Turin

"Città Magica"

Discover the Elegance of Turin: Italy’s First Capital

Welcome to Turin, an elegant city nestled between the Po River and the majestic Alps. As Italy’s first capital, Turin boasts a rich history and a regal atmosphere that is palpable in its historic arcades, perfect for a leisurely stroll. At the heart of the city stands the impressive Mole Antonelliana, an unmistakable symbol that houses the magnificent National Museum of Cinema.

Turin invites you to step inside its magnificent royal palaces and Savoy residences, which are a testament to a history rich in opulence. Dive into a millennium of history by visiting the renowned Egyptian Museum, considered the second most important in the world after Cairo’s.

For food enthusiasts, indulge in the unique taste of Gianduiotto while enjoying a historical pause in one of the city’s Liberty cafés. Don’t miss out on other Piedmontese specialties!

Moreover, seize the opportunity to explore the mysterious side of Turin, known as the Magic City, and visit the celebrated MAUTO, the Automobile Museum. Finally, relish the breathtaking view of the city from the Superga Hill.

Inclusive and Safe: Turin for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Turin is committed to being an inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQIA+ community. A well-established support network, managed by local associations and institutions, offers legal, psychological, and social assistance. Initiatives like the Centro Antidiscriminazioni PorTO Sicuro are a refuge for anyone facing discrimination, ensuring a protected welcome. The city continually promotes events such as Turin Pride and anti-homophobia days, bringing visibility to the community.

Local associations work tirelessly to create safe spaces and opportunities for employment and housing inclusion. Despite the challenges that any large urban center might present, the institutional and associative commitment remains strong to ensure a respectful environment attentive to the rights of all. The presence of CasArcobaleno as a service hub confirms this attention.

A Culinary Journey: Must-Try Dishes from Piedmont and Turin

Embark on a culinary journey with the ‘Four Kings of First Courses’:

  • Agnolotti del Plin: Small ravioli filled with roasted meat, often served in their roasting sauce or simply with butter and sage.
  • Tajarin: Extremely thin egg noodles perfect for pairing with mushrooms, truffles, or a light ragù.
  • Risotto al Barolo: A creamy and flavorful risotto, cooked and deglazed with the prestigious Barolo red wine, giving it a distinctive color and aroma.
  • Vitello Tonnato: Thinly sliced veal served cold with a creamy sauce made from tuna, anchovies, and capers, often prepared more elegantly than in other regions.

For those with a sweet tooth, savor the Gianduiotto, Turin’s signature chocolate made with cocoa and the prized ‘tonda gentile’ hazelnut from the Langhe. Delight in the Bicerin, a historical Turin beverage served in a small glass, composed of espresso coffee, hot chocolate, and cream (or milk), enjoyed in historic cafés. Don’t forget to try the Bonèt, a baked spoon dessert made with eggs, milk, sugar, cocoa, and essential crushed amaretti.

Turin awaits to reveal its secrets and discreet charm. Come fall in love with this fascinating city!

Discover the vibrant heart of Turin, where inclusivity meets relaxation in our exclusive network of gay saunas. Nestled in the city's lively quarters, these havens offer more than just a retreat; they are a gateway to a community of monitored safe spaces. With the ARCO Membership Card, step into a world where social connection and well-being are intertwined, ensuring every visit is a step towards a secure and authentic experience.

Approfondimenti su Turin

Come and discover Turin, Italy's elegant first capital, nestled between the River Po and the majestic Alps.
Immerse yourself in the regal atmosphere of its historic porticoes, perfect for sheltered strolls, and admire the imposing Mole Antonelliana, an unmistakable symbol that houses the wonderful National Cinema Museum.

You can enter the magnificent royal palaces and Savoy residences, testimony to a history rich in splendor, but above all, you can immerse yourself in thousands of years of history by visiting the famous Egyptian Museum, considered the second most important in the world after the one in Cairo!

If you have a sweet tooth, indulge in the unique taste of gianduiotto chocolate while taking a historic break in one of the Liberty cafés, and don't miss out on the other Piedmontese specialties!

Also, don't miss the opportunity to explore the mysterious side of Turin, known as the Magic City, and visit the MAUTO, the famous Automobile Museum. Finally, enjoy the breathtaking view of the city from the hill of Superga.

Turin awaits you to reveal its secrets and discreet charm. Come and fall in love with it!

Mole Antonelliana and National Cinema Museum
An undisputed symbol of the city, it offers spectacular panoramic views and houses one of the richest and most interactive cinema museums in the world.

Egyptian Museum
The second most important Egyptian museum in the world, after the one in Cairo, with a collection of artifacts that is unique in terms of value and quantity.

Reggia di Venaria Reale
A magnificent Savoy residence just outside the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with spectacular gardens.

Piazza Castello
The heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings such as Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale.

Palazzo Reale
The ancient and sumptuous residence of the Savoy family, from which the Polo Reale, a complex of museums and gardens, branches off.

The Porticoes and Historic Cafés
Stroll along the city's 18 km of porticoes and stop for a Bicerin (the typical Turin drink) in one of the historic cafés such as Caffè Al Bicerin.

