(Updated from the December2004/January2005 issue of Dream of Italy)
In the next few weeks, you will hear a great deal about an Italian city that
has flown below the radar for way too long. In the shadow of the Alps, along
the Po River, the city of Turin (Torino), will play host to the 2006 Winter
Olympics between February 10th and 26th. To Italians and foreigners alike, Turin
is often associated with one name or maybe two – Fiat and Agnelli. The
Agnelli family (who've become something of Italian royalty) built Fiat
into the world's seventh largest car manufacturer. Other industries opened
shop near Turin and the city attracted workers from the poorest regions of Italy.
Turin is home to 40 world-class museums
So it might seem that writer Henry James was right when he said, “Turin
is not a city to make a fuss about.” Yet, despite its reputation, the
center of this city shines and offers surprises around every corner. Consider
some of these treats: Turin’s Museo Egizio has the best collection
of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo. The city is home to Europe’s,
not just Italy’s, largest open-air market (Porta Palazzo). This is the
birthplace of Vermouth, grissini (bread sticks) and agnolotti
(crescent-shaped ravioli). Once the movie capital of Italy, Turin is again courting
the world’s filmmakers and playing host to them with a growing annual
festival. And of course, who can forget the Shroud of Turin (Sacra Sindone).
In look and feel, modern Turin is the creation of the House of Savoy, the royal
family who in the mid-16th century, moved their capital here from Chambery in
France. They set about to create an elegant and functional baroque city with
perpendicular streets, homogenous architecture (much designed by Guarino Guarini)
and wide squares. Their palaces are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. To protect
their royal heads from the weather while moving from one palace to the next,
twelve miles of arcades were constructed.
The royals’ official residence, Palazzo Reale, is filled with
huge baroque rooms sporting high ceilings, marble walls, gilded furniture and
17th century frescoes depicting the history of the family. While the Royal Palace
is uniformly elegant, Palazzo Madama incorporates a hodge-podge of historical
periods. It includes the towers of the old Roman gate Porta Pretoria,
the 15th century castle of Ludovico D’Acaja and the spectacular façade
with hall and grand staircase by Juvarra.
In addition to royal history, Turin reflects the history of the Risorgimento,
the movement which led to Italian reunification. In 1861, Turin was the first
capital city of Italy, united by the Count of Cavour, who became the first prime
minister under the King of Savoy. The Italian Parliament met for the first time
in Turin’s Palazzo Carignano, which is now a museum devoted to
the Risorgimento. The Italian capital was soon moved to Florence and then Rome.
One thing that’s apparent in walking the streets of Turin and meeting
the city’s residents is that they live their lives in an understated way.
There are strict rules for decorum which are rigidly followed. Showing off is
frowned upon. In fact, reportedly, the Turin branch of Hermes is the only Hermes
store that offers unmarked bags for patrons to carry out of the store. After
all, who would want to rub it in that she just bought a new Birkin bag?
The understated Torinese have perfected the civilized art of indulging in the
aperitif. They seem historically bound to it as in 1786, one of their own, Antonio
Benedetto Carpano invented Vermouth (made from white wine added to an infusion
of herbs and spices). Locals flock to cafes in the early evening to enjoy drinks
and a light buffet. Indeed, each café has its own personality and traits.
Caffe Torino (Piazza San Carlo 204), a favorite of Fiat executives,
has a gold bull encased in the sidewalk at the front door. Patrons are encouraged
to step on it for good luck. Smaller, yet equally elegant rival Caffe San
Carlo is a few doors down. According to locals,
Caffé Roberto (Via Po, 5) serves the best bagna cauda
(a local specialty that’s a mix of olive oil, anchovies, garlic and cream).
Want to follow in the steps of Nietzsche? Visit Caffe Elena on the
immense Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
For a non-alocholoic treat, Turin-style, head to Al Bicerin (Piazza
Consolata, 5). Opened in 1763, this café, frequented by Alexander Dumas
and Puccini, has low ceilings and just eight tables, lit by candlelight. The
décor isn’t the attraction though, it’s the Bicerin, according
to the current owner, “the perfect marriage of coffee and chocolate.”
It’s a layered drink of melted chocolate, espresso and heavy cream. After
indulging, be sure to peek in at the incredibly ornate Church of the Consolata,
believed to be the site of many miracles, across the street.
Turin is famous for chocolate, particularly gianduja, a succulent combination
of creamy chocolate with hazelnut (and a later insipiration for Nutella), named
after the Commedia dell’arte character. The best place to get the candies
– shaped like three-point hats – is Stratta (Piazza San
Carlo, 191), a beautiful shop dating from 1836. Turin is famous for ice cream
also. In 1937, Pepino (Piazza Carignano 8), invented ice cream on a stick, known
as un pinguino (a penguin).
