements for the tombs may change, it is advisable to check visiting options in advance. This place combines historical impressions with views of the landscape.

Along the Po and in the Landscape

Parco del Valentino lies on the left bank of the Po and faces the Turin hills. Cycle paths and walking trails, along with opportunities for sport and recreation, shape how the park is used. Here you can experience the city from a different perspective than in its museums and historic buildings.

The park is also home to the Borgo Medievale, created as a reconstruction for the 1884 Italian General Exhibition. Its origins in the context of the exhibition are an important part of its history: the Borgo is not simply a reference to the medieval past, but a reconstruction created for this occasion. Together with the paths and recreational opportunities in Parco del Valentino, it offers an additional cultural point of interest in a green setting.

A Taste of Turin’s Traditions

Caffè Al Bicerin was founded in 1763 and has preserved its original furnishings. The café is associated with the traditional Turin drink bicerin, which originated there. Museo Carpano explores the history of Italian vermouth from 1786, when Benedetto Carpano patented the drink. Tours are offered in Italian and English; tasting experiences are available by appointment. A visit to Guido Gobino ends with a tasting. As visitor arrangements may vary, it is advisable to enquire before planning your visit.

Mercato di Porta Palazzo is considered Europe’s largest open-air market; its area is given as 51,300 m². Together with the stories surrounding bicerin and vermouth, the market offers another way to explore Turin’s culinary heritage. If you want to include food and local traditions in your trip, you can consider these stops as distinct points of interest alongside museums, theatre and landscapes.

Plan Your Stay

When looking for a hotel in Turin, you can first decide what you want your trip to focus on: art collections and cultural history, theatre and architecture, paths along the Po, or culinary experiences. These different themes can help guide your plans without requiring every stop to have equal importance. Your visit can focus on particular interests or combine several of them. For places with visitor arrangements that may change, check the latest conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Dubbione Di Pinasca, Piossasco, Sauze D'oulx, Vestignè, Moriondo Torinese, Rivarolo Canavese, Rivalta Di Torino, Pinerolo, Pavone Canavese, Oulx, Nichelino, Moncalieri, Ivrea, Claviere, Ciriè, Chivasso, Chieri, Castagneto Po, Caselle Torinese, Barbania, Sant'antonino Di Susa, Villar Pellice, Castagnole Piemonte, Cinzano, Roletto, Didiero, Castellamonte, Meana di Susa, Salbertrand, Rivalba, Vidracco, Salassa, Germagnano, Venaria Reale, Plan, Riva presso Chieri, Carmagnola, Candiolo, Caluso, Champlas Seguin, Rollieres, Buriasco, Cantalupa, Poirino, Valprato Soana, Busano, Airasca, Brosso, San Benigno Canavese, Montalto Dora, Ceres, Caselette, Carella, Beaulard, Ala Di Stura, Alpette, San Sicario Alto, Chiomonte, Locana, Coazze, Prali, Usseglio, Viù, Rubiana, Parella, Moncenisio, Settimo Vittone, Perosa Argentina, Cuceglio, Grugliasco, Giaveno, Druento, Collegno, Sestriere, Usseaux, Villafranca Piemonte, Turin, Volpiano, Vigone, Susa, Scarmagno, San Mauro Torinese, San Giusto Canavese, San Giorgio Canavese, Sangano, San Francesco Al Campo, Ruà, Rondissone, Romano Canavese, Rivoli, Andezeno, Maglione, San Gillio, Noasca, Bibiana, Vico Canavese, Strambinello, Quincinetto, Traversella, Pomaretto, Montalenghe, Baldissero Torinese, Balangero, Piverone, Verrua Savoia, Cuorgnè, Arborea, Settimo Torinese, Villar Focchiardo, Villareggia, Vinovo, Cebrosa, Nole, Bussoleno, Ceresole Reale, Coassolo, Borgone Susa, Pont Canavese, Eremo, Stazione, Front, Borgofranco D'ivrea, San Secondo Di Pinerolo, Agliè, Azeglio, La Loggia, Foglizzo, Loranzè, Casalborgone, Torre Canavese, Almese, Pino Torinese, Avigliana, Val Della Torre, Banchette, Bruzolo, Cesana Torinese, Monti, Cambiano, Maddalena, Sparone, San Giuseppe, Valgioie, Campiglia Soana, Alpignano, Trofarello, Cumiana, Vistrorio, Monfol, Pianezza, Palazzo Canavese, Mazzè, Gravere, Roure, Orbassano, Montaldo Torinese, Villar Perosa, Beinasco, San Didero, Bricherasio, Condove, Torrazza Piemonte, Buttigliera Alta, Gassino Torinese, Montanaro, Fenestrelle, Isolabella, Frassinetto, Bruino, Arignano, Piobesi Torinese, Pavarolo, Piamprato, Lanzo Torinese, Exilles, Carignano, Garibaldi, Sant'anna, Sauze Di Cesana, None Turin, Torre Pellice, Cavour, Sciolze, Chiaverano, Fiano, Rosta, Vacci, Airali, San Pietro Val Lemina, Cervoto, Colleretto Giacosa, Pragelato, Pecetto, Torre, Albiano D’ivrea, Cavallo, Borgaro Torinese, San Giorio, Marentino, Bardonecchia, Candia Canavese, Pralormo, Mathi, Lombardore, Bobbio Pellice, San Maurizio Canavese, Chiesanuova, Robassomero, San Raffaele, Brusasco, Alice Superiore, Caprie, Corio, Balme

For the regional travel overview: Piedmont.