Turin

Turin Travel Guide

• About Turin

Situated on the mighty Po river in the far northwest of Italy, and surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, Turin offers visitors a feast of baroque architecture, ornate art nouveau cafés and museum collections covering everything from Egyptology to contemporary art. Once little more than an industrial city, recent urban regeneration has transformed Turin into one of Italy’s more interesting outposts. Start at its recently been renovated museums: the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano, which looks at the establishment of the Italian state in 19th century, and Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, celebrating the mighty car-production industry that once thrived here. The symbol of Turin is the Mole Antonelliana, whose needle-like spire bursts unmistakably from the city skyline. Completed in the late 19th century, it today houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, but was originally conceived as a synagogue. There’s also one of the country’s most famous relics here, the Holy Shroud, said to be a section of the cloth that wrapped Christ’s body after the crucifixion. It still attracts thousands of pilgrims. Turin is also great for drinking – there are many café-bars in and around the city centre, so don’t forget to have a glass or two of Vermouth, which was born here. You’ll also find that Turin has a long history in chocolate and several old, traditional chocolatiers can still be found under the city’s handsome grey porticoes; be sure to scoff a few squares of Gianduja, the hazelnut chocolate created here under Napoleon. As for savoury food, Piedmont’s cuisine is very different from the rest of the country, and some of the region’s best restaurants can be found in Turin. Rich sauces give way to light risottos, gamey meats and plenty of truffles. But as the Piedmontese were instrumental in unifying the country, don’t dare think of it as anything other than Italy.

• Turin History

The city of Turin, capital of Piedmont, is known historically for two things: the car giant Fiat, which was born here in 1899, and the Shroud of Turin, believed to be the burial cloth of Christ. But its history stretches far beyond these two highlights. Like many Italian cities, Turin probably takes its name from an ancient Celtic tribe called the Taurini, said to have occupied the heart of Piedmont. Hannibal destroyed the city in 218 BC, and a couple of centuries later, Turin became home to an important Roman military camp. In the Middle Ages, after the Roman Empire crumbled, Turin was overrun by Lombards, Franks and Goths until it began to be absorbed into the powerful House of Savoy. By the 15th century, it became one of the most fundamental cities in the unified dukedom, and finally the capital of the burgeoning state. Lavish palaces were left behind by Savoy rule. The French continually harried Turin, besieging the capital in the mid-16th century and again in 1706 during the Spanish War of Succession. Napoleon later seized the city during his ‘liberation’ of Italy, after which the House of Savoy was restored in 1814. Turin became the first capital of unified Italy in 1861 and grew into one of the industrial powerhouses of the new state. Migrants from across the country flocked to work in the factories of Fiat and other producers. Under Mussolini, who took control of the country in 1922, Fiat was made to produce military technology for the army. This made it a target for Allied bombing in WWII, which heavily damaged the city. Turin was one of the quickest cities in Italy to recover in the post-war years, driving forward the country’s economic miracle through its automotive industry. Unfortunately, it was hit by severe crisis in 1980s from which it has never quite recovered, having lost a large portion of its population. In 2006 it hosted the Winter Olympics, which provided a much-needed boost.

• Did you know?

The ancient settlement of the Taurini is actually thought to have been made up of two distinct ethnic groups, Celtic and Ligurian. Turin’s main icon, Mole Antonelliana, was originally planned as a synagogue, but the Jewish community and the architects are thought to have fallen out over spiralling costs. The French never quite gave up hopes of controlling Turin. There is evidence that they planned to annex the area during WWII, which might explain why the French army unexpectedly took the city during the Allied advance through Italy towards the end of the war.

• Weather in Turin

Turin experiences cold, dry winters and hot summers. Summer temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with the hottest month being July. Thunderstorm can occurs in the summer, but rainfall is heaviest in spring, particularly May, as well as the autumn. Autumn and winter are renowned for thick blankets of fog, which roll in from the plains and which can make visibility very poor. The coldest month is January when temperatures drop to around 3°C (37°F).

