Dalle Langhe a Torino
From Langhe to Turin, why not?
If you are staying in the Langhe and plan to linger a few more days, Turin is a feasible destination. From our b&b in Bossolasco Cascina Facelli you can reach it in just over an hour and a half.
But why visit Turin?
Simple, it is a capital city on a human scale, full of history, culture and beauty.
I leave you with a few hints that you will surely find interesting and lesser known!
Turin's historic cafes
Let’s start by dwelling on the legendary historic cafes that not only offer high quality food and drinks, but also a dip into the past, an atmosphere steeped in history and culture, allowing for a unique and fascinating experience in the beautiful setting of Turin.
- Caffè Torino: Located in Piazza San Carlo, this café is one of the oldest in the city, open since 1903. It is known for its elegant décor and refined atmosphere.
- Caffè Mulassano: founded in 1879 and located in Piazza Castello, it is famous for inventing the tramezzino. The Art Nouveau interior is a real gem.
- Caffè Fiorio: opened in 1780 on Via Po, it was a favorite haunt of nobles, intellectuals and politicians of the time. Fiorio’s ice cream is particularly renowned.
- Caffè Al Bicerin: founded in 1763 and located in Piazza della Consolata, it is famous for its Bicerin, a hot drink made with coffee, chocolate and milk cream. Cavour was also a frequent visitor.
- Caffè San Carlo: Located in Piazza San Carlo, this café dates back to 1822 and offers a refined ambience with frescoes and elegant decorations. It was frequented by illustrious figures such as Nietzsche.
- Café Platti: on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, this café opened in 1870 and has an elegant and cozy atmosphere. It was a meeting place for intellectuals and artists.
Stores craft stores in Turin
Let’s move on to small craft stores, shall we? Turin has a long tradition of craftsmanship, and visiting its historic workshops is a wonderful way to discover local authenticity and craftsmanship. Here are a few not to be missed:
- Gianfranco Ferraris:
Address: Via Maria Vittoria 20/D
Specialty: Jewelry and watchmaking. Ferraris is known for his custom watches and unique handcrafted jewelry. - Rivets:
Address: 8 St. Thomas St.
Specialty: Making handcrafted fountain pens. The store is a must for writing enthusiasts and collectors. - Guido Gobino:
Address: Via Cagliari 15/B
Specialty: Chocolateria. Gobino is famous for its gianduiotto and other high-quality chocolate treats. - Gertosio:
Address: 14 Via Carlo Alberto
Specialty: Pastry and chocolate shop. This historic store is renowned for its traditional chocolates and pastries.
- Marchesi Typographic School:
Address: 19 Andrea Doria Street
Specialty: Typography. This historic store offers handcrafted and custom printing products. - Defilippis Pasta Factory:
Address: 39 Lagrange St.
Specialty: Fresh Pasta. Defilippis is famous for its artisanal pasta, prepared using traditional methods. - Latteria Bera:
Address: Via San Secondo 13
Specialty: Dairy products. This historic dairy offers high-quality cheeses and dairy products. - Mara dei Boschi:
Address: 30/H Berthollet St.
Specialty: Artisan ice cream shop. Mara dei Boschi is famous for its ice creams made with high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
Secret Turin... the Underground.
And now let’s move on to a must-do tour, a treat outside of everything you already know and learn about Turin: The secret, underground Turin!
Torino Sotterranea is a fascinating tour that allows you to discover the hidden and lesser-known side of the city. It is a guided itinerary that will take you through a network of tunnels, secret passages, catacombs and air raid shelters located under the streets and buildings of Turin.
Many of the underground tunnels date back to Roman times and were initially created as aqueducts; they evolved over the centuries: in the Middle Ages and Renaissance they were used for military and defense purposes. Turin was a fortified city, and the undergrounds offered safe routes for secret travel. During World War II many of these structures were adapted as air raid shelters to protect against bombing and remain a poignant testimony.
The main points of this tour are definitely:
- Pietro Micca Gallery:
this is one of the most significant points of the tour. The gallery is named after Pietro Micca, a local hero who sacrificed his life to save Turin during the French siege of 1706. Here you can see the defensive structures and passageways used by the soldiers. - Consolata Crypt:
Located beneath the Church of the Consolata, this crypt offers a striking view of underground religious architecture. - Catacombs and burial areas:
some sections of the tour include visits to ancient burial areas and catacombs that tell the story of religious Turin and its ancient inhabitants. - Air raid shelters:
these spaces, preserved as they were during the war, offer a glimpse into daily life during the bombing, with objects and furnishings from the period. - Roman tunnels:
Parts of the ancient Roman tunnels are still accessible and show the advanced engineering of the time.
Tours last about 3 hours and offer a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere, with soft lighting and historic settings that will transport you back in time.
Tours are usually organized by local tour agencies and it is advisable to book in advance, especially during busy tourist periods.
One of the most reputable tour operators offering the Underground Turin tour is Somewhere Tour & Events. This operator offers a detailed and fascinating experience of the city’s underground with its expert guides who will provide you with an engaging and impactful narrative.
You can book online through their website or contact them for more information and availability.
Phone: +39 011 668 0580
E-mail: info@somewhere.it
Address: Via Po, 45, 10124 Turin
I recommend booking in advance, wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a jacket…underground temperatures can be slightly cooler 😊