Torino

Lore & Background

The city was historically a major European political centre. From 1563, it was the capital of the Duchy of Savoy, then of the Kingdom of Sardinia ruled by the House of Savoy, and then the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to 1865. Turin is sometimes called 'the cradle of Italian liberty' for having been the political and intellectual centre of the Risorgimento that led to the unification of Italy, as well as the birthplace of notable individuals who contributed to it, such as Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour. Although much of its political influence had been lost by World War II, it had become a centre of anti-fascist movements during the Ventennio fascista, including the Italian resistance movement. Postwar Turin became a major European crossroads for industry, commerce and trade, and is part of the industrial triangle, along with Milan and Genoa. In 2004 it ranked third in Italy, after Milan and Rome, for economic strength.

In Their Own Story

Matches between these sides carried a unique gravity, particularly during the 1940s when Inter faced Italy's most dominant squad at the fortress of Filadelfia. After Superga decimated Torino, the fixture transformed into a battle for dignity as much as points; Inter players stepped onto the pitch knowing they were facing a grieving institution. These encounters transcended the league table, becoming tests of resilience where pride remained the only currency that truly mattered in Northern Italy.

Reader's Guide

Turin is home to much of the Italian automotive industry, and is the base for the headquarters of Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo. The city has a rich culture and history, and is known for its numerous art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, opera houses, piazzas, parks, gardens, theatres, libraries, museums and other venues. Turin is well known for its Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Many of Turin's public squares, castles, gardens, and elegant palazzi, such as the Palazzo Madama, were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. A part of the historical centre of Turin was inscribed in the World Heritage List under the name Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. The city is home to museums, such as the Museo Egizio, and the Mole Antonelliana, the city's architectural symbol, which in turn hosts the National Museum of Cinema. Turin's attractions make it one of the world's top 250 tourist destinations and the tenth-most visited city in Italy in 2008. The city also hosts some of Italy's most important universities, colleges, academies, lycea, and gymnasia, such as the University of Turin, founded in the 15th century, and the Turin Polytechnic.

Did You Know?

• Turin was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to 1865.
• The city is home to the Museo Egizio, one of the most important Egyptian museums in the world.
• Turin hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• The Shroud of Turin is kept in the city.
• Fiat was established in Turin in 1899.