Wood
Somebody who knows how to polish iron or repair a violin binds him- or herself forever to his special technique. This person is an innovator.” These are the words of Giovanni Arpino, rough and ready writer from Bra as well as a great sports fan, who managed to gather the essence of Piedmont into these few words.
Piedmont is a region that can link past and present, tradition and modernity. Here high technology is enabled to coexist with manual skills, advanced research with the tradition, and innovation with the handing down of the old crafts’ skills. A statistical report from 1834 stated that the Saluzzo area had 251 carpenters’ workshops that employed 253 helpers and 109 apprentices. This is the important heritage that explains Saluzzo’s current “speciality” in antique restoration and art furniture. It also explains the success of the National Exhibition of the Fine Crafts in Saluzzo. Other areas of Piedmont, especially the Ossola and Canoe areas are centres for woodwork and this interest often coincides with the presence of great furniture producers.
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Places
Palaisozaki
It is the new Torino Olympic Palasport (Sports Arena) designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki for the Winter Olympics in Torino 2006. A multi-functional space, versatile and flexible which, thanks to the mobility of its platform, can turn from an ice rink into a concert, show, or convention venue.
Sacro Monte di Crea
Built at the end of the 1500’s, the Sacro Monte di Crea has 23 chapels and 5 hermitages scattered throughout the woods and connected to each other by paths. The chapels narrate the life of the Virgin Mary and house extraordinary life-size statuary groups.
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.
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People
Mario Brunello
“Torino has a special karma when it comes to music. The audience here in Torino takes a little more time to decide compared to others. It seems like they are waiting, as if they don’t want to invade the field. This is because they treat artists like people, not like celebrities. They make you feel important because of what you have to say with finesse. This is a very courteous way to make you feel at home.”
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."
Manhattan Transfer
"Torino has a unique allure: aristocratic, elegant. We enjoyed the museums, the parks and the people are warm and passionate. And also the cafés and fantastic restaurants where you eat in the Piemonte style: truffles, Barolo, Arneis were, for us, an absolutely unforgettable delicacy."
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