Things to Do in Torino, Italy Besides the Olympics
Well pilgrim, you picked a heck of a time to visit! We’ll assume you are trying to take in the Olympics and do some sightseeing at the same time. But you can STILL have fun if you keep it simple and stay focused, and try to limit yourself to the number of attractions you take in. Far be it from me to tell you what to see but my list of favorites includes the following:
The Shroud of Turin & the Capella della Santa Sindone. (011-436-5832), in the city center, next to Via Garibaldi. Impressive Renaissance-era cathedral. Certainly you’ve heard of the Shroud. Yes THAT shroud. The controversial Shroud of Turin (Santissima Sindone) and the chapel in which it is kept the aptly named Capella della Santa Sindone. The shroud, of course, is allegedly the one in which the body of Jesus was wrapped when taken from the cross. Complete with bloodstains from a crown of thorns, a cut in the ribcage, cuts in the wrists and ankles, and scars on the back from being whipped. Is it really Jesus? Do the thousands of faithful who flock here really care? One way or another, visitors seem to just want to be near it. Interesting none the less, and even more so when you consider that the actual shroud is tucked away from prying eyes and is only put on display every 25 years or so. The last time being in the year 2000 when the Pope visited.
Actually, the crowds and traffic that have to be dealt with for the Olympics make a lot of visitor and tourism traffic pale by comparison. So you shouldn’t have too much trouble as we make our way to our next stop. While we’re walking, let me tell you a little bit about Torino chocolate! Torino is big on chocolate. Hot chocolate and chocolate confections such as the “granduiotti”, pralines and even chocolate ice cream. You can taste all that Torino has to offer if you pick up a “ChocoPass”, a ticket that let’s you taste a number of chocolate fantasies. The ticket works on the following scheme: 10 chocolate snacks in 24 hrs (âÂ?¬ 10,00), 15 in 48 hrs (âÂ?¬ 15,00) or 23 in five days (âÂ?¬ 20,00). The ChocoPass can be picked up at any Torino Tourism Point. Don’t ask, just eat!
Moving right along. Up next; the Egyptian Museum. (011-561-7776).Via Accademia delle Scienze 6, Bus: 4, 13, 18, 55, or 66. I’m a soft touch for anything Egyptian, so guess where I spend some of my time when visiting Torino? This Egyptian collection is one of the world’s largest. There are some 30,000 pieces on display including the not-to-be-missed Rock Temple of Ellessiya, from the 15th century B.C., and an array of mummies, funerary objects, and a papyrus Book of the Dead. Plenty of “everyday” items from long ago round out the exhibit, demonstrating that this culture wasn’t too much different from our own.
But I digress. For a good idea how life in Torino “used to be” look no further than the “Borgo Medioevale” (tel. 011-443-1701), built in 1884 and a faithful reconstruction of a “typical” medieval village like those in rural Piedmont and the Valle d’Aosta regions. Full of shops, taverns, houses, churches, and even a castle. Remember this is a reconstruction, with a little more time you could do some traveling and find the real thing – Italy still has more than it’s share of rustic, medieval villages. Free guided tours are offered Sun between 11am and 4pm. During the winter months it’s open daily from 9am to 7pm. It’s open until 8pm in summer.
Next up is Piazza Castello or “Castle Square”; you could spend most of your time right here and walk away a happy camper. During the day anyway. The piazza is lined with shops and buildings and offers up a great cross-section of Torino’s beauty. In the middle of the square stands Palazzo Madama and on the side you could see The Royal Theatre, The Royal Palace, the Royal Library. In Piazza Castello (The Castle Square) begin the most important central streets, like Rome Street, Po Street, Garibaldi Street and Pietro Micca Street.
With a little effort you can take in all these sights in one day or spread them out in between Olympic competition. No matter what you do, you’re going to want to eat, drink and maybe see what the late evening has to offer. When the sun sets, head to the Murazzi – the ancient city walls that line the River Po. Once the sight of boatsheds serving river travel, now the riverside is a congested stream of music bars, nightclubs and plenty of people! Most establishments close at dawn. Just in time for you to grab a quick nap before watching more Olympic competition.
The Borgo Dora is the other “it” location. The Borgo has a variety of restaurants and nightspots. A multi-cultural, multi-ethnic party environment. Here you’ll find all-night entertainment, stores and wine bars stay open, and then there’s music, performances, attractions. This area is now the conduit for Torino’s “underground” music and disco scene. The locals tend to flip-flop between the Borgo and the Murazzi. You’re going to have a lot of fun no matter where you go.
And last but not least, the ex-industrial zone of Torino, now known as “Docks Dora”. Site of the city’s coolest disco’s. Docks Dora may just be the Pantheon of Torino nightlife. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out on your own.
There’s plenty more to see. It all depends on the time you have. Not many people can say they went to Torino, saw the Winter Olympics AND did some sightseeing all at the same time! Torino is like a good book and unfortunately all we had time for was the first two chapters! That’s as good a start as any. But next time you come to Italy, head farther South and I’ll show you what “living” really means!
