Turin: The Jewel of the Italian Alps

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-vo-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-sah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-vo-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non man-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-vo-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la Polizia!
  [kyah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un dottore!
  [kyah-mah-teh oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwan-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Mezza (dieci) passato
  [meh-tsah (dyeh-chee) pah-sah-toh]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwan-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-skee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Turin, known as Torino in Italian, was originally an ancient Roman military camp called Augusta Taurinorum, established around 28 BC. Its strategic location at the convergence of the Po and Dora Riparia rivers made it a crucial point for trade and military operations. Evidence of Roman influence can still be seen today in the city’s grid layout and ruins such as the Porta Palatina.

During the Middle Ages, Turin became an important center under the control of the House of Savoy in the 11th century. The construction of significant buildings like the Palazzo Madama began during this time. The city’s medieval character is preserved in its narrow streets and the remnants of fortifications that can be found scattered throughout the old town.

The Renaissance period marked a time of extensive architectural and cultural development in Turin. The city was transformed with magnificent structures like the Palazzo Reale and the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, where the world-renowned Shroud of Turin is housed. The Baroque era further enriched the city’s architectural landscape with masterpieces by architects such as Guarino Guarini and Filippo Juvarra, including the Church of San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Superga.

In 1861, Turin was declared the first capital of the newly unified Italy. This period saw rapid modernization and industrial growth. The capital status brought with it political significance and stimulated the development of infrastructure, including the famous Mole Antonelliana, which originally was intended to be a synagogue but now houses the National Museum of Cinema.

The early 20th century marked Turin’s emergence as an industrial powerhouse, primarily due to the founding of Fiat in 1899. The automobile manufacturer played a pivotal role in Turin’s economic development and contributed to its reputation as the ‘Automobile Capital of Italy.’ The Lingotto building, a former Fiat factory, is a testament to this industrial era and today serves as a multi-purpose complex.

Turin underwent significant hardship during World War II, facing heavy bombings that damaged much of the city’s infrastructure. The post-war period was characterized by extensive reconstruction efforts, leading to a period of economic boom known as the ‘Italian Economic Miracle.’ This era saw the rise of modernist architecture and the expansion of urban areas to accommodate the growing population.

In recent decades, Turin has experienced a cultural renaissance, transforming from an industrial city to a hub of art, culture, and innovation. The city hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006, which spurred further urban development and international recognition. Today, Turin boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, galleries, and events such as the Turin International Book Fair and the Torino Film Festival.

Turin is accessible via Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN), located about 16 kilometers north of the city center. The airport is well-connected with major European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to reach the city center. Alternatively, Turin is well-connected by train with high-speed trains from major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence. Driving to Turin is also an option, with well-maintained highways linking it to other parts of Italy and Europe.

Turin offers a variety of public transportation options, including buses, trams, and a metro system. The GTT (Gruppo Torinese Trasporti) operates these services, and tickets can be purchased at kiosks, tobacco shops, or via the GTT mobile app. For short distances, bike-sharing services and electric scooters are popular. Taxis are available but can be more expensive. Renting a car is an option but consider the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) areas with restricted access.

The official currency in Turin is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and public transportation. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange services are available at the airport, major train stations, and various locations in the city center.

Turin is generally a safe city for tourists, but as with any major city, it is wise to stay vigilant. Be cautious in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing, especially in popular tourist spots like Piazza Castello and Porta Palazzo market. Avoid walking alone late at night in less busy areas such as Barriera di Milano and Aurora. Use well-lit, busy streets and always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the single emergency number for police, medical, and fire services. Major hospitals such as Ospedale Molinette provide emergency medical care. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to carry a copy of your insurance documents.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as Turin is known for its fashion. Avoid overly casual attire when dining out. Religion: Do be respectful in religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't forget to offer your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight nod is also polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like agnolotti and bicerin. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely experience in Turin.

To experience Turin like a local, visit the Porta Palazzo market, the largest open-air market in Europe. Enjoy an aperitivo in the early evening at one of the many cafes in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Take a stroll along the Po River and explore the Parco del Valentino. For a unique experience, visit the Mole Antonelliana and its National Cinema Museum. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share insights about the city.