Turin: The Royal City with Laura Benitti

Travelers to Italy may hear locals referring to 'Turin, the first capital' or 'Turin, the royal city'... But why so? Italy is a Republic, with no king, and the capital is Rome. This conversation will address this concept, together with an exploration of the city’s history, its discreet charm, its magnificent works of art.

Turin is the capital of the Piedmont Region: ‘Piedmont’ literally meaning ‘at the base of the mountains’. Its setting, therefore, is something of a marvel. We’ll note how the panorama of the city is marked by the Alps in the background and by the river Po, which crosses it, making it vaguely resemble Paris. Originally a Roman city (one can visit interesting Roman remains, such as the ancient ‘Porta Palatina’ city gate, or the Theatre), its history is linked to the dynasty of the Savoy family. We’ll learn how during the 1800s, this family became the representative of the Italians through the wars of independence against foreign domination, as well as the first Royal Family of Italy, with Vittorio Emanuele II as the first monarch of Italy. Still to this day to visit the first Italian Parliament, you need to visit Turin.

Along with Turin’s history we will discover its magnificent architecture, such as the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, Via Po, and Piazza Vittorio. We’ll spend some time discussing the splendid Duomo, with the magnificent Baroque dome by Guarino Guarini, and home to the most important Christian relic in the world, the Holy Shroud of Jesus Christ.

Led by a Turin-born art historian, Laura Benittii, this interactive seminar will trace the city’s history and present it in all its glory. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased admiration for this often underlooked Italian city.

Laura was born in Turin, where she studied history of art, but moved to Milan in 2002. Since her graduation, she has accumulated a long experience as an art consultant and registrar in a few museums in Turin, as well as expertise as a local Milan guide. She loves to be both an experienced and friendly local ambassador of Milan and Como area for her travelers.

This conversation is suitable for all ages

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.