Turin: The Royal City with Laura Benitti
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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.
Ninety minutes to talk about a city off the tourist path might seem like a lot. But it isn't. Turin is a major city, dating back to the time of the Romans. It was the seat of the House of Savoy, a forgotten dynasty who came out of southwestern France, and who were chosen to be the first (and only) ruling family of a united Italy. But the effort to tiurn those independent city states that had melded into larger entities into one country, did not begin until we were involved in the American Civil War. Later, in a time of deep poverty, the Agnelli family appeared and founded FIAT, which I believe was Italy's only large factory for decades. So, you see, the story is very complicated. Much of it is not well known. But the result today is a Baroque city, built by the Savoys . A very cosmospolitan city, with arcades, cafes, and the most prestigeous Egyptian Museum in Europe. (Who knew!) I love Turin. I lived there as a child, when my father worked at FIAT, and I love visiting. Their subway system, built for the 2006 Olympics, has one stop. They have only one skyscraper- I forget whether it's 9 or 14 stories tall. It is a charming city, built on a human scale, easy to adjust to, and easy to deal with. I think there is too much here for one lecture. The history alone would have to be condensed to fit 90 minutes. The House of Savoy could be their own lecture, especially if all the residences surrounding Turin are included. In my opinion, the scope of this lecture needed to be more tightly defined. I would have focused on a visitor's experience of Turin, with intriguing referenced to the "back story" without going into much detail. The Q&A period would be the time for listeners to ask for more information. This is by no means a criticism of Laura Benetti, whom I greatly liked and appreciated. I think she was given too great of a task. Turin deserves better. And if you choose to offer another course or two, I would hope Ms. Benetti would be the instructor, and I will certainly sign up!