Turin Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Turin, Piedmont, Italy)

There is one tourist attraction in Turin that draws the crowds in their thousands. The Turin Shroud is rarely seen in public and yet remains an endless source of fascination for visitors to the city.

Aside from its most famous relic, Turin is a veritable treasure trove for anyone interested in uncovering the rich heritage of this largely undiscovered tourist destination. From grand royal palaces to impressive churches, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy during their stay in the city.

Basilica di Superga (Superga Cathedral)

Built on top of a hill on the very edge of Turin, Superga Cathedral is the final resting place for many members of the House of Savoy. The site also became tragically the place where Turin's football team lost their lives in an air crash back in 1949. A memorable trip to the cathedral can be made from Turin centre via an antique tram, the Trenino per Superga. The views from the top are, as you'd expect, absolutely stunning. Superga Cathedral is better known to locals as the Basilica di Superga.
Open hours: April to September - 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 17:00; October to March - 09:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Duomo di San Giovanni / Turin Shroud

Address: Piazza San Giovanni, Turin, Italy, IT
The best-known feature of Turin's Cathedral is the Turin Shroud. The fact that this controversial religious relic is stored safely in a vault beneath the cathedral often comes as a major disappointment to visiting tourists. In fact, the Shroud is officially brought out for public viewing every 25 years, it's last appearance being in 2000. In between, visitors can view a large photograph or look out for unofficial outings at special events and attractions. Shroud-aside, the 15th-century cathedral is interesting in its own right. It is one of Turin's few examples of Renaissance architecture, although all was nearly lost in 1997, when a fire destroyed part of the building.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 19:00
Turin tourist attraction admission:

Palazzo Reale

Address: Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 011 436 1455
Turin's Palazzo Reale epitomizes the grandeur of the city's royal history. Built for King Carlo Emanuel II, it served as a royal residence until 1865. Expect to see some lavish interior decoration and period attractions, together with all the fittings of royalty, including a Throne Room and Dining Room.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:30 to 19:00
Admission: charge, free for children

Palazzo Cavour

Address: Via Camillo Cavour 8, Turin, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 011 530 690
Palazzo Cavour was once the home of the great Italian statesman and a key player in building the Italian nation, Count Cavour. The Baroque-styled palace must have witnessed a great deal during its time, particularly as the seat of the newspaper, 'Il Risorgimento' and as a meeting place for Turin's great and good. Recently renovated, its grandeur is still put to good use as an upmarket space for temporary attractions and popular exhibitions.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 19:30
Admission: charge, free for children

Palazzo Madama

Address: Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 011 442 9931
This magnificent mixture of medieval and Baroque started out life as the Porta Praetoria, the gates of a Roman settlement founded in 28 BC. The gate's remains were transformed into a medieval castle during the 13th century. It wasn't until the 15th century, however, that a Turin nobleman turned it from castle-fortress to royal palace. The 'Madama' in question is Maria Cristina of France and then Maria Giovanni Battista of Savoie Nemours. Tourists will find that the most notable attractions of the Palazzo Madama include its Baroque facade and grand sweeping staircase. Throughout its history, the palace has had many uses. Today, it serves as the home to Turin's Museo Civico d'Arte Antica.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday - 10:00 to 20:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 23:00
Admission: free entry to hall

Santuario della Consolata

Address: Via Maria Adelaide, Turin, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 011 53 9898
Built to house a statue of the Madonna, this church's beautiful pink-and-white facade is matched by an equally elaborate interior. The Santuario della Consolata church itself features lots of marble, silver and gold, together with wood carvings, paintings and religious attractions. The church is still home to several statues, including one of Queen Maria Theresia.
Open hours: Mass Monday to Saturday - 06:30 to 19:00; Mass Sunday and public holidays - 06:30 to 16:00; October to June - 18:15 to 19:30; guided tours available but must be booked in advance
Admission: free

Armeria Reale

Address: Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy, IT
+30 (0)11 543 889
Turin's Royal Armoury contains what is reputed to be one of the best and most complete collections of arms and armour in the whole of Europe. The collection was put together in 1833 by Charles Albert, King of Sardinia. It comprises weapons and armour which dates back to the 16th century.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge