Turin facts for kids

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Turin

Torino (Italian)
Turin (Piedmontese)

Comune

Città di Torino

Skyline of Turin

Royal Palace of Turin

Borgo Medioevale

Mole Antonelliana

Palazzo Madama

Palazzina di caccia of Stupinigi

Chapel of the Holy Shroud

Flag	Coat of arms

Nickname(s):

Città sabauda (Savoyard City)
Capitale delle Alpi (Capital of the Alps)
Città Magica (Magic City)

Motto(s):

Auxilium meum a Domino (Latin)
("My help comes from the Lord")

Country

Italy

Region

Piedmont

Area

• Total

130.17 km² (50.26 sq mi)

Elevation

239 m (784 ft)

Population

(30 June 2024)

• Total

847,622

• Density

6,511.65/km² (16,865.1/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Turinese(s)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal code

10121-10156

Dialing code

0039 011

Patron saint

John the Baptist

Saint day

24 June

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Official name

Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

Includes

several locations in Turin

Criteria

Cultural: (i)(ii)(iv)(v)

Inscription

1997 (21st Session)

Extensions

2010

Turin (pronounced "too-RIN" or "TYOOR-in") is a big city in Northern Italy. It is an important place for business and culture. Turin is the capital city of Piedmont and was the first capital of Italy from 1861 to 1865.

The city sits on the western side of the Po River. It is surrounded by the western Alps mountains and the Superga hill. About 847,622 people live in Turin (as of June 2024).

Turin has a rich history and culture. It is famous for its many art galleries, restaurants, churches, and palaces. The city is known for its beautiful Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau buildings. Many of its elegant squares and palaces, like the Palazzo Madama, were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Some of these buildings are part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is also home to famous museums, like the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). The Mole Antonelliana is Turin's most famous building and holds the National Museum of Cinema. Turin is a popular place for tourists.

Turin has some of Italy's best universities, like the University of Turin, founded in the 15th century. It is also known for the Shroud of Turin, a famous cloth. The city is the birthplace of the car company Fiat and is home to the football club Juventus. Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics and the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.

Discovering Turin's Past

Turin has a long and interesting history, going back thousands of years.

From Ancient Times to Roman Rule

The first people in this area were called the Taurini. They were an ancient group living in the Po River valley. In 218 BC, a famous general named Hannibal attacked their main town.

Later, around 28 BC, the Romans built a colony here called Julia Augusta Taurinorum. You can still see parts of the Roman city today, like the Porta Palatina, an old city gate. The city had about 5,000 people living inside its walls during Roman times.

Turin in the Middle Ages

After the Roman Empire fell, different groups ruled Turin, including the Ostrogoths and Lombards. In 773, the Franks, led by Charlemagne, took control.

By the end of the 13th century, Turin became part of the Duchy of Savoy. At this time, about 20,000 people lived in the city. Many gardens and palaces were built in the 15th century as the city grew. The University of Turin was also started during this period.

Becoming a Capital City

In 1563, Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, made Turin the capital of the Duchy of Savoy. He was also known as Iron Head! New streets and buildings were added, including the Royal Palace of Turin.

In 1706, the French tried to capture Turin but failed after a long siege. After this, the Duke of Savoy became the King of Sardinia, and Turin became the capital of a European kingdom. A famous architect named Filippo Juvarra helped redesign the city. Turin had about 90,000 people then.

Modern Turin: Industry and Growth

In 1802, Turin was taken over by the French Empire under Napoleon I. But in 1814, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia again. This kingdom played a big part in uniting Italy.

In 1861, Turin became the first capital of the newly united Kingdom of Italy. It was a center for the Risorgimento movement, which led to Italy becoming one country. In 1865, the capital moved to Florence, and then to Rome.

The late 1800s saw Turin grow rapidly with new industries, especially cars. In 1899, Fiat was founded in the city, followed by Lancia in 1906. Turin also hosted big international events in 1902 and 1911. By this time, Turin had 430,000 people.

After World War I, there were many strikes and protests by workers. During World War II, Turin was heavily bombed because of its factories. Many buildings were damaged.

After the war, Turin was quickly rebuilt. The car industry helped Italy's economy boom in the 1950s and 1960s. Many people moved to Turin from southern Italy for work. The city's population reached over 1 million people. Turin was called the "Automobile Capital."

In 2006, Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics. This brought new energy and changes to the city.

Turin's Location and Weather

Turin is located in the northwest of Italy. It is surrounded by the Alps mountains to the west and north. To the east, there is a high hill that connects to the Monferrato hills.

Four main rivers flow through the city: the Po River and three smaller rivers called the Dora Riparia, Stura di Lanzo, and Sangone.

What is Turin's Climate Like?

Turin has a climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are usually cold and dry, while summers are warm. It rains most often in spring and autumn. During the hottest months, rain is less frequent but can come in heavy thunderstorms.

