Turin Complete Tour – Part 1: Travel itinerary

Day 1

⬇️ starting point

X. Porta Palatina

The itinerary begins at Porta Palatina, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman gates in the world, a witness to the history of Augusta Taurinorum, ancient Roman Turin.

✨ Walking through Porta Palatina means entering the heart of Roman Turin: its majestic towers still standing create a striking visual impact, especially where the contrast with the modern city becomes evident.

From here, continue towards Piazza della Repubblica, home to the famous Porta Palazzo market, the largest open-air market in Europe, a perfect place to experience the city’s multicultural spirit.

Just a few steps away, the Galleria Umberto I is a hidden gem, with its Art Nouveau charm and a past linked to the former Mauriziano hospital.

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A. Basilica Mauriziana

The next stop is the Basilica Mauriziana, an elegant Baroque church linked to the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The interior is richly decorated and houses works by 17th-century Piedmontese artists.

📌 The Basilica Mauriziana is currently closed to the public for safety works.

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B. Teatro romano di Torino

Continuing on, you reach the Teatro romano di Torino, whose well-preserved remains are located next to the Cathedral. Built in the 1st century AD, it once hosted thousands of spectators and is a valuable testament to the city’s Roman past.

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C. Duomo di Torino

A must-see stop is the Duomo di Torino (National Monument), dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, best known for housing the Holy Shroud, the mysterious cloth believed by tradition to have covered the body of Christ. Next to the cathedral is the Museo Diocesano, which displays artefacts and sacred artworks linked to the city’s religious history.

✨ The light filtering into the Chapel of the Holy Shroud creates an almost unreal suspended atmosphere, perceptible only when actually entering the Duomo.

❌ Entry depends on the opening hours of the Chapel of the Shroud; access is not always guaranteed during religious services.

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D. Palazzo Chiablese

Adjacent to the Duomo is Palazzo Chiablese (UNESCO World Heritage), the historic residence of the Dukes of Chiablese, now used for temporary exhibitions. This building is a perfect example of Savoy architecture, with sumptuous interiors and period decorations.

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E. Palazzo Reale di Torino

One of the highlights of the visit is Palazzo Reale di Torino, a symbol of Savoy power and part of the Royal Residences UNESCO World Heritage circuit. Visiting the palace is a journey through the grandeur of the Savoy court, with frescoed halls, period furniture and lavish chandeliers.

✨ Entering the Royal Palace means standing in front of one of the most spectacular Savoy residences in Europe: rooms, furnishings and proportions immediately convey the absolute power and representation of the court.

Inside the Royal Palace complex you will also find:

• Galleria Sabauda, one of Italy’s most important art galleries, featuring works by artists such as Van Dyck and Rubens.
• Museo di Antichità, with archaeological finds from across the region.
• Armeria Reale, housing one of the most prestigious weapon collections in Europe.
• Galleria Archeologica a Palazzo Reale, displaying evidence of Roman and pre-Roman Turin.

Outside, a walk through the Giardini Reali di Torino is highly recommended, with the scenic Fontana delle Nereidi e dei Tritoni, a perfect green corner for a refreshing break.

❌ The entire royal complex requires a lot of visiting time, but this itinerary already includes about 5 hours to explore the palace, museums and armory at a relaxed pace.

Book one of the recommended experiences here:
✅ Turin: skip-the-line guided tour of the Royal Palace
✅ Royal Palace of Turin: entry and guided tour

Day 2

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F. Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo

A short walk away is the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo, a Baroque masterpiece by Guarino Guarini. Its interior is an architectural triumph of light and structure, with an incredibly elaborate dome that creates a striking play of perspective.

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G. Piazza Castello

The tour continues in the beautiful Piazza Castello, the beating heart of the city, surrounded by some of Turin’s most important buildings. In the center of the square stands the Monumento al Duca d’Aosta, dedicated to the hero of the First World War.

Here you will find two historic Turin cafés:

• Caffè Baratti & Milano, famous for its chocolates and refined pastries.
• Caffè Mulassano, the birthplace of the tramezzino sandwich, perfect for a break with a taste of local tradition.

✨ Sitting in a historic Turin café is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in the city center.

