Turin has many attractions for art lovers. But it’s also quite a popular destination among those who appreciate the fine art of eating. While the Slow Food movement originated nearby in the town of Alba, the Piedmontese capital is famous for Eataly (pronounced Italy), a major food market in the Lingotto area where all fresh produce and other products come from a select goup of small independent farmers and the like. As for eateries per se, the menu of the day at Guido’s is a delicious option. To enjoy with a bottle of vintage Barolo red wine, what else?

THE “MOLE” AND MORE
Turin is one of Italy’s leading centers of culture and science. Its iconic monument is the Mole Antonelliana, an imposing building which now houses the Film Museum. Alessandro Antonelli is the great architect who designed it.

He also happens to be the author of the Scaccabarozzi House, or the world’s narrowest building (five meters wide in front, only 54 cm in back), located across from the prestigious Franco Noero contemporary art gallery. But the list of architectural wonders goes on, beginning with the Royal Palace and other former residences of the Savoy monarchy in the Turin vicinity – such as the magnificently restored Venaria Royal Palace and the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge. Another must stop on the itinerary is the Egyptian Museum, second in importance only to the one in Cairo, Egypt. Today, the first official capital of Italy (1861 to 1865) is also a vibrant art city that hosts both prime expo events like Artissima and worldclass cultural institutions like the Merz Foundation, the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation and the Rivoli Castle Museum of Contemporary Art. Ideal for a stop between one visit and the next? The Combal Zero restaurant,
with Michelin star status.
 

BREAKTIME
City which according to tradition gave origin to milk chocolate and to vermouth, Turin is famously known for its age-old cafés and its elegant pastry shops. So, no visit would be complete without a trip to the regal Piazza San Carlo to buy some gianduia chocolates at Pfatisch or at Strata. Time for an aperitif? The place to go is the Golden Palace Hotel bar, where against a backdrop of precious wood paneling and gold stuccowork the mood is lusciously exquisite.