Italy

Turin rests in regal charm beside the pretty River Po. Touting itself as Europe's capital of baroque, the city has the air of a capital manqué rather than a provincial outpost. Though much of the suburban sprawl is less than picturesque, there's an enormous green belt with views of the Alps east of the river.

Before the 20th century

It is unclear whether the ancient city of Taurisia began as a Celtic or Ligurian settlement. Like the rest of northern Italy, it eventually came under the sway of the Roman Empire, which was succeeded by the Goths, Lombards and Franks.

When Turin became capital of the House of Savoy, it pretty much shared the dynasty's fortunes thereafter. The Savoys annexed Sardinia in 1720, but Napoleon virtually put an end to their power and occupied Turin in 1798.

Modern history

Turin suffered Austrian and Russian occupation before Vittorio Emanuele I restored the House of Savoy and re-entered Turin in 1814. Nevertheless, Austria remained the true power throughout northern Italy until unification, when Turin became the capital, an honour it passed on to Florence three years later.

Turin adapted quickly to its loss of political significance, becoming first a centre for industrial production during the WWI years and later a hive of trade-union activity.

Recent history

Today, Turin is Italy's second-largest industrial city after Milan. In 2004, scientific and theological analysts rejoined the debate over the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin as research uncovered a second face on the back of the cloth. Argument had slowed since carbon-dating carried out in 1988 suggested the revered image was a fake.

The city has since looked forward to welcoming the international spotlight for all the right reasons, having won the bidding for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Top Accommodation

Top Restaurants

Turin has more than its fair share of rain and fog in winter, with temperatures rarely breaking into double figures. The rain remains constant outside winter, though mild temperatures are usual between May and September.

Average weather

• Temperature
• Rainfall
• Sunshine

Transport

Getting around

Buses, trams and cable cars make up the city's public transport network. A metro line is planned for 2006. Plenty of taxis criss-cross the metropolitan area. Cars and bicycles are available for hire.

Getting there and away

European, national and international connections to Turin are all catered for via planes, trains and buses.

Turin airport is 16km (10mi) northwest of the city (in Caselle; tel: 011 567 63 61). Buses come together at Corso Castifidardo (tel: 011 433 25 25). The main train station has daily connections with Milan, Venice, Genoa and Rome, and is situated at the Piazza Carlo Felice.

Health & Legal Requirements

Dangers and annoyances

Turin is not a dangerous city - you're unlikely to come across violence - but care should be taken to avoid pickpockets who, as in all major Italian cities, are active. Common sense and an under-the-clothes money belt go a long way in reducing the risks. If you don't have a money belt, keep cash in your front pockets and watch out for people who seem to brush close to you.

Bag snatching is not a common occurrence, but it pays to wear the strap of your bag or camera across your body and facing the side away from the road.

As in all cities, there are certain areas that should be avoided at night, particularly for solo travellers. The streets east and south of Stazione Porta Nuova have an unpleasant reputation and, although not as bad as they once were, should be approached with caution.

Parked cars, particularly those with foreign number plates or rental-company stickers are prime targets for thieves. Never leave valuables in your car.

On the road, city traffic can be dangerous for the unprepared tourist. Many roads that appear to be one-way have lanes for buses travelling in the opposite direction - always look both ways before stepping onto the road.