Turin Province

Turin and its province of countless surprises. 

Baroque palazzi, prized wines, uncontaminated nature ... the province of Turin has a thousand resources, an area where culture, history and nature merge into atmospheric scenery. 

Turin in the kitchen 

It will be easy to start your visit to this area by discovering the riches offered by its gastronomy: through delicious dishes and tasty recipes, Turin province will regale you with flavours suited to all palates. 

From Bibiana to Azeglio, Caravina to Carmagola, each place will offer specialities worthy of note. Typical dishes for example are "agnolotti del plin” served with roast meat and sage sauce, or even enriched with a scraping of truffle, or the “bagna caoda”, an ancient country recipe, which is a type of sauce made from oil, anchovies and garlic, in which raw and boiled vegetables are dipped. 

Turin province is marked by strong culinary traditions covering the whole range from hors-d'oeuvres to confectionery. The home of the aperitif, Turin was the cradle of Vermouth and grissini, but also of gianduia chocolate, famous throughout the world. 

Wines also are of fundamental importance in the Turin menu: near the capital they grow Freisa vines, producing a ruby-red, slightly sparkling wine produced specifically in the Chieri area and appreciated by connoisseurs. 

A province of art 

All of the Turin area is influenced by the long reign of the house of Savoy. 

The Savoy residences are very important elements of Piedmont's historical and artistic heritage and indeed of the whole of Italy's. Some of them house the best works of architects and artists who, over the centuries, worked in the service of the royal family. 

However, not all have remained intact to the present day, such as the magnificent Regio Parco castle, near Turin, now the site of an imposing cemetery. 

It was the influence of the Savoy dynasty which led Turin to grow like an open-air museum, with dozens of Baroque-style buildings enriching the streets and squares of this eclectic city. For example there are the Palazzo Madama, the Duomo di San Giovanni Battista (St. John the Baptist) and the church of San Lorenzo. 

Turin, a treasure chest 

But Turin is not just baroque, it is a melting pot of styles, art and fantasy. 

In the capital of Piedmont is the Egypt Museum, second in the world for beauty and treasures only to that in Cairo. Inside the Mole Antonelliana the interesting National Film Museum is hidden, whereas in the Duomo di San Giovanni Battista is the Sacred Shroud. 

Sacred and profane, ancient and modern, in its own unique style, Turin is a unique city of inestimable beauty. 

With classical architecture side by side with modern, from Juvarra's eighteenth century facades to the futuristic buildings designed by Gau Aulenti, Turin will amaze everyone. 

Turin has a special link with the Agnelli family who have contributed to the artistic wealth of the city with their private Pinacoteca (art gallery) where one can admire priceless works by great artists such as Picasso, Dalì, Matisse and Canaletto, displayed in an enchanting metal structure designed by the great architect Renzo Piano. 

This city of countless resources has also made fashion an art, and has placed itself in the front line for the worldwide jet set: the arcades of Via Roma house international firms such as Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Gucci and Prada. 

The Piedmont hills 

Turin province has developed on the plains at the feet of the Pennine Alps, in a spectacular natural setting. 

The gentle green waves of the environs give spectators a feeling of immensity and peace, ravishing all the senses. As well as the view, spectators will be struck by the scent of the woods, the smell of chestnuts, the song of the birds living in the countless nature parks and protected oases that abound in this area. 

You will lose yourself amongst the enchanting and endless vineyards that caress the earth and extend as far as you can see, framing every now and then an ancient renaissance farmhouse, full of history and memories. 

Taking part in some sport in such an enchanting setting seems obligatory. 

The range of choice is wide: from trekking to hiking, golf to football, but also plenty of skiing and sports linked to the mountains, seeing as the best ski resorts like Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx are within easy reach of Turin.