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H. Palazzo Madama

The final stop of the day is Palazzo Madama (UNESCO World Heritage), a building that combines two architectural eras: the Baroque façade designed by Filippo Juvarra and the medieval Castello degli Acaja, visible at the rear.

Inside, the palace hosts:

• Biblioteca Reale di Torino, which preserves precious manuscripts, including Leonardo da Vinci’s famous “Self-Portrait”.
• Aula del Senato di Palazzo Madama (National Monument), where the first Senate of the Kingdom of Italy met.
• Museo d’Arte Antica di Torino, with a rich collection of artworks and decorative objects from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
• Archivio di Stato di Torino, which preserves highly important historical documents.

The day ends at the Teatro Regio, one of Italy’s most important opera houses, renowned for its world-class opera programming.

✨ From the upper halls of Palazzo Madama’s museum, Piazza Castello can be seen from a privileged perspective, almost suspended between different eras.

❌ Some interior sections are highly museum-oriented and may be shortened in a faster itinerary.

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I/X. Palazzo delle Regie Segreterie di Stato is a shared stop 🧩 – See starting point of the next route

I/X. Palazzo delle Regie Segreterie di Stato

The tour resumes from the Palazzo delle Regie Segreterie di Stato (UNESCO World Heritage), an architectural complex located in Piazza Castello, the historic seat of the State Secretariats of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Today it hosts important institutions, including the State Archives, and represents a magnificent example of Savoy administrative architecture.

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A. Cavallerizza Reale

A short walk away is the Cavallerizza Reale (UNESCO World Heritage), the former royal stables and training center for the Savoy court’s horses, now transformed into a multifunctional cultural hub. This space, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, has become an important artistic center for performances, exhibitions, and theatrical events.

✨ The Cavallerizza Reale is striking for its contemporary reuse: from Savoy stables to a living cultural space, where historical architecture becomes a stage for events and artistic installations.

❌ Access and activities vary depending on events and it is not always fully visitable as a standard attraction.

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B. Teatro Stabile di Torino

Continuing on, you reach the Teatro Stabile di Torino, one of Italy’s most prestigious theatre institutions. Its programming ranges from classical works to contemporary productions, with international-level performances. For theatre lovers, it is an essential stop to experience Turin’s cultural scene.

📌 The Teatro Stabile di Torino can be visited by reservation. You can find the phone number on its Google Maps listing via the clickable link in the table.

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C. Mole Antonelliana

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s unmistakable symbol. Originally conceived as a synagogue, this imposing building now houses the Museo nazionale del Cinema, one of the most important in the world.

The visit allows you to dive into the magic of cinema through an interactive exhibition full of cinematic memorabilia. The panoramic elevator is a must, taking visitors up to the dome of the Mole, offering breathtaking views over the city and the Alps.

✨ The Mole Antonelliana is one of those landmarks that forces you to stop: its extreme verticality dominates the city centre and creates an immediate, iconic visual impact.

❌ The panoramic elevator can have long queues in the evening and during weekends.

Book one of the recommended experiences here:
✅ Turin: National Cinema Museum and Mole Antonelliana tour
✅ Turin: Cinema Museum and Mole Antonelliana elevator tour
✅ Turin: National Cinema Museum and bus tour

D. Museo della Radio e della Televisione

After the Mole, the itinerary continues with a stop dedicated to the history of communication: the Museo della Radio e della Televisione, located inside the RAI production center in Turin. Here you can admire historical devices, documents, and materials that illustrate the evolution of radio and television in Italy.

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E. Galleria Subalpina

Crossing the city center, you reach the Galleria Subalpina, one of Turin’s most elegant covered passages. This Art Nouveau-style arcade is a small architectural gem, enriched with boutiques, historic cafés, and a timeless atmosphere.

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F. Palazzo Carignano

Another key site in Italian history is Palazzo Carignano (UNESCO World Heritage), seat of the first Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy and today home to the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento. This museum displays artifacts, documents, and artworks related to Italy’s unification, offering a journey through the nation’s history.

✨ Palazzo Carignano is one of the most symbolic places of the Risorgimento: walking through its halls means entering the exact place where unified Italy was born.

❌ Access to the museum and historic rooms may be limited during peak hours and busy days.

