Turin (Part 1 of 5)

What do you do in Italy when American Thanksgiving rolls around?  While a few Italians have adopted Thanksgiving and celebrate it, we said:  "ROAD TRIP!"

Our road trip took us to the large, industrial city of Turin (or Torino in Italian) in northern Italy. We had a wonderful time in Turin, especially since we had tips from friends who have visited there a couple of times. 

There is a lot to see in Torino.  So, let's get to it. 

The Center of Torino:  Torino dates back to pre-Roman and Roman times.  The center of the city is laid out in a Roman style street grid.  In the very center of Torino, Roman ruins have been excavated and preserved.

Of course, not much of the Roman town is still visible except the street grid.  On top of the Roman town are very large squares, plus churches and palaces, including a very large royal palace.    

The Royal Palace (Polo Reale):  The palace was the seat of one branch of the House of Savoy, which included Kings of Sardinia and later Kings of Italy.  For a short time, Turin was the capital of Italy.

Polo Reale:  exterior courtyard and facade 

Polo Reale:  interior courtyard

Polo Reale:  ceremonial staircase

Polo Reale:  entry hall

Polo Reale:  sitting room

Polo Reale:  armory with some random dude

Polo Reale:  armory (giddyup!)

Polo Reale:  a random opulent room

Polo Reale:  amazing gilded ornamentation

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist:

Next to the Polo Reale is Turin's Duomo, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, completed in 1498.  The Catherdal is the resting place of the Shroud of Turin, which was last publicly displayed in 2015.  It is safeguarded in a special vault in a side chapel.

An ornate chapel in the cathedral

The vault holding the shroud

A large poster in the cathedral

The Church of San Filippo Neri: 

Twin Churches:

The churches of Santa Cristina (left) and San Carlo.  The buildings are fraternal twins, similar but not identical inside and out. 

Piazza San Carlo:

Piazza San Carlo. They know squares in Turin.  There are several very large squares in the center of Turin.  Piazza San Carlo is one of the largest.

Arcades and Walkways:   Similar to other cities around, the center of Turin has many indoor arcades and covered walkways, protecting residents from the elements.  Here are some photos. 

Next Up:  Holy Moly Guacamole!