MAUTO - National Automobile Museum
A modern and engaging experience that traces the history of the automobile, paying homage to Turin's industrial tradition.

Basilica of Superga
Located on a hill, it offers a breathtaking view of Turin and the Alps, as well as housing the tombs of the Savoy family.

Turin Cathedral (and the Holy Shroud)
The cathedral where the Holy Shroud is kept (only displayed on special occasions).

Quartiere Romano and Quadrilatero Romano
The oldest part of the city, ideal for a stroll among artisan shops, restaurants, and historic bars.

Turin offers many unforgettable experiences at no cost, starting with a long walk under its elegant arcades.
These kilometers of galleries cover much of the historic center, allowing you to admire the regal architecture even in bad weather.

The true heart of the city is its majestic squares: from Piazza Castello, where you can see Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale from the outside, to the grandiose Piazza Vittorio Veneto, ideal for a photo with a view of the River Po.

Don't miss a walk along the Po River, perhaps crossing the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I and climbing up to Monte dei Cappuccini. From this hill, you will have one of the most spectacular and complete panoramic views of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana, and the entire Alpine arc.

If you are interested in ancient history, explore the Quadrilatero Romano, the oldest area of the city, and see the remains of the Porte Palatine. Finally, for a touch of mystery and charm, you can search for the esoteric and Masonic symbols hidden in the fountains and facades, exploring Turin's reputation as the “Magic City.”

Turin plays a fundamental role in the history of the LGBT movement in Italy, recognized by many as the true “capital of civil rights” in the country.

This history of liberation and activism has deep roots: in 1971, right here in Turin, FUORI! (Fronte Unitario Omosessuale Rivoluzionario Italiano, or Italian Revolutionary Homosexual Front) was born, the first Italian homosexual liberation movement, with its magazine of the same name, which marked a turning point for visibility and the struggle. The following year, the group organized the famous Sanremo protest, considered by some to be the “Italian Stonewall,” publicly challenging prejudice.

The legacy of this openness was consolidated in the following decades with important initiatives, such as the establishment in 2001 of the LGBT Service of the Municipality of Turin, the first office of an Italian public administration specifically dedicated to combating discrimination.

Even today, the city hosts important cultural events such as the TORINO GLBT FILM FESTIVAL and boasts a vibrant community, testifying to a long and courageous journey towards inclusion and full recognition of rights.

🍽️ Must-try dishes from Piedmontese and Turin cuisine

Starters and side dishes

Vitello Tonnato
Thin slices of veal cooked and served cold with a creamy sauce made from tuna, anchovies, and capers. A timeless classic, often prepared in a more refined way than in other regions.
Battuta di Fassona al Coltello
Raw Piedmontese beef (Fassona) finely chopped by hand and simply seasoned with oil, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Peppers in Bagna Càuda
The famous hot sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and plenty of anchovies, typical of the fall season, served with fresh or cooked vegetables, especially peppers.

First Courses

Agnolotti del Plin
Small ravioli (the name “plin” means “pinch” in Piedmontese, referring to the gesture of closing) stuffed with roast meat, often served in their own roast sauce or simply with butter and sage.
Tajarin
Very thin egg tagliatelle rich in egg yolk, ideal for accompanying mushrooms, truffles, or simply a light meat sauce.
Risotto al Barolo
Creamy and flavorful risotto, cooked and simmered with the highly prized Barolo red wine, which gives it an unmistakable color and aroma.

Main Courses

Barolo Braised Beef
Beef (often a cut such as cheek or cap of rump) simmered for hours in Barolo with herbs, resulting in incredibly tender and succulent meat.
Piedmontese Mixed Fry
A very elaborate dish that includes a variety of sweet and savory pieces (from sausage to sweetbreads, apples, and semolina) breaded and fried.

Turin Desserts and Specialties

Gianduiotto
The chocolate symbol of Turin, shaped like an upside-down boat, made with cocoa and the prized Tonda Gentile delle Langhe hazelnuts.
Bicerin
Turin's historic drink, served in a small glass and consisting of espresso coffee, hot chocolate, and milk cream (or whipped cream), enjoyed in historic cafés.
Bonèt
A spoon pudding baked in the oven, made with eggs, milk, sugar, cocoa, and, an essential ingredient, crumbled dry amaretti biscuits.

🌈 Turin for the LGBT Community: Support and Safety 🤝

Turin is actively committed to being an inclusive and safe city for the LGBTQIA+ community. There is a well-established support network, managed by local associations and institutions. Initiatives such as the PorTO Sicuro Anti-Discrimination Center offer legal, psychological, and social assistance. These services are points of reference for anyone who experiences discrimination, guaranteeing a safe haven.

The city constantly promotes events such as Torino Pride and days against homophobia, raising the visibility of the community. In addition, local associations work to create safe spaces and opportunities for inclusion in the workplace and housing.

Despite the challenges that any large urban center can present, there is a strong institutional and associative commitment to ensuring a respectful environment that is attentive to the rights of all. The presence of CasArcobaleno as a service hub confirms this focus.