Things to see in Turin

Attractions

• Turin Cathedral and the Holy Shroud

The 15th-century Turin Cathedral contains the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, built to house the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud (a rectangular linen cloth purported to be the burial shroud of Christ) is displayed intermittently with gaps of up to 25 years not uncommon. Its background is explained in the Museo della Sindone. Address: Centro, Via XX Settembre 87, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 436 1540 Opening times: Daily 10:00-19:00. Website: www.Cathedral-Holy Shroud.it Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum)

Originally founded in 1824, the Museo Egizio has housed one of the finest collections of Egyptian artefacts outside Cairo for nearly 200 years. A complete, €50 million overhaul of the museum has turned it into a real masterpiece and it now has 3D reconstructions of the tomb of Kha, the tomb of Nefertari, and the chapel of Maya. Address: Centro, Via Accademia delle Scienze 6, Turin. Telephone: +39 011 440 6903 Opening times: Mon 09:00-14:00, Tue-Sun 09:30-18:30. Website: www.museoegizio.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Mole Antonelliana

Built as a synagogue in the 19th century, this striking building now houses Italy’s Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) – a fabulous interactive romp through a century of films. The tower (reached by lift) has a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city and the Alps. Address: Centro, Via Montebello 20, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 813 8560 Opening times: Wed-Mon 09:00-19:00. Website: www.museocinema.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Polo Reale

Offering a smorgasbord of art, history and culture, the Polo Reale is five museums rolled into one. Featuring the Royal Library, the Royal Armoury, the Royal Palace and Gardens, the Sabauda Picture Gallery and The Archaeological Museum, it gives real insight into the historical importance of the House of Savoy. Visits are via a single ticket. Address: Centro, Piazzetta Reale 1, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 436 1455 Opening times: Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00 Website: www.poloreale.beniculturali.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy are the result of the Duke of Savoy moving the seat of his court to Turin in 1562. Built throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, these impressive baroque houses and hunting lodges are still resplendent today. All are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with many open to visitors. Use the City Sightseeing bus for an overview. Line A stops at Polo Reale, Villa della Regina and Castello del Valentino; Line B visits Palazzina di caccia di Stupinigi; and Line C passes Reggia di Venaria, Castello de La Mandria and Castello di Rivoli. Address: Various, Turin. Opening times: Times vary between Residences. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Museo dell’automobile (Car Museum)

A homage to all things auto, this huge interactive museum lets visitors explore the history of car design and the characters that have influenced it. Turin is home of Fiat and there are plenty of historical vehicles on display here and lots for children to engage with. Address: Corso Unità d’Italia 40, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 677 666 Opening times: Tue-Sat 10:00-19:00, Mon 10:00-14:00, Sun 10:00-20:30. Website: www.museoauto.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Basilica di Superga

This baroque church, accessible by rack tramway from Piazza Modena, is set on a wooded hill high above Turin. The royal tombs in the crypt are incredibly grandiose, climb the 131 steps to the balcony that surrounds the dome for a spectacular view of the city and the Alps. Address: Strada Basilica di Superga 73, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 899 7456 Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00. Website: www.basilicadisuperga.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Palazzo Madama (Museo Civico d’Arte Antica)

You may recognise the grand staircase of the Palazzo Madama – especially if three Mini Coopers come crashing down it. This is one of the locations for the police chase scene in the 1969 film, The Italian Job. Built in the 17th century, this fabulous palace is now a museum and includes remains of the Roman city. Address: Piazza Castello, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 443 3501 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00. Website: www.palazzomadamatorino.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Juventus Stadium and Museum

The Juventus Stadium museum allows football fans to relive the triumphs of Turin’s greatest team through stacks of memorabilia, including players’ shirts and plenty of silverware. Tours of the arena are also available, but for the complete experience go and watch a live game. Address: Via Druento 153/42, Turin. Telephone: +39 899 999 897 Opening times: Wed-Mon 10:00-19:00. Website: www.juventus.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Parco del Valentino

This extensive park, in the southern part of the city beside the Po, is a great place to relax. It is also worth visiting to see the unusual Borgo Medievale (a life-size reconstruction of a rural medieval village) and the plants in the Orto Botanico, the city’s botanic garden. Address: Corso Massimo d’Azeglio, Torino. Telephone: +39 011 011 999 Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.comune.torino.it Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Turismo Torino e Provincia

Address: Centro, Piazza Castello, Via Garibaldi, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 535 181 Opening times: Daily 09:00-18:00. Website: www.turismotorino.org  Turismo Torino e Provincia has information on public transport, events, tourist services and brochures about the city and surrounding areas. They can also book guided tours and hotels.