Next to the palace is Piazza Carignano, home to the famous Ristorante del Cambio, a historic Turin restaurant where Cavour and other prominent figures once dined. In the center of the square stands the Monumento a Vincenzo Gioberti, while a short walk away opens Piazza Carlo Alberto, dominated by the imposing Monumento a Carlo Alberto, King of Sardinia, who played a key role in the Italian unification process.

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G. Museo Egizio di Torino

The next stop is the Museo Egizio di Torino, the second most important Egyptian museum in the world after Cairo’s. Founded in 1824, it houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts, including statues, papyri, sarcophagi, and everyday objects from ancient Egypt.

Among its most significant pieces are the statue of Ramesses II, the Papyrus of the Gold Mines, and the remarkable reconstruction of the tomb of Kha and Merit, offering a unique glimpse into daily life in ancient Egypt.

✨ The Egyptian Museum of Turin is a fully immersive experience: each room turns the visit into a direct journey into a millennia-old civilization.

❌ Very high visitor numbers throughout the year, especially on weekends and during peak tourist periods; advance booking is strongly recommended.

Book one of the recommended experiences here:
✅ Turin: Guided Egyptian Museum tour
✅ Turin: Skip-the-line guided Egyptian Museum tour
✅ Turin: Small-group guided Egyptian Museum tour with priority entry

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H. Museo Internazionale Arti Applicate Oggi

The final stop of the day is the Museo Internazionale delle Arti Applicate Oggi, a museum dedicated to design, craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity. Here you can admire works by international artists and designers, with exhibitions ranging from fashion to graphic design, ceramics, and photography.

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I/X. Gallerie d’Italia Torino is a shared stop 🧩 – see the starting point of the next itinerary

I/X. Gallerie d’Italia Torino / Palazzo Turinetti

The itinerary begins in Piazza San Carlo, one of the most elegant squares in Turin, often called the “living room of the city” for its harmonious architecture and lively atmosphere. Here you will find:

• Gallerie d’Italia Torino / Palazzo Turinetti, an exhibition space dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
• The famous Monumento a Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia, also known as the “Caval ‘d Brons”, depicting the duke sheathing his sword after the Battle of Saint-Quentin.
• Caffè San Carlo, a historic café that has hosted intellectuals and politicians, ideal for a bicerin or coffee break.
• Galleria San Federico, an elegant Art Nouveau covered passage, home to the Cinema Lux, one of the oldest cinemas in the city.

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A. Chiesa di San Domenico

A short walk away is the Chiesa di San Domenico, the only remaining Gothic church in Turin. Founded in the 13th century, it has a striking atmosphere and preserves medieval frescoes. It is a perfect place for a moment of quiet before continuing the visit.

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B. MAO – Museo di Arte Orientale

The tour continues with a stop dedicated to Eastern art: the MAO – Museo di Arte Orientale, located in an elegant 18th-century palace. The museum hosts an extraordinary collection of artifacts from China, Japan, India, Tibet, and Islamic countries, offering a journey through distant cultures and traditions.

❌ Some rooms and routes may be limited or reduced depending on temporary exhibitions and visitor flow.

❌ The visit can take longer than expected if following the full exhibition route.

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C. Santuario della Consolata

One of the most fascinating stops along the route, the Santuario della Consolata is one of Turin’s main places of worship, featuring extraordinary Baroque decoration and a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Next to the sanctuary is the famous Caffè Confetteria Al Bicerin dal 1763, the oldest café in Turin, renowned for the bicerin, a hot drink made of chocolate, coffee, and milk cream.

✨ The Santuario della Consolata is one of the most intense places in Turin: gold, Baroque art, and light create an immediate visual and emotional impact upon entry.

❌ High visitor flow during religious services and weekends, with possible delays inside the church.

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D. Museo della Sindone

The next stop is the Museo della Sindone, which tells the story of the Holy Shroud, one of the most mysterious and debated religious relics in history. The museum presents a historical reconstruction of the Shroud, along with scientific studies and documents on its preservation over the centuries.

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E. Museo Diffuso della Resistenza

Continuing the route, you arrive at the Museo Diffuso della Resistenza, which tells the story of World War II in Turin through testimonies, photographs, and film materials. The museum is located inside the Palazzo Saluzzo Paesana, one of the most important Baroque residences in Turin, featuring beautiful frescoes and decorated interiors.

