Marianna Hunt

How to spend 48 hours in Turin

  • From Spectator Life

This May Turin’s stately boulevards and grand piazzas will be flooded with sequin-clad divas and flag-brandishing fans, as it gears up to host the 66th edition of the Eurovision song contest.

This is only the third time ever that Italy has hosted the competition, following Rome in 1991 and Naples in 1965. The country’s first ever capital (from 1861 to 1865) and the urban hub of the stunning Piedmont region (a foodie haven) – Turin is an under-appreciated gem among European city breaks. There’s no better to time to discover the best of what the city has to offer ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final on 14 May.

What to do

With a seductive mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau buildings, Turin (or Torino) is best explored on foot.

Start at the Piazza Castello to take in historic palaces including Palazzo Madama and the Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace of Turin). Both are now museums laden with treasures, including ancient arts and crafts and a Royal Armoury stuffed with impressive weapons. A climb up the Palazzo Madama’s towers gives you an excellent view over the city.

Next door, Turin’s main cathedral is home to the Shroud of Turin (believed to be the cloth in which Jesus’ body was wrapped post-crucifixion).

Piazza Castello is also an ideal stopping point to enjoy some gelato by the fountains. A few minutes’ walk away are the Piazza Carlo Alberto and Piazza San Carlo, two deliciously photogenic squares with Baroque backdrops.

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Piazza San Carlo, Torino

Head towards one of Turin’s four rivers, the Dora Riparia, via the Mercato di Porta Palazzo – the largest market in Europe. Here you can explore around 1,000 stalls featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, artisan cheeses, vintage clothes and more.

A trip to Valentino Park is a must. This 42-hectare oasis runs along the banks of the Po (another of Turin’s rivers) and is perfect for picnicking, people watching and strolls in the shade.

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