Turin, nestled in the heart of Italy's Piedmont region, is a city that offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and innovation. Unlike more high-profile Italian destinations, Turin retains a discreet charm, but with a richness and depth that captivates those who take the time to discover it. From its roots as the seat of the House of Savoy and the first capital of a united Italy, to its current role as an industrial and cultural centre, Turin is a city of contrasts and surprises. Its wide tree-lined avenues, Baroque palaces and world-class museums are just some of the reasons why living in Turin can be an enriching and unique experience. I am LIsbob, the expats assistant, and I’m going to give you my 9 good reasons to live in Turin.
Rich cultural and historical heritage
Turin, with its rich historical past, is a veritable open-air history book. The city played a crucial role in Italy's history, as the country's first capital and seat of the House of Savoy. Its many museums, including the famous Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world outside Cairo, and the National Cinema Museum, offer a fascinating insight into history and culture. Royal palaces, opulent churches and elegant squares such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo bear witness to the city's historical importance and architectural wealth. Living in Turin means strolling through streets that echo with the echoes of the past, while enjoying the conveniences of a modern city.
Renowned gastronomy and Piedmont cuisine
Gastronomy in Turin is a serious business and a real treat for gourmets. The city is famous for its Piedmontese specialities, such as Alba white truffles, fine chocolates, and Bicerin, a traditional drink made from coffee, chocolate and cream. Local markets, such as Porta Palazzo, Europe's largest open-air market, are full of fresh, high-quality produce. Restaurants and trattorias offer a range of authentic Piedmont dishes, from agnolotti del plin (stuffed pasta) to brasato al Barolo (braised beef in Barolo wine). This culinary wealth, combined with a deeply rooted coffee and wine culture, makes Turin a paradise for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Close to the Alps for mountain activities
Turin's location at the foot of the Western Alps offers easy access to a variety of mountain activities. In winter, nearby ski resorts such as Sestriere and Bardonecchia attract skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. In summer, these same mountains become an ideal playground for hiking, climbing and mountain biking. National parks, such as the Parc National du Grand Paradis, offer breathtaking scenery and a wealth of wildlife, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. The proximity of the Alps allows Turin residents to quickly escape the city and immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of the mountains, whether for a weekend of adventure or a simple day of relaxation.
Dynamic artistic and cultural scene
Turin is a dynamic centre for arts and culture. The city hosts a variety of festivals, exhibitions and shows throughout the year, reflecting its creative and innovative spirit. The Castello di Rivoli Contemporary Art Centre, housed in a restored baroque castle, and the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, dedicated to contemporary art, are examples of Turin's thriving arts scene. The city is also known for its film industry, with the Torino Film Festival attracting filmmakers and film lovers from all over the world. Historic theatres, such as the Teatro Regio, offer a varied programme ranging from opera to modern theatre, testifying to the city's cultural richness.
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Impressive, elegant architecture
Turin's architecture is a harmonious blend of historic and modern styles. The city is famous for its elegant arcades, which stretch for miles, offering shelter and a charming setting for shopping and strolling. From Baroque buildings to examples of Art Nouveau, every street corner reveals architectural treasures. The Mole Antonelliana, originally conceived as a synagogue and now home to the National Cinema Museum, is one of the city's most emblematic symbols. Modern architecture is not to be outdone, with buildings such as the Palazzo di Lavoro and Parco Dora bearing witness to Turin's industrial and post-industrial transformation.
Parks and abundant green spaces
Turin is a green city, with numerous parks and gardens offering areas for relaxation and recreation. The Parco del Valentino, the city's largest park, located along the River Po, is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. With its medieval castle, botanical gardens and riverside paths, it's the perfect place for jogging, cycling or simply relaxing. Other green spaces, such as the Parco della Pellerina and the Parco della Colletta, offer green escapes in the heart of the city, ideal for families, sports enthusiasts and those looking for a moment of tranquillity. These parks are not only green lungs for the city, but also centres of cultural and social activity, often hosting concerts, markets and festivals.
Life is good in Turin
A lively and varied nightlife
Turin's nightlife is as rich and varied as the city itself. From traditional wine bars, where you can sample local wines and aperitifs, to modern jazz clubs and discos, there's always something to do after dark. Areas such as San Salvario and Quadrilatero Romano are particularly renowned for their lively atmosphere, with a multitude of bars, restaurants and cafés attracting an eclectic crowd. Night-time events, such as the "apericena" (a combined aperitif and dinner concept), are an integral part of Turin's social culture, offering a unique way to discover the city and meet its inhabitants.
A centre of industry and innovation
Turin is an economic engine and a centre of innovation in Italy. Historically known for its automotive industry, with Fiat as its figurehead, the city has diversified to become a hub in the fields of aerospace, robotics and design. The Politecnico di Torino, one of Europe's top technical universities, and the many research centres and start-ups stimulate innovation and attract talent from all over the world. This dynamic atmosphere is reflected in a city that is constantly evolving, where industrial traditions mingle with cutting-edge technologies.
Welcoming community and high quality of life
The people of Turin are known for their hospitality and open-mindedness. The city offers a high quality of life, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Italian and European cities. Public services, such as education, transport and healthcare, are of high quality. The city is also safe, with a relatively low crime rate. This combination of factors, together with the city's cultural richness and beauty, make Turin an ideal place for those looking to relocate to Italy, whether for work, study, or simply to enjoy the Italian dolce vita.
I've given you my 9 good reasons for moving to Florence, and of course there are others, such as its architecture, its festivals and its people, but it would be difficult to cover everything in a single article, and everyone must discover their own good reasons for moving to Florence.
