Turin's principal landmark is the Mole Antonelliana. Mole (sounds like molay) means monumental building. It was named after its architect Alessandro Antonelli.
The Mole was built over 26 years and completed in 1889. It was originally planned as a synagogue. The architect was apparently out of control, changing the plans multiple times, pushing the tower and construction costs to dizzying heights. The plan to use the building as a synagogue was abandoned and the city took over the project. The building had various uses in the past. In 2000, the Mole's use was converted to the National Cinema Museum (the Museo Nazionale del Cinema).
We visited the Mole's observation deck and the museum. We recommend visiting (as long as you don't mind heights).
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| The Mole Antonelliana in Turin. The buildings soars to 550 feet. Holy Moly Guacamole! |
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| The interior of the Mole Antonelliana is a high open space. From the floor to the highest part of the interior dome, the distance is more than 250 feet. |
If you look closely at the photo above, you will see some cables. What you don't 't see are any walls or metal guide rails for an elevator. Nevertheless, a glass elevator rises more than 250 feet through the air on the cables, from the floor to the peak. No walls. No rails. Not everyone's cup of cappuccino.
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| View from the Mole Antonelliana's observation deck |
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| View from the Mole Antonelliana's observation deck |
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| A decorative sculpture on Mole Antonelliana's observation deck |
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| View from the Mole Antonelliana's observation deck |
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| View from the Mole Antonelliana's observation deck--the Polo Reale and its large garden in the foreground |
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| In the basement of the Mole Antonelliana is an Eataly café. We snacked there and snapped this photo. |
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The Mole appears on the back of the two cent coin in Italy.
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Next Up: CioccolaTò.
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