Once you've sugared up, there are a few more sights that are musts. The
most celebrated and controversial piece of cloth in the world, the Shroud of
Turin was brought to the city by the Savoys. Oddly, the sheet that reportedly
covered Jesus has been near or in several fires, the latest in 1997, in Cappella
della Sacra Sindone, the chapel built specifically for the Shroud. With a few
burn marks, the cloth is housed in the Duomo next door, in a crystal box, behind
a black curtain. Pilgrims are encouraged to pray in front of the Shroud, but
can’t actually see the original. It belongs to the Pope and he decides
when it can be displayed to the public. Next scheduled appearance – 2025.
A symbol of Turin - the Mole Antonelliana Tower
And for a lighter activity, visit Mole Antonelliana (Via Montebello
20), a 19th century tower that houses Italy's national museum of cinema. On
display: a bustier and shoes once belonging to Marilyn Monroe the white costume
and headdress worn by Peter O'Toole in Lawrence of Arabia. Last year, Mayor
Sergio Chiamparino announced plans to develop the entire neighborhood with
a movie theme, including renaming some streets for actors Anna Magnani,
Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
But first, Mayor Chiamparino is definitely concentrating on the Olympics
– the event that may finally bring his city its due glory. Swiss architect
Le Corbusier described Turin as: "The city with the most beautiful natural
location,” and the opportunities for exploiting that location for winter
sports are why Turn got the 2006 nod. The same criticisms leveled against Athens
seem to be plaguing Turin -- International Olympic Committee president Jacques
Rogge said the city needs to “show a sense of urgency.” Six billion
dollars is being spent to improve Turin’s infrastructure, including the
addition of the city’s first subway. (For more on how to plan a trip to
the Olympics - including how to get tickets and secure accommodations, see our
November 2005 issue - Special Report: Turin and Piedmont. To buy a
download of the issue, click
here)
Someone once said, “if there were no Rome, Venice and Florence, Turin
would be the most beautiful city in Italy.” Luckily, we have them all
and Turin brings unique attributes to the mix. For more information on the city,
visit www.turismotorino.org
More on Turin...
Where to Stay
Le Meridien Lingotto
Via Nizza, 262
(39) 011 6642000 Rates: Double rooms range from 125 to 290 euros per night,
with breakfast.
Turin’s hippest 4-star hotel is housed in a former Fiat factory which
appeared the movie, The Italian Job. The hotel’s 5-star wing
is called Le Meridien Art + Tech.
Victoria Hotel
Via Nino Costa, 4
(39) 011 5611909
Rates: Doubles are 154 to 173 euros a night, including breakfast.
This cozy hotel isn’t going to win any awards for interior design, but
there’s something charming about the chintzy décor. Friendly staff
add to the charm.
Where to Eat
Ristorante Del Cambio
Piazza Carignano, 2
(39) 011 546690
Turin’s most famous restaurant has been serving meals since 1757. Their
Pollo Marengo was invented for Napoleon after an early triumph over the Austrians
in the northern hills. The 66-euro menu di tradizione includes another must-try
local specialty, tjarin, an egg-rich pasta.
Conservatorio
Via Mazzini, 12
(39) 011 835002
Locals flock to this casual restaurant for excellent pizza and affordable meals.
Where to Shop
Via Roma for upscale boutiques Via Garibaldi (which in 1969 became the first pedestrian-only
street in Italy) for everything else
La Gerla
Via Mazzini, 3
(39) 011 5604138
If you’re looking for unique gifts to bring home, stop by this lovely
year-old store selling organic products from throughout the region of Piedmont.
The chocolate bars infused with peppers, ginger or cinnamon, are delicious.
Ask to sample the strong and soothing Alpine elixirs.
Get a Guide
With so much history and mystery filling the streets of Turin, its well worth
hiring a native to fill you in on the details of this fascinating city. The
following guides are passionate storytellers and speak impeccable English:
Laura Sgarlazzetta
(39) 347 4137304
lauretta@inrete.it
Gabriella Bossina
(39) 335 6685231
Rates: Bossina charges 220 euros for an eight-hour day tour and 70 e for two
hours.
…or a Guidebook
There are few guidebooks devoted to the region of Piedmont, let alone its capital
of Turin. Published last year, Time Out Turin (Time Out Guides, $16.95)
is incredibly comprehensive, with detailed sidebars on the history of the city.
About
