What to see

Piemonte is a territory with extraordinary natural resources where the passing of centuries has left an indelible mark: an architectural and artistic heritage of considerable value, from the Roman age passing though the different styles to Liberty and to the contemporary age. All over the region, both in small towns and in the capital, it is possible to admire palaces, villas, castles, fortresses, court residences and sacred buildings, considered as real architectural jewels.

CASTLES
Built on the top of a hill, on the plain or in the mountains, isolated in the green of their own park or in urban areas, castles are an important symbol of Piemonte’s history.

MUSEUMS
Piemonte’s museum network includes hundreds of facilities: from the worldwide known museums (Cinema and Egyptian) to those representing local history, art and tradition.

SAVOY RESIDENCES
The fifteen Savoy Residences make up a group of palaces with an extraordinary historical, artistic and environmental interest. In 1997 they were declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO.

BUILDINGS OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
Residences telling the stories of renowned families, surrounded by age-old parks, important for their artistic values, but also remarkable examples of contemporary architecture.

FORTRESSES
Piemonte’s fortresses are imposing and charming works, built in strategic position to defend the territory. These astounding military works witnessed important historical events.

SACRED MOUNTS
In 2003 UNESCO included Piemonte’s seven Sacred Mounts in the World Heritage of Mankind, a prestigious acknowledgement of their historical, artistic, natural and religious value.

ABBEYS AND CHURCHES
Abbeys, sanctuaries, chapels, churches, a rich legacy of faith, but especially of art, history and culture. Works representing different styles and epochs, designed by prestigious architects.

HISTORICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Overlooking Lago Maggiore (Lake Maggiore), historical homes surrounded by charming gardens in the Italian or English style, while rare and exotic species can be admired in the several botanical gardens.

PARKS
Piemonte’s system of Parks and Natural Reserves includes two main National Parks, Gran Paradiso and Val Grande, and several regional parks offering a great variety of environments.

Places

Castello di Costigliole d’Asti

Surrounded by a large park, the castle houses an international cooking school and the annual “asta del Barbera” (“Barbera auction”) which has become a not-to-miss event for fans of quality wine.

Forte di Vinadio

Requested by Re Carlo Alberto, the Forte (Fort) di Vinadio represents one of the most important examples of military architecture from the Alps. It extends length-wise for 1,200 meters, on three levels, which cover about 10 km of interior passageway.

Filatoio Rosso di Caraglio

The Filatoio (Spinning Mill), built between 1676 and 1678, is an extraordinary example of 17th century Piemonte “industrial architecture”. Today, completely restored, it houses the Museo Regionale della Seta (Regional Silk Museum), as well as contemporary art shows.

People

Patty Smith

"Torino is a distinct city, with a lot of character. It’s not like Firenze or other Italian cities that overwhelm you, where you’re overcome by tourists. It is a city that has a very precise personality, a style, a soul."

Carla Bruni

"I like Torino. It’s alive, beautiful, not at all austere. Plus, it’s creative. Art moves me, even if I am an amateur. I know music well; I breathed it in at home with mom who dedicated herself to classical concerts and my father who composed dodecaphonic pieces."

Paolo and Vittorio Taviani

"When we arrived at Piazza Castello, immersed in its new light, we said to each other that it was time to set the dolly up here for the camera."

What to see - Piemonte Feel