You could come here to see the Motown of Italy- and you would not be disappointed. The FIAT and PIRELLI act as a magnet for business visitors who are highly visible entertaining and visiting factories. The formality and corporate- often blue collar - culture is unmistakable. But as a culture aficionado - the city is worth a visit as well. It was always the center of Francophile movement- the pronunciation changes here and the tongues begin to roll. The house of Savoy that made Turin its capital introduced the subtleties. It was also the center of Risorgimento movement that ultimately led to the unification of Italy. Incidentally, the Italian communist movement and terrorism were also born in the Turin factories.
Turin offers a cultured society that prides in its museums and exudes a charm that descends directly from its French legacy. The attractions in your travel to Turin are many
Basilica De Superga
Raised in gratitude to Virgin Mary for saving the city from its French tormentors, it's a luxuriously baroque basilica located outside the city. The neo classical porch and the drum dome piercing the sky prove to be the focal point. Inside, it is as gloomy as a tomb with a vast circular chamber opening out to six side chapels. As a matter of fact, the church served as a tomb for the house of Savoy whose luminaries are buried deep inside the crypt of the kings. You can enjoy a fabulous view of the breathtaking Alps from the terrace in front and a trip to the basilica on the quaint railway could be etched in your mind forever. It adds a spiritual note to destination Italy.
Cattedrale Di San Giovanni Battista
Most people flock to Turin for the controversial shroud- Santissima Sindone. Just as well, because apart from the mysterious shroud, very few artifacts are displayed in the ostentatious Capella Della Santa Sindone. But the shroud makes up for everything. A subject of intense scientific scrutiny, it is perhaps one of the few signs of faith actually taking form. For, the shroud is supposed to have been worn by Jesus and contains tell-tale signs of torture, blood and grime that accompanied the Lord's crucification. The entire scientific community is suitably skeptical. Even carbon dating has been inconclusive and it is your faith that will ultimately decide. It could prove to be a renewal of faith in your destination Italy. The cathedral faces two important landmarks- the remains of a theatre and the Porta Palenina a roman era city gate flanked by six sided towers.
Galleria Civica d' Arte Moderna e Contemporanea GAM
The contemporary art gallery impels you to look beyond the perfection of forms of Italian Renaissance. See the illusions that illustrates individual reality with arts by Modigliani, Giorgio de Chirico, Serverini, Otto Dix and Andy Warhol amongst others .If renaissance art was equated with Italy, then this museum gives a fresh new perspective. The magnificent colors superimposed on everyday graphics , mind stream consciousness painting forces you to rethink on every aspect of classicism including the eternal question what is art?
Museo del automobile
The Motown even has a museum dedicated to lifestyle toys. It houses the Italian style of car-making mainly from Fiat - where functionality is often superimposed with clever designs. It you are obsessed with the hot wheels, head for the Bell lighter exhibition hall that exhibits classic 1960s design. The free flowing curves captured the imagination of the world and represent an entire way of life. Lancias, Isotta Frashinis , Ferraris and Alpha Romeos jostle for attention and display evolving technology high on style. You can see the Itala that entered the 1907 Peking to Paris rally as well as Gloria Swanson's roadster in Sunset Boulevard.
Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi
The royal palace of the Savoy's brims with its French connections. A love for all things French leads to a largely ostentatious palace -opulently decorated and overflowing with gold colored decorations. Their love of art redeems it somewhat and the priceless collection is displayed at Galleria Sabauda. Even the tapestries attract attention with themes like Goblins depicting Don Quixote's life .The Chinese and Japanese vases are a treat. There is even a manual driven elevator.