Torino - The City of Arches

Count down to 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy

Home to the Agnelli clan, owners of Fiat and big bad Juventus, I had always envisioned Torino to be a grey, dull industrial city and never really had any great urge to visit.  Yet on this particular day Torino was anything but.  Charming, elegant and energetic it was washed over in sunshine and its signature baroque architecture was on full display as we walked aimlessly through the city center. 

With time becoming such a precious commodity and so many other attractive places to visit in Europe, like many tourists we were quite prepared to overlook the city.  However, since arriving in France, more than a few people have encouraged us to visit Torino and given how close we were we figured we might be able to knock it off in a day.  As well, after learning that the Italian nation was born in Torino150 years ago and it being Italy’s first capital, a visit could not be avoided.  In 1865, the capital moved to Florence for a brief period before Rome became Italy's permanent capital in 1870.  Who knew!!

Enjoying some sun

Via Po is one of those extravagant streets lined on either side with ‘portici’ (arches) so typical of the city.  Connecting two of Torino’s main squares, Piazza Castello and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, we walked down toward the Po River along one side of Via Po and back up the other under the portici stopping at the historic Caffe Fiorio for some delicious chocolato caldo and gelato which the café is famous for.

Often referred to as the city of arches, Torino is another fine example of a European city designed and architected with the pedestrian in mind.  Palazzo Reale, Grande Madre, Mole Antonelliana, San Lorenzo Church and Grande Madre are a few of the stunning examples of the city’s elegant past.   

Torino's Egyptian
Museum

Established in 1780, Caffe Fiorio was frequented by intellects, politicians and aristocrats of the time and some suggest it is where Cavour and Garibaldi plotted Italy’s political future.  It was also one of Mark Twain’s favourite places to stop in for hot chocolate and ice cream.   On this beautiful sun-filled day, it seemed like every person in Torino was out sitting in cafes and squares or simply walking without a care in the world and enjoying the splendour that the city has to offer.    As for knocking it off in a day?  Wishful thinking, we’re hoping to find time to go back for another visit.

Sal