Tourist passes

Valid for one-, two-, three- or five-days, the: Torino+Piemonte Card   ( Website: www.turismotorino.org ).  includes free admission to 60 cultural sites including most museums, exhibitions, castles, fortresses and the Royal Residences. Available from the Turismo Torino e Provincia tourist information centre, it also offers further discounts at cultural sites and free travel on public transport.

Things to do in Turin

• Cheer on the Old Lady

Turin is home to one of Italy’s most famous sides,. Juventus  ( Website: www.juventus.com ) No other side have won more Serie A championships than the ‘Old Lady’ and for football fans the new stadium is a must. If you can’t score match day tickets don’t miss the superb interactive museum, nor the behind-the-scenes tour.

• Go for a spin in a classic Fiat 500

Turin’s Fiat factory, with its famous test track roof, was once the largest in the world. Although the Lingotto has been redeveloped into a theatre, cinema and shopping complex, visitors can still relive the manufacturer’s heyday. Torino500  ( Telephone: +39 334 347 2978 )  have three classic cars you can take on a spin around the city.

• Go nutty for some Torino chocolate

During the Napoleonic War, a British blockade left sweet-toothed Turin in short supply of cocoa beans. With little reserve left, chocolatier Michele Prochet added local hazelnuts to extend his supply and it’s a combination the city is famous for today. Seek out Barattie & Milano  ( Website: www.barattiemilano.it ) and be sure to order Gianduiotto.

• Make a date for an early evening aperitif

Martini Rosso, Cinzano and Gancia may read like the last remnants of your cocktail cabinet but in Turin these drinks deserve respect. The city is home to all three; head to the splendidly ornate Caffe San Carlo for 6pm and join the locals for a glamorous aperitif beneath the chandelier.

• Watch horror unfold on the streets

Turin has a strong silver screen history that can be explored at length – and height – at the: National Cinema Museum Telephone: +39 011 8138 Website: www.museocinema.it But real cinematic fanatics will see the horror on the city’s streets. The Dario Argento tour   ( Website: www.TheDario-Argento-tour.it ). visits the horror director’s most famous film locations, as he has shot seven in turin.

Turin tours and excursions

Turin tours

• Walking tours

Turismo Torino offers a variety of walking tours. The most popular are general tours that cover the historic centre. These are available in English, Italian and French. They leave from the Tourist Information Centre at Piazza Castello/via Garibaldi on Saturday mornings at 1000. Telephone: +39 11 668 7013 Website: www.turismotorino.org

• Bus and boat tours

City Sightseeing Torino runs a hop-on, hop-off tour bus tour, covering Turin’s main attractions. Tickets are available for 24- or 48-hours and customers can get on and off the bus as much as they please. Its three routes take in different sights and tours last between 50 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes. Audio guides are available in eight languages, including English. Telephone: +39 11 535 181 Website: www.city-sightseeing.it

Turin excursions

• Rivoli

For a full-day excursion from Turin, visit the town of Rivoli, which contains plenty of attractive medieval buildings and is also home to a contemporary art museum, the Castello di Rivoli Museo di Arte Contemporanea. The surrounding Alps are great for hiking too.

• Savoy Residences

A popular half-day excursion from Turin is a visit to the former Savoy Residences surrounding the city. The best known is the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi. which was built in 1729 for Vittorio Amedeo 11. This enormous palace houses the Museo di Arte e Ammobiliamento, a museum of fine furniture from various Savoy residences. Address: Piazza Principe Amedeo 7, Stupinigi. Telephone: +39 11 620 0634 Website: www.palazzina-di-caccia-stupinigi.it

Shopping in Turin

With 18km (11 miles) of arcades, shopping in Turin is a pleasant experience come rain or shine. Many of its stores date back to the 19th century when Turin was the capital of Italy. It is also home to some of the best chocolate shops in the world.

