Things to do in  Turin

A hidden Piedmont gem in Italy’s northwest, Turin has many identities—the country's former capital, and the royal family's continued home. The sophisticated Baroque atmosphere of “The Little Paris” has the added charm of Alpine views and the river Po. Turin’s many attractions include the Holy Shroud (Cappella della Sacra Sindone) at the Turin Cathedral (Cathedral Church of San Giovanni Battista), where a replica of a cloth believed to have been laid over the body of Jesus is usually on display. To dig into another era, the Egyptian Museum holds one of the most precious ancient collections in the world, with 30,000 artifacts telling the tale of the civilization over time; guided or skip-the-line tours offer an insider view. To appreciate Turin's architecture, head to the striking Mole Antonelliana and its imposing tower—an old synagogue now functioning as an exceptional cinema museum; Palazzo Madama, which houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art; and Palazzo Carignano, which is home to the Museum of the Risorgimento—both are old Savoy residences full of opulent rooms and art worthy of a royal palace. Walking, biking, or hop-on hop-off bus tours of Turin take visitors around the epicenter of Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo and along the river, all the while admiring the grandeur of wide boulevards and regal mansions. A half- or full-day trip to the adjacent Piedmont wine region gives travelers the chance to visit wine cellars and vineyards, and the opportunity to taste Barolo and other regional wines.