As I reflect on my month-long trip in northern Italy, I can’t help but smile when I think about Turin.

What is Turin famous for? This question lingered in my mind as I stepped off the train into this elegant city, kicking myself that I didn’t do more research in advance.

Only after spending time here did I learn more about this city, like it’s known as the birthplace of Italian unification. From the moment I strolled through its grand squares and arcaded streets, I realized there was so much more to discover. The city’s reputation for chocolate and coffee certainly lived up to the hype, but I soon found myself drawn to its lesser-known facts, like it has a great number of Art Nouveau architecture and other little surprises.

Lucky for you, I will share all that I learned about this beautiful city.

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What is Turin Famous For? Top 3 Highlights

Fame is what puts a place on the map—those things that go beyond the local scene and become known around the world.

It’s the landmarks, attractions, and moments in history that instantly ring a bell when you hear them, like the Colosseum and Rome.

For Turin, fame means the unique highlights that bring visitors from all over and make it stand out globally.

Here are the top 3 things I found that Turin is famous for and reasons to visit.

1. Mole Antonelliana

This towering spire, originally intended as a synagogue, is now the symbol of Turin and houses the National Cinema Museum.

grand tower with windows and dome roof in turin italy
Mole Antonelliana

2. Egyptian Museum

Second only to Cairo’s museum in its collection with over 30,000 Egyptian artifacts, Turin’s Museo Egizio is world-renowned.

3. Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

One of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, this pretty Baroque palace showcases the opulence of the House of Savoy.

pink and white palace in turin italy with dome roof for the adjacent cathedral
Royal Palace

What is Turin Known For? Top 5 Factors

bronze statue of man on horse with buildings in turin italy

Being known for something is more about what makes a place feel like itself. It’s tied to local culture and everyday life, not just the big tourist spots.

These are the things that locals see as part of their daily world—the traditions, industries, food, and identity that shape the city.

What Turin is known for shows its true character, rooted in its history and community, even if it’s not always the stuff that makes the headlines.

Here are the factors that I found Turin Italy is known for making it a great Italian getaway.

1. Automotive Heritage

Turin is recognized as the birthplace of Fiat and home to Lancia and Alfa Romeo making it the hub of Italy’s automotive industry.

2. Chocolate and Coffee Culture

The city is known for its historic cafés, gianduiotto chocolate, and the invention of the bicerin coffee drink which blends espresso, hot chocolate and heavy cream. I think its cafe culture can stand up to the best cities like Paris and Vienna.

3. Architecture Diversity

Turin’s elegant streets and squares like Piazza San Carlo showcase the Baroque design, with a mix of Rococo and Neoclassical. Turin is the heart of the Art Nouveau movement, known locally as the “Liberty” style of the early 20th century. I spent hours in the San Donato and Cit Turin areas of the city seeking them out.

an art nouveau building in turin italy showing stained glass window, curvy metal and mouldings
Art Nouveau building in Turin Italy

4. Alpine Backdrop

Turin’s location near the Alps shapes its surroundings, climate, and way of life. The mountains provide a scenic backdrop and play a key role in the city’s character by inspiring outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

5. The Shroud of Turin

This famous religious relic, believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, is housed in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and with rare public displays scheduled by the Pope. Unfortunately, during my visit, this was not made available but I imagine it will be in 2025 with Italy’s Jubilee it will be.

white marble cathedral with stairs leading up in turin italy
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

5. Piedmontese Cuisine

The city is a gateway to the slow food movement, promoting local food of the Piedmont region, traditional cooking and dishes and is known for its fine local wines. I quite enjoyed the cuisine of this area of Italy, made up of hearty pasta with truffles and full-bodied wines.

7 Facts About Turin Italy

red brick museum in turin italy
Learn about Italy’s unification at the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento

Turin is a city full of contrasts. It has a royal history but is also known for its industrial innovation. Old traditions sit alongside modern culture, making it a unique place to explore.

It’s a city that doesn’t fit into one simple description. I was surprised to learn about these fun facts while visiting the city.

1. First Italian Capital

Turin served as the first capital of unified Italy from 1861 to 1865, playing a crucial role in the country’s unification.

2. Magical City

Turin is considered a “city of magic,” lying on the 45th parallel and forming part of both the white magic triangle (with Prague and Lyon) and the black magic triangle (with London and San Francisco).

3. Chocolate Birthplace

The city invented the first solid chocolate bar in 1847 and is home to Gianduja, a precursor to Nutella made from chocolate, hazelnuts, and sugar. I loved popping into the many chocolate shops dotted around the city.

elegant architecture on a square in turin showing a cafe with tables and chairs with umbrellas
Cafe and chocolate culture in Turin

4. Olympic Host

Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics, introducing new events like snowboard cross and team pursuit speed skating. I don’t know about you, but this was my first introduction to this city. I loved watching the Olympics that year just to see the city as its backdrop. Ever since it has been on my list of cities in Europe to visit.

5. Extensive Porticoes

Turin has over 18 kilometres of arcaded streets, more than any other Italian city. This fact surprised me, as when I visited Bologna, I imagined that the city would hold that impressive title.

a tall archway in turin italy showing light and shows
One of the porticoes in Turin

6. Vermouth Origin

Turin is the birthplace of Vermouth, invented in 1786, and is famous for its aperitif culture. I happily participated in this treasured ritual at Bar Cavour tucked inside Palazzo Reale and Caffè Torino perfect for people watching on Piazza San Carlo.

7. Green Spaces

Turin is known as a green city with over 300 kilometres of tree-lined avenues and numerous parks, a fact that was obvious after visiting here as I adored visiting some beautiful gardens during my visit. Also, Turin is home to the world’s first Green Retail Park, focusing on sustainable consumption.

Po river with tall trees and tower in turin italy
The longest river in Italy called the Po flows through Turin next to park

Final Thoughts

I found that Turin defies the typical Italian travel expectations, and offers a much more sophisticated and refined experience full of cultural depth that sets it apart from more touristy destinations.

For those slow travellers like me, you are bound to be impressed by this city. Beyond its famous landmarks, the city reveals itself as a hidden gem of northern Italy just exactly what we love, right?!

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