• Key areas

The main shopping area in Turin is between Via Roma, the pedestrianised Via Carlo Alberto and Via Lagrange where brands such as Ferragamo, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana can be found. Elsewhere, Via Garibaldi is home to cheaper fashion stores, Via Po is lined with antiquarian bookshops and vintage record stores, while the district within Via Barbaroux, Via San Tommaso and Via Monte di Pietà is full of craft shops. The city has many historic chocolate shops too including Peyrano, corso Vittorio Emanuele 11, and Stroppiana, Via Paoli 51. A good selection of Piedmont wines is available from Antico Enoteca del Borgo, via Monferrato 4 and Casa del Barolo, via Andrea Doria, 7.

• Markets

Turin regularly holds more than 60 markets that sell everything from craftwork and clothes to fruit, vegetables and wines. Don’t miss Europe’s largest open-air market, Porta Palazzo, along Piazza della Repubblica, which hawks cheap clothes, accessories and food. Vintage lovers should time their visit with the Gran Balôn, a huge flea market held every second Sunday of the month.

• Shopping centres

8 Gallery, at 230 Via Nizza, houses many high street stores and fast food restaurants in an old Fiat car factory in Lingotto.

• Opening hours

Shops generally open Tuesday to Saturday 09:30-12:30 and 15:30-19:30. Some open on Monday afternoons as well.

• Souvenirs

The best holiday mementoes from Turin include fine chocolates, local Piedmont wines, high-end fashion and creaking Italian antiques.

• Tax information

Value added tax is 22%. Travellers from outside the EU can claim back sales tax on purchases over €155. Look for the ‘Tax Free’ stickers in the windows of shops.

Restaurants in Turin

Turin is the birthplace of the slow food movement, trumpeting locally produced dishes and regional cooking. Excellent examples are found across the city, but Turin also offers up everything from cheap and cheerful sandwich shops to elegant fine dining restaurants. Specialities include agnolotti, a meat filled egg pasta served with gravy or butter and sage, and bagna cauda, a sauce based on anchovies, garlic and olive oil in which you dip cabbage, Jerusalem artichoke, peppers and other raw vegetables. Don’t miss the wide range of high quality cheeses either – most are handmade in the Alpine valleys. The Turin restaurants below have been handpicked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over €40) Moderate (€25 to €40) Cheap (up to €25) These Turin restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. A pane e coperto (bread and cover) charge may also be added. If service hasn’t been added to your bill, and it has been good, leave a tip of a few euros.

Expensive

• Magorabin

Cuisine: Italian Slap bang in the centre of town, this Michelin-starred restaurant is set in an historic building designed by Alessandro Antonelli, opposite the architect’s Mole Antonelliana. The food here is an inventive take on Piedmontese classics, such as onions ravioli with grana padano cream and duck agnolotti pasta with boiled figs sauce. Address: Corso San Maurizio 61/b, Turin. Telephone: +393 922 896 148 Website: www.magorabin.com

• Ristorante del Cambio

Cuisine: Italian The city’s most famous restaurant, dating back to the 18th century, del Cambio attracts politicians and businesspeople who come to be seen in the sumptuous surroundings and enjoy the rich Piedmontese dishes and Barolo wine. If you really want to splash out, try the nine-course tasting menu. Address: Piazza Carignano 2, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 546 690 Website: www.delcambio.it

• Vintage 1997

Cuisine: Italian One of a handful of restaurants in Turin with a Michelin star, Vintage 1997 is one of the best and its serves up exquisite, flavoursome food in an elegant wood-panelled dining room. Expect delicate presentation of dishes such as lobster tails with fillet of grilled rabbit or linguine with squid ink, cuttlefish and artichokes. Address: Piazza Solferino 16/h, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 535 948 Website: www.vintage1997.com

