Historical walking tour of Turin

Turin, the first capital of the unified Italy in the 19th century, is a city known for its architecture and many palaces, gardens, opera houses, libraries, galleries and restaurants. This half-day private walking tour explores the highlights of old Turin, with your guide leading you to the most important buildings and piazzas, explaining the history of the city and its inhabitants, and offering a deeper understanding of Turin’s historical significance. You’ll stroll through the streets as you hear about the influence of France on the city, Turin’s political ambitions and its reputation as the ‘cradle of Italian liberty’.

Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel and you’ll embark on your walking tour through historical Turin, seeking out its most impressive buildings and piazzas, and strolling down long arcaded walkways lined with coffee shops and eateries.

Turin has a much more tranquil atmosphere than nearby Milan. Life here is much slower and less hurried, and you’ll have time to linger at the places most of interest to you. Your guide will point out the most prominent examples of Turin’s Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, and explain why France and Switzerland have a strong influence on city life (many locals speak French as a second language).

You’ll discover some of the leading sights of the city, including the Mole Antonelliana, a landmark that features in most images of Turin. This 167 m (548 ft) tower has a distinctive aluminium spire and offers panoramic views from its observation deck.

You’ll also see Piazza Castello, Turin’s central square. It’s home to many grand and noble buildings, including the Palazzo Madama, the original seat of the Italian parliament, and the Palazzo Reale, a 17th-century royal palace.

Also on your list are the equally impressive Palazzo Dama and other notable sites including the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, which contains the renowned Holy Shroud. Although the shroud itself isn’t always on display, your guide will lead you around the cathedral and explain the story of the relic, how it found its home in Turin, and the evidence for and against the veracity of the claim that it was the burial wrapping of Jesus.

Once you’ve had time to explore, your guide will return with you to your hotel or offer tips on further places to visit in your own time.