Sometimes, fog forms in the plains during winter and autumn. Snow is not uncommon in winter, but heavy snowfalls are rare. The highest temperature ever recorded was 37.1°C (98.8°F) in August 2003, and the lowest was -21.8°C (-7.2°F) in February 1956.

How Turin is Organized

Turin is divided into 8 main areas called circoscrizioni. These areas do not always match the older, historical parts of the city.

The mayor of Turin is chosen every five years. The current mayor is Stefano Lo Russo.

Exploring Turin's Cityscape

Turin's city center is famous for its Baroque style, which was developed under the Savoyard state.

Famous Streets and Squares

Via Roma: This is a main street in the city center. It was built in the 1930s and has a modern style. It is known for its fancy shops.
Piazza San Carlo: This beautiful pedestrian square was built in the 17th century. In the middle, there is a statue of Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, on a horse. This statue is called Caval ëd Brons (Bronze Horse) by locals. The square has old cafes.
Piazza Castello: This square is considered the heart of Turin. It has important buildings like the Royal Palace of Turin, the Palazzo Madama, and the Royal Library of Turin, which holds a self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci.
Via Po: This street has arcades (covered walkways) and connects Piazza Castello to the Po River. It is home to the original building of the University of Turin.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto: Often called Piazza Vittorio, this is one of the largest Baroque squares in Europe. It is a popular spot for nightlife.

Iconic Buildings and Museums

Mole Antonelliana: This tall building is the symbol of Turin. It was started in 1863 as a Jewish synagogue. Today, it houses the National Museum of Cinema and is believed to be the tallest museum in the world. It is even on the Italian 2-cent coin!
Turin Cathedral: This is the main church in Turin, built between 1491 and 1498. It is next to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, where the famous Shroud of Turin is kept.
Palatine Towers: Near the Cathedral, these are ancient Roman structures that were once city gates. They are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Northern Italy.
Egyptian Museum: Located on Via Lagrange, this museum has one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian items outside of Egypt.

Parks and Gardens

Turin has many beautiful green spaces.

Parco del Valentino: This is the most popular park in the city, located along the Po River. It has the Castello del Valentino, a 17th-century castle that is now part of the Polytechnic University of Turin. The park also has the Borgo Medioevale (Medieval Village), which is a replica of medieval castles.
Other large parks include Parco della Pellerina and Parco Colletta. There are also many smaller parks and playgrounds throughout the city.

Turin's People

In 2009, Turin had about 910,000 people. This number has grown because many people have moved to the city from other parts of Italy and from other countries. About 13.5% of the population are foreigners, with many coming from Romania, Morocco, and Albania.

Turin's Economy

Turin has a strong economy, especially known for its car and aerospace industries.

What are Turin's Main Industries?

Automotive Industry: Turin is home to Fiat (which stands for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino). Fiat is now part of Stellantis, one of the largest car companies in the world. Other car brands like Maserati and Lancia also have roots here.
Aerospace Industry: Companies like Alenia Aeronautica and Thales Alenia Space operate in Turin. Parts of the International Space Station, like the Harmony and Columbus modules, were made here!
Other Industries: Turin also has companies in finance (like Intesa Sanpaolo), fashion (like Kappa and Superga), and food and beverages (like Ferrero and Lavazza coffee).

Turin is ranked as a "Gamma-level" global city, meaning it is an important city in the world's economy.

Turin's Culture

Turin is a city rich in culture, with a long history of art, music, and literature.

Art and Museums in Turin

Savoy Residences: As the former capital, Turin has many royal palaces and castles. The Royal Palace of Turin, Palazzo Madama, and Valentino Castle are just a few examples. These are part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Egyptian Museum: This museum has one of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt.
National Museum of Cinema: Located inside the Mole Antonelliana, this museum celebrates the history of film.
Other Museums: You can also find the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile (National Automobile Museum) and the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Many famous artists and architects have worked in Turin over the centuries, shaping its beautiful look.

Music and Performance

The city's main opera house is Teatro Regio di Torino. The famous opera La bohème by Puccini was first performed here in 1896.

Turin hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 at the Pala Alpitour. This was a big international music event!

Literature and Books

Turin has been an important center for literature for a long time. Many famous Italian writers have lived and worked here, especially after the city became the capital of Italy.

A major publishing house, Giulio Einaudi, published works by important authors like Cesare Pavese and Primo Levi. In 2006, Turin was chosen by UNESCO as the World Book Capital. The Turin International Book Fair is one of the biggest book fairs in Europe.

Religion and the Shroud of Turin

Turin is home to the famous Shroud of Turin. This linen cloth has the image of a man who appears to have been crucified. Many Christians believe it is a miraculous image of Jesus. It is kept in the royal chapel of the Turin Cathedral and is a major symbol and tourist attraction for the city.

Science and Technology

Turin has a history of scientific discovery. The scientist Amedeo Avogadro worked as a professor here. In the 19th century, Galileo Ferraris, a professor at Turin University, discovered the principle behind the electric motor.