Moderate

• Eataly Lingotto

Cuisine: Italian Opposite the conference centre in Lingotto, this is the original Eataly outpost, before it became a mecca of authentic Italian produce (they now have stores in New York, Istanbul and Japan). This food emporium has delis and restaurants dedicated to single ingredients such as pasta, pizza, meat, fish, vegetables, salami, cheese and pastries). Casa Vicini here has a Michelin star. Address: Via Nizza 230/14, Turin. Telephone: +390 209 997 900 Website: www.eataly.net

• La Badessa

Cuisine: Italian There is a monastic theme at this cosy restaurant whose name means ‘Mother Superior’. It serves simple, ‘peasant-style’ dishes and offers particularly good value at lunchtime. It’s a good choice for vegetarians as it offers a decent vegetarian set menu. There is also a four-course tasting menu. Address: Piazza Carlo Emanuele 11 17, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 835 940 Website: www.labadessa.net

• Scannabue

Cuisine: Italian This former car showroom in San Salvario has been transformed to look like a traditional Turin cafe. Popular with locals, the food is modern and fresh, with particularly of good carpaccio. With framed pictures on the walls, it feels as though you could be eating in someone’s living room. Address: San Salvario, Largo Saluzzo, 25/H,, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 669 6693 Website: www.scannabue.it

Cheap

• Caffe Mulassano

Cuisine: Italian One of several historical cafes in Turin, Caffe Mulassanois credited with inventing tramezzino (toasted triangular sandwiches) when he brought a toasting machine back from the US at the end of the 19th century. Visit in the evening for a Mulassano Spritz and an array of canapés such as mini pizzas. Address: Piazza Castello, 15, Turin. Telephone: +393 481 701 696 Website: www.caffemulassano.com

• Due Mondi

Cuisine: Italian In the vibrant San Salvario district, close to the train station, this restaurant (meaning ‘Two Worlds’) is a favourite among locals looking for a cheap place to eat. The food is a first-rate selection of traditional Piedmont dishes such as bagna càuda (hot garlic and anchovy dip). Address: San Salvario, Via San Pio V, 3, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 669 2056 Website: www.ristoranteduemondi.it

• Bell’e Buon Street Food Partenopeo

Cuisine: Italian Nice and Happy! Neapolitan culinary art in Turin. Immerse yourself in the typical flavors of the Neapolitan lands! Each dish is a real delight for the palate! Our menu is designed to let you be enveloped by the charisma of Naples and to take you on an unparalleled culinary journey! Between traditional recipes, typical dishes and Street Food cuisine you will feel like you are in the city of the sun! One taste after another you will fall in love with genuine flavors that you have never tried until now! Come and visit us and breathe the true Neapolitan culinary tradition in Turin! Address: Via Carlo Alberto, 27/B, Torino. Telephone: +390 111 875 2618 Website: www.bellebuontorino.it

Turin Nightlife

Seven o’clock is aperitivo time in Turin. The best bars are dotted around Piazza Vittoria Veneto and Piazza Savoia, or those in the old Roman quarter near Via Sant’Agostino. During the summer, the club scene centres on the Murazzi, along the Po. Hub of the avant-garde music scene is Docks Dora, the former industrial area around Via Valprato. San Salvario, the district between Porta Nuova station and Valentino Park, is where the hipsters hang out.

Bars in Turin

• La Rhumerie 18

For those who love rum, this bar boasts more than 300 varieties from all over the world. They also have a good selection of American beers and cocktails. It fills up quickly at the weekend, so arrive early if you want a table. Otherwise drink shots with the locals at the bar. Address: Via Maria Vittoria 49g, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 650 9660

• Mar Rosso

In the diverse San Salvario district, this Afro art restaurant and cocktail bar serves up Eritrean and vegetarian food accompanied with spicy cocktails and international wines. Diners sit barefoot on pillows at low tables on the floor with aperitivo served until 2330 and cocktails until 0200. Address: San Salvario, Via Silvio Pellico 13/E, Turin. Telephone: +39 347 143 9202 Website: www.marrossotorino.com

• Smile Tree

In the corner of the pretty Piazza della Consolata, this cocktail bar has won awards for its Alice in Wonderland-like creations. The weird and wonderful drinks are listed and illustrated on iPads – and forget about glasses – your drink could arrive in an espresso coffee pot with a straw or in a snail’s shell. Address: Piazza della Consolata 9c, Turin. Telephone: +39 331 184 8136 Website: www.smiletree.com

