Hotels Turin, Guesthouses Turin and Residences Turin

Italy's first capital, Turin is certainly an economic powerhouse but it is also a town of grace and charm, with superb Baroque architecture and excellent museums. The regional capital of Piedmont, it is situated on the banks of the river Po and set against the dramatic scenery of the foothills of the Alps. The city's central core still retains the austere architectural patterns of the Savoy Capital, although it is surrounded by wide avenues, large squares and lush green areas.
Its important historic role, the cultural liveliness which has characterized it for over four centuries and the inestimable artistic heritage  it cherishes make Turin one of the most appreciated holiday destinations for thousands of tourists from all over the world who flock here all year round.

Walking down the streets of the city centre, tourists will have the possibility to admire impressive buildings, squares, museums and churches. Comfortable 3-star guesthouses and 4-star hotels situated in the old town are able to suit even guests' most demanding requirements. Intimate bed and breakfasts are situated amidst ancient palaces and charming avenues, while plenty of comfortable budget hotels are located a short distance from the city's main communication routes, both in the north-eastern area, which is home to Turin's International Airport, and in the city centre, a short distance from Porta Nuova railway station.

The elegant streets of the city centre are peppered with sumptuous palaces, lush gardens and imposing sacred buildings which bear witness to the period when Turin was the Capital of the Savoy Dukedom (from 1563) and the Capital of Italy (from 1861 to 1865) and which were designed by acclaimed architects and artists. The city of Turin is blessed with nearly 40 interesting museums which are housed in spledid palaces and civic buildings. The Museum of the Italian Risorgimento tells the story of unification through paintings and a collection of artifacts; the Museum of Ancient Art, which is hosted inside Palazzo Madama, contains treasures ranging from the Roman era to the 19th century; the Picture Gallery of the House of Savoy is the setting for a stunning array of works of art; GAM Civic Gallery hosts outstanding collections of contemporary art. Among the most original national galleries are the Motor Museum and the Cinema Museum, the latter being hosted inside the Mole Antonelliana. Turin is also the seat for a magnificent Egyptian Museum, which is housed inside the 17th-century Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze by Guarini together with the House of Savoy's main painting collection. One of the most appreciated architects of the House of Savoy and an important exponent of the Baroque style from Piedmont, he also realized the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, which is hosted inside the Duomo, and the nearby Palazzo Carignano, which is arguably the finest buiding in the city.
A short distance from it is Piazza Castello, Turin's main square which once contained a medieval castle which incorporated elements of the original Roman city walls. The castle was later enlarged and remodelled, and a new facade by Juvarra was added. Palazzo Madama now sits in the centre of the square with a stately, balaustrated facade. In front of it is one of the city's most beautiful churches, St. Lorenzo, its ornate interior boasting an extraordinary geometric dome, while opposite stands the Royal Theatre. The adjoining Piazza Reale is dominated by the Royal Armoury, the Royal Palace and its lush gardens and Turin's Duomo, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is the only example of Renaissance architecture in the city.
Beyond the gardens of the Royal Palace is the Mole Antonelliana, an unmissably tall landmark (163-metre-high) that serves no clear purpose except perhaps as a signature for the city.
The main avenues of Turin's city centre are scattered with plenty of further interesting sacred and civic buildings and public parks where tourists can enjoy utmost relax. Parco del Valentino, situated on the left bank of the river Po, is home to the Castle of Valentino, a large 17th-century building featuring elegant rooms furnished with style.
Apart from being an important artistic city, Turin is a modern and thriving city which offers tourists plenty of fun and shopping opportunities. Via Roma and Via Garibaldi are magnificent concourses lined with stylish shops and shaded arcades, interrupted only by cobbled squares. A grid pattern of side streets branches off either side of Via Roma, revealing additional shopping arcades; Piazza San Carlo, Via Po and Via Maria Vittoria are dotted with antique shops and charming workshops selling old books. Turin's night life revolves around the banks of the river Po, Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza Savoia. The so-called Murazzi which flank the river Po are punctuated with plenty of lively night clubs and pubs. Those interested in tasting traditional specialities from Piedmont will have the opportunity to eat at local restaurants and the well-stocked pastry shops of the city centre, the latter serving sublime ingot-shaped gianduiotti, studded with hazelnuts, tasty marrons glacés, rich beverages and plenty of further mouth-watering delicacies.