Media in Turin

Turin is home to one of Italy's main national newspapers, La Stampa. The national broadcasting company, RAI, has had a production center in Turin since 1954.

Sports in Turin

Turin has a strong sports tradition, especially in football.

Football in Turin

The city is home to two famous football teams:

Juventus FC: Founded in 1897, Juventus is Italy's most successful football club and one of the most successful in the world. They play at the Juventus Stadium.
Torino F.C.: Founded in 1906, Torino was a very successful team in the 1940s. They play at the Stadio Olimpico "Grande Torino".

The two clubs play against each other in the oldest derby in Italy, called the Derby della Mole.

Other Sports Events

Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics in February 2006. It was the largest city to ever host a Winter Olympics at that time. The city was named the European Capital of Sport in 2015. Turin also hosts the ATP Finals tennis event from 2021 to 2025.

Cinema in Turin

Turin is known as the birthplace of Italian cinema. The first Italian film screening happened here in March 1896.

In the early 1900s, many of the first Italian films were shown in Turin. Companies like Ambrosio Film made many movies here, making Turin an important place for filmmaking.

Today, Turin is still a major center for film and television in Italy. Many movies, TV shows, and commercials are filmed in the city. Famous films like The Italian Job and War and Peace have used Turin as a filming location.

Delicious Turin Cuisine

Turin is famous for its delicious food, especially chocolate!

Chocolate: The city is well known for its traditional, ingot-shaped chocolate called gianduiotto. It's named after Gianduja, a local character.
Bicerin: This is a traditional hot drink made of espresso, drinking chocolate, and milk, served in a small glass.
CioccolaTÒ: Every year, Turin hosts a two-week chocolate festival with local and international chocolate makers.
Tramezzino: These popular sandwiches were first served in a historic cafe in Turin in 1925.
Pizza al Padellino: This is a special type of small, thick-crust pizza served in Turin.

The city is also part of the Slow Food movement, which celebrates local and traditional foods.

Learning in Turin

Turin is home to some of Italy's best universities and schools.

University of Turin: This is one of Italy's oldest universities, founded in the 15th century.
Polytechnic University of Turin: This university is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world for engineering, technology, and computer science.
Turin also hosts the United Nations System Staff College and a campus of the ESCP business school.

Getting Around Turin

Turin has a good public transport system and is always working to improve it.

Trains and Metro

Railway System: A major railway line crosses the city, and the Porta Susa station is becoming the main train hub for national and international trains.
Metrotorino: The city has a subway line that opened for the 2006 Winter Olympics. It connects different parts of the city and is still being expanded.

Other Transport

Airport: Turin has an international airport called Caselle International Airport, which is connected to the city by train and bus.
Trams: Central parts of the city are served by trams, which are a popular way to get around.

On average, people in Turin spend about 65 minutes commuting with public transport on a weekday.

Images for kids

The Roman Palatine Towers
Turin in 1701
A view of Turin in the late 19th century. In the background, the Mole Antonelliana under construction.
Fiat Lingotto factory in 1928
Liberation parade in Turin, May 6, 1945
Turin from space. North is on the left.
Administrative map of Turin
Via Roma
Piazza San Carlo and the Caval 'd Brons (Bronze Horse in Piedmontese language), equestrian monument to Emmanuel Philibert
Piazza Castello with Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in the background
Porta Nuova main railway station
Piazza Vittorio Veneto square
Baroque façade of Palazzo Carignano, the Museum of the Risorgimento
Mole Antonelliana in 2006
Dome of Turin Cathedral
Palatine Towers
Castello del Valentino in Parco del Valentino
Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
The Polytechnic University of Turin
The Spina Centrale is a new under-construction boulevard built over the undergrounded railway. It is already completed in Crocetta.
The Piazza Carlo Alberto
A heating power plant
Casa della Vittoria (1918–1920) is an example of Turin's neo-gothic architecture.
Intesa Sanpaolo banking group headquarters
Chiesa di Nostra Signora del Suffragio e Santa Zita
The Torre Littoria
Tiny streets of Borgo Dora
Santuario di Maria Ausiliatrice
Lavazza, famous Turin coffee brand
Piedmont Region Headquarters (209 m), one of the tallest skyscrapers in Italy
Fetta Di Polenta, northern side
Campus Luigi Einaudi
Turin Cathedral featuring the Chapel of the Holy Shroud
Basilica of Superga
The medieval village in Valentino Park
La Mandria Regional Park
The Lingotto building in Via Nizza, the world headquarters of Fiat
The royal hunting lodge of Stupinigi
The inside of the Egyptian Museum of Turin. It is the world's second largest after the Museum of Cairo.
Teatro Regio opera house
National Library
Juventus Stadium, home of Juventus FC
The Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, home of Torino F.C.
Mole Antonelliana
The iconic gianduiotto chocolate
Bicerin chocolate drink served in its trademark rounded glass
Hall of the Rectorate Palace of the University of Turin
Porta Susa railway station
Turin Massaua metro station
Turin Caselle International Airport
A city tram. A bus can be seen behind.