Piedmont and Turin overview

At the very heart of Europe, Piedmont boasts a treasure chest of culture, art, natural beauty and unmistakable flavours. Locally known as Piemonte, this region of the fertile upper basin of the River Po lies in the foothills between the Italian Appenines and the French and Swiss Alps.

Piedmont, on the north-western border of Italy, is a beautiful region, famed for its Barolo wine, excellent cuisine and historical importance. The region is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Europe and crossed by Italy’s largest river, the Po, and its many tributaries. Thanks to the great abundance of water, the land is fertile and agriculture important: main crops are rice, grapes, maize, potatoes and the infamous white truffle. Tourism is especially lively in the winter ski resorts in the Alps, and in the summer, visitors enjoying sightseeing will delight in discovering the many historic castles, churches and palaces, shopping in the many retail outlets, or simply enjoying the relaxed and conservative Piedmontese way
of life.

Turin

The capital of Piedmont, Turino, or Turin, was, very briefly, the capital of the newly unified Italy in 1861. Today, although famed for its car industry, the city boasts enthralling museums, royal palaces and classical monuments, baroque castles and churches, sweeping boulevards, colonnaded walkways and elegant piazzas; the most noted of which is Piazza Castello, itself dominated by the baroque façade of the Palazzo Madama which contains the Civic Museum of Ancient Art. Turin’s most enduring symbol, Mole Antonelliana, from which there are stunning views, houses the National Cinema Museum which traces Turin’s cinematic history right through to current cutting-edge technology.

The Egyptian Museum is reputed to be second only to that in Cairo, and for car enthusiasts, the Automobile Museum chronicles Italy’s celebrated automotive
history. The late 15th century Duomo di San Giovanni Battista houses the Turin Shroud. Its next public appearance is not scheduled until 2025, although a smaller copy is on view, and for those interested in the scientific tests that have been carried out, a history is mapped out in Museo della Sindone. For Torinesi, the city’s heart is Via Roma: a sophisticated street that will please even the hardiest of retail therapists with its exclusive shops and designer names.

Piedmont and Turin hotels

L'Ostelliere

Hotel L'Ostelliere is a beautifully restored farmhouse originally dating back to the 17th century

Principi di Piemonte

Located in the heart of Turin, just a short walk from Via Roma the famous shopping street

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Piedmont and Turin sightseeing

Turin

Turin is a stunningly beautiful city boasting palaces, castles, churches, beautiful
piazzas and romantically, elegant colonnaded walkways. There’s sophisticated designer shopping on Via Roma, fantastic views from the top of the Mole Antonelliana, and, due to it being home to the region’s bon viveurs, chocolate tasting sessions to suit the most sophisticated of chocolate-lovers.

The Turin Shroud

Housed in the Duomo di San Giovanni Battista, the Turin Shroud was brought to
Turin in the 17th century. The Shroud is kept in an iron-lined silver casket and although not normally on view, there is a copy for all to see.

Turin Museums

Second only to the one in Cairo, Turin’s Egyptian Museum includes an extraordinary collection including the Royal Papyrus, paintings from the tomb of It, and the world’s oldest painted cloth depicting boats, hunting scenes and dances. Turin’s Royal Palace, originally home to the Savoy princes, boasts lavish rooms, a comprehensive armoury and delightful gardens. Other museums and churches worth visiting include: Automobile Museum, National Cinema Museum, Museum of Ancient Art, the church of San Lorenzo boasting a replica of The Turin Shroud, and the Museum of Sindone which charts the history of scientific tests carried out on The Shroud.

Wine tasting

Wine tasting sessions in Piedmont are frequent, and enjoyable for both novices
and connoisseurs, and hotels often organise wine sessions for their guests.
Barolo is the region’s most famous wine, and a visit to Marchesi di Barolo will excite anyone interested in rich, full reds.

Castles

Throughout the centuries, Italian castles maintained considerable importance, but
their functions changed constantly from military bases and administrative centres,
to aristocratic residences. Southern Piedmont boasts numerous castles, towers
and stately homes and visitors to this area will delight in driving around discovering their own personal favourites.

Piedmont and Turin cuisine

Piedmont is famed for gastronomy and wine, with beef, cheese, butter, rice and truffles (specifically white truffles from Alba) locally produced or harvested. Agnolotti del plin, a speciality in the province of Cuneo, is small ravioli stuffed with veal, pork, spinach and parmesan, and when visiting Turin, you must try Bagna Cauda, a hot spicy anchovy and garlic sauce served as an accompaniment
to freshly chopped raw vegetables. Much more than a risotto, Panissa boasts rich
intense flavours from salami, Berbera wine and locally produced cheese, and if you are lucky enough to be able to try white truffles (usually eaten raw, cut into slivers with an affettaturtufi or truffle slicer), you’ll be mesmerised by the intense, penetrating flavour.

Regional red wines include: smooth Dolcetto, intense Barbasresco and the most famous of all, Barolo, the wine of kings, it boasts high tannin levels and hints of violet, berries, tobacco, vanilla, mint, chocolate, liquorice, spices, and truffle!

Piedmont and Turin offers

L'Ostelliere

Hotel L'Ostelliere is a beautifully restored farmhouse originally dating back to the 17th century

3 offers

Principi di Piemonte

Located in the heart of Turin, just a short walk from Via Roma the famous shopping street

1 offer

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