Clubs in Turin

• Astoria Studios

The best local musical talent can be found in Astoria Studios, located In a basement near the train station. This lively venue that attracts a diverse party crowd and the club nights reflect the ethnic mix of this Salvarino district. Expect Afro house, grime, nu rave and synth pop. Address: Via Claudio Luigi Berthollet, 13,, Turin. Telephone: +39 3468 476 451

• Blah Blah

Under the portico of Via Po, this former city centre cinema has been transformed into an all-day hangout, serving brunch, lunch and aperitivo. Transforming into a cocktail bar and nightclub after dark, it hosts an interesting programme of events include film screenings, live music and DJ sets. Address: Via Po, 21, 10124 Torino. Telephone: +39 3775 707 020 Website: www.blahblahtorino.com

• Hiroshima Mon Amour

Hiroshima Mon Amour is Turin’s most established club. This cultural complex hosts DJs on Friday and Saturday nights as well as live music events throughout the week, welcoming some of the best names on the Italian music scene. Expect throwback party nights with 1970s or 1980s music. Address: Via Bossoli 83, Turin. Telephone: +39 0113 174 997 Website: www.hiroshimamonamour.org

Live music in Turin

• Il Magazzino di Gilgamesh

Famed throughout northern Italy for its live music, Il Magazzino di Gilgamesh is the place to come for blues, jazz and rock. It even hosts a blues festival between February and March. Open Tuesday to Saturday 2000-0300, it’s the perfect musical dessert following a decent dinner elsewhere. Address: Piazza Moncenisio 13/b, Turin. Telephone: +39 340 988 3436 Website: www.ilmagazzinodigilgamesh.it

• Il Maglio

A lively cocktail bar and restaurant over two floors, Il Maglio offers a hearty aperitif buffet from until 2200, followed by live music and cocktails until the small hours. Music can vary from cover bands to local up-and-coming musicians, and revellers often spill out into the covered courtyard. Address: Cortile del Maglio, Via Vittorino Andreis 18, Turin. Telephone: +39 034 6707 3210 Website: www.ilmagliotorino.com

• Tout Va

At the foot of the Mole Antonelliana tower, Tout Va couldn’t be more central. Not just a live music venue, night owls here will also enjoy cabaret shows, stripteases and burlesque in the elegant surroundings of this 1920s-styled venue. Address: Via Gaudenzio Ferrari, 2, Turin. Telephone: +39 11 882 809 Website: www.toutvaclub.it

Turin Food And Drink

Food In Turin

• Tajarin

Traditional homemade egg noodle dish, served with butter sauce or truffles.Tarajin is a classic Turin egg pasta dish, lovingly made by hand for many centuries. Tarajin noodles are thin, delicate strands of egg pasta with a rich flavour due to the high yolk content used. Traditionally made by hand, the dough is rolled and then hand cut, so the noodles have a charming irregularity.

• Agnolotti

• Brasato al Barolo

Classic stew slow-cooked with local steak and wine. Brasato al Barolo is a classic stew from Turin, made with local meats and wine. The rich and flavourful dish uses regionally sourced steak that is first braised to seal in the juices and keep the meat tender. Then it is marinated for a day in local Barolo wine, known for its intense flavour and aroma.

• La panissa vercellese

Local rice, beans, salami and vegetables slow-cooked in wine. Taste the flavours of Turin when you try a la panissa vercellese risotto. Risotto is the slow cooking of rice with broth, vegetables or meat until it reaches a soft and creamy consistency. For la panissa vercellese, short-grain rice is used that is sourced from local rice paddies, along with large tender Saluggia beans which are also grown close by.

• Fritto misto alla Piemontese

• Lumache

Locally cultivated snails simmered and served with a delicate sauce. When exploring the local cuisine when you visit Turin, try lumache (snails). Lumache is cultivated locally and prepared in a variety of ways for you to enjoy. Tap into your adventurous side and sample them nudo (nude), or try them served out of the shell.

• Bagna càuda