Top 10 must-sees in Turin, capital of Piedmont in Italy

What to do in Turin during Eurovision?

The winner of Eurovision in 2021, following Måneskin's victory with the song Zitti e buoni, Italy is hosting the music competition in 2022 for the third time since the event was created. Turin, in the Piedmont region of Italy, was chosen to host the festivities, against a dozen competing cities.

From 10 to 14 May, Eurovision fans will be able to wander around the capital of Piedmont, discovering its world-renowned gastronomy and its breathtaking architectural heritage, but there are also several events organised throughout the city.

Fans can visit the Eurovillage, which will be located in the Parco del Valentino, a large area on the western side of the Po River. Some 17,000 people will be allowed to discover the Valentino Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, amidst numerous gardens, a medieval fortress and a botanical park.

IN PICTURES Turin: our ten must-sees to discover the Piedmontese capital

For the occasion, it is also possible to book an exceptional stay on the Booking.com platform, partner of the event. The online travel booking giant is promising "an extraordinary musical experience" to those who are the quickest to book the two one-night stays offered at the price of 12 euros - in a nod to the 12 points that can be won by the Eurovision finalist.

What's on the agenda? A stay in the beautiful Casa del Pingone, VIP tickets to watch the Eurovision live, a course with a professional vocal coach and a meeting with Conchita Wurst. Reservations will open this Friday 6 May at 10.00 (French time) for stays during the 2nd Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on 12 May and the Grand Final on 14 May.

The Palazzo Reale, or Royal Palace of Turin

Majestically standing in Piazza Castello, the Palazzo Reale is part of the Royal Museums of Turin. Formerly the residence of the House of Savoy, after the transfer of the Duchy to Turin in 1563 at the instigation of Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoy, the Royal Palace of Turin was for many years the nerve centre of the Court and of political power. Renovated several times over the centuries, the Palazzo Reale combines several architectural styles, starting with its 17th century façade.

During the visit, which lasts about two hours, you can admire the Armoury, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, the Savoy Gallery, the Royal Gardens and the Turin section of the Museum of Antiquities.

The Mole Antonelliana, the highest monument in Turin

An emblematic monument in the Turin landscape, the Mole Antonelliana is the highest monument in the city, standing at 167 metres. It goes without saying that from its summit, which can be reached via a lift that takes less than a minute to get there, the view of the surrounding area is simply breathtaking! Built by Allessandro Antonelli in 1863, the Mole Antonelliana housesEurope' s largest museum dedicated to cinema - a reminder that the city was one of the pioneers of the seventh art.

The Parco del Valentino

On the banks of the River Po, the Parco del Valentino, or Valentino Park, is Turin's green lung, where you can walk, cycle or even ride a Segway. Covering an area of more than 55 hectares, it is home to the Botanical Garden, founded in 1729, and the Borgo Medievale. The latter refers to the ancient feudal village of the 15th century reproduced during the Italian General Exhibition in 1884. Thanks to the success of the exhibition, the village was not destroyed after the end of the exhibition, and is now part of the museums of Turin.

In the Parco del Valentino, don't miss the Arco monumentale all'Artigliere (or Monumental Arch to the Artilleryman), designed by Pietro Canonica in 1930.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist of Turin, or Dome of Turin

Geographically close to the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist of Turin, nicknamed the "Dome of Turin", is linked to the Royal Palace by the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. Believers and Renaissance enthusiasts will be delighted to discover this church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, built at the very end of the 15th century - it took seven years to build.

The dome was completed in 1694, after 28 years of work. Unfortunately, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud and the dome were destroyed by fire in 1997, and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud was not reopened until 2018. The cathedral also houses many burials of members of the House of Savoy.

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The Museo Egizio in Turin, the oldest Egyptian museum in the world

Dedicated exclusively to the art and culture ofancient Egypt, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Turin is the second richest museum of Egyptian antiquities in the world after Cairo. In all, more than 6,500 pieces are on display to the public in some 12,000 square metres. On the first floor, don't miss the perfectly intact tomb of Ka, which is undoubtedly the most prestigious piece in the collection.

Turin's most beautiful squares

Turin is not only full of monuments to discover, it is also a perfect city to stroll around a café terrace and enjoy a cappuccino or a hot chocolate. Better still, you can try bicerin, the typical Turin drink, made of coffee, hot chocolate and milk or cream.

To do this, head for example to piazza San Carlo, nicknamed "the living room of Turin", on the Via Roma. This pedestrian square overlooks the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo. Don't miss Piazza Carlo Emanuele II, also known as Piazza Carlina, which was once a wine market.

The Lingotto and MAUTO, for car enthusiasts, but not only

In the south of Turin, two places remind us of the prestige of the Turinese car industry: the Lingotto, which is a former Fiat factory, converted into a shopping mall. The building is particularly well known for the oval-shaped test track on its roof, with two 400-metre long straights and elevated bends.

A few minutes' walk away, you can continue on the same theme by visiting the MAUTO, the National Automobile Museum of Turin. What can you find in this atypical museum, founded in 1932? Vintage cars and emblematic models of the automobile industry, such as Virginio Bordino's "steam car" or the Pecori, the first three-wheeled car in Italy, but also dream cars and prototypes that have marked history.

Gourmet break at the world's first Eataly

Eataly food courts can be found all over the world, but the first Eataly to open in 2007 was in Turin. Founded in 2004 by Oscar Farinetti, this chain of delicatessens, which includes restaurants, is a must for gourmet shopping. It's an opportunity to eat a good pizza and buy purely Piedmontese specialities!

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The Basilica of Superga

Recognisable by its 75-metre-high dome, flanked by two 60-metre-high bell towers, the Basilica of Superga is located at the top of the hill of the same name, about ten kilometres from Turin city centre. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, it is one of the most important works of the architect Filippo Juvarra. Moreover, its crypt is the necropolis of the Savoy family.

The Palazzo Madama

Another of Turin's Baroque masterpieces is the Palazzo Madama, or "Palazzo Madam", named after the queens Christine of France and Marie-Jeanne-Baptiste of Savoy-Nemours. Seat of the Royal Senate in the 18th century, the Palazzo Madama has been home to part of the Museum of Ancient Art since 1934. Take a moment to admire its facade signed by Filippo Juvarra and, inside, its XXL staircase.