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F. Palazzo Falletti di Barolo

Another architectural gem is the Palazzo Falletti di Barolo, once home to Marchesa Giulia di Barolo, known for her philanthropic work. It also houses the Museo della Scuola e del Libro per l’Infanzia, dedicated to the history of education and children’s books, featuring historical materials and interactive workshops.

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G. Chiesa dei Santi Martiri

The route continues to the Chiesa dei Santi Martiri, built by the Jesuits in the 17th century and characterized by a richly decorated Baroque interior. A short walk away is the Cappella dei Mercanti, a hidden gem with refined frescoes and decorations that leave visitors speechless.

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H. Chiesa di Santa Maria di Piazza

The final stop of the itinerary is the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Piazza (National Monument), a religious building of medieval origin with an interesting layering of artistic styles. Its intimate and peaceful interior is the perfect closing point for this day of exploration.

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I/X. Museo Storico Nazionale dell’Artiglieria is a shared stop 🧩 – see the starting point of the next itinerary

I/X. Museo Storico Nazionale dell’Artiglieria

The itinerary begins at the Cittadella of Turin, one of the most important Savoy fortifications. Here you will find:

• Museo Storico Nazionale dell’Artiglieria, one of the most important collections in Europe dedicated to the history of weapons and military engineering.
• Mastio della Cittadella, the only surviving part of the 16th-century fortress, now used for exhibitions and events.
• Museo Pietro Micca, dedicated to the 1706 Siege of Turin, allowing visitors to explore the city’s underground tunnels used for defense.

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A. GAM Torino

After the military history section, the itinerary shifts toward modern art with a visit to the GAM Torino (Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea). This museum houses works by Canova, Balla, De Chirico, and Fontana, offering a comprehensive overview of art from the 19th to the 21st century.

✨ GAM Torino is one of the key places to understand Italy’s artistic transition: from Neoclassicism to contemporary avant-gardes in a single coherent journey.

❌ The full visit may take longer than the expected 90 minutes if you also explore the contemporary section in depth.

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B. Sinagoga della Comunità Ebraica di Torino

The next stop is the Sinagoga della Comunità Ebraica di Torino, a building of great symbolic and historical value for the Jewish community of Turin. Originally designed as a monumental Moorish-style temple, the current more sober synagogue remains an important reference point for the city’s Jewish heritage.

📌 The Sinagoga della Comunità Ebraica di Torino can be visited by reservation. You can find the phone number in the Google Maps listing accessible via the table link.

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C. Palazzo Cavour

Continuing on, you reach Palazzo Cavour (National Monument), the residence of the famous statesman Camillo Benso di Cavour. The palace often hosts temporary exhibitions and preserves period interiors that tell the story of Italian unification.

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D. Chiesa di San Filippo Neri

One of the most imposing churches in Turin, the Chiesa di San Filippo Neri was designed by the renowned architect Guarino Guarini. Its Baroque interior features a spectacular dome and a wide nave that conveys a strong sense of grandeur and spirituality.

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E. Pinacoteca Albertina

The tour continues with the Pinacoteca Albertina, part of the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti. This museum houses a collection of works from the Renaissance to the 20th century, featuring artists such as Guido Reni, Tiepolo, and Pelizza da Volpedo.

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F. Museo Accorsi-Ometto

One of Turin’s hidden gems is the Museo Accorsi-Ometto, a house museum preserving 18th- and 19th-century furniture, paintings, and luxury objects, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life in Turin during that period.

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G. Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali

For science and nature lovers, a visit to the Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali is a must. Housed in the former San Giovanni Battista Hospital, this museum offers exhibitions on geology, zoology, and biodiversity, with specimens from all over the world.

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H. Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I

The itinerary ends in one of Turin’s most scenic areas:

• Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of the largest squares in Europe, filled with historic cafés and venues overlooking the Turin hills.
• Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I, crossing the Po River and leading to the Church of the Gran Madre, offering a spectacular view, especially at sunset.

✨ From Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I, the view of the Gran Madre and the hills offers one of the most photographed urban panoramas in the city.

❌ Very busy area in the evening and on weekends, with strong nightlife activity.

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I/X. Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio is a shared stop 🧩 – see the starting point of the next itinerary