Turin

Turin (Italian Torino) is a major industrial city in north-western Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the west bank of the Po River. Population of the commune 865,263 (2001 census), but its metropolitan area totals about 1.5 million inhabitants. The province is one of the largest in Italy, with 6,830 sq. km, and one of the most populated, with 2,165,619 inhabitants at the 2001 census.

History

The name of Turin comes from TAU, a celtic word that means mountains. The area was settled by the Taurini in pre-Roman times. In the first century A.D., the Romans created a military camp (Castra Taurinorum), later dedicated to Augustus (Augusta Taurinorum). The typical Roman street plan with streets at right angles can still be seen in the modern city. The capital of the Duchy of Savoy since 16th century, the Kingdom of Sardinia and then in 1861 Turin became the capital of the newly proclaimed United Italy. In 1865 the capital was moved to Florence, currently Rome is the capital since 1871.

Law and government

Mr Chiamparino is currently the mayor (sindaco) of Turin, elected directly by citizens every 4 years. He belongs to center-left coalition.

Geography

Turin has two major rivers, Po and Dora Riparia.

Economy

Nowadays the city is a major industrial centre, known particularly as home to the headquarters and main production lines of the car company Fiat. The city is home to the famous Lingotto building, which was at one time the largest car factory in the world, and is now a convention centre, concert hall, art gallery, and hotel.

Demographics

As of 2001, Turin is the fourth largest city in population in Italy, with a population of 857,433.

Sites of interest

One of its main symbols is Mole Antonelliana. The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist houses the Shroud of Turin, an old linen cloth with an imprint of a man, which is believed by many to be the cloth that covered Jesus in his grave. The Museo Egizio has one of the most important collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Torino offers a circuit of great historical and architectural interest: the Savoy Residences. In addition to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Savoys until 1865, the circuit includes palaces, residences and castles in the city centre and in the surrounding towns. Torino is home to Palazzo Chiablese, the Royal Armoury, the Royal Library, Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Carignano, Villa della Regina, and the Valentino Castle. In the area around the city, the castles of Rivoli, Moncalieri, Venaria, Agliè, Racconigi, and Govone can be visited. The Hunting Lodge by Juvarra can be admired in Stupinigi and there is also the royal estate in Pollenzo. Some of these (first and foremost Rivoli, the location of the Museum of the same name) host events, exhibitions and cultural initiatives not only of local interest. In 1997, this complex of historical buildings was recognised as a world heritage site by Unesco. The city is also famous for being the film set of the 1969 classic film, The Italian Job, starring Michael Caine. It is possible to visit all the locations on a special tour.

Colleges and universities

Sports teams

The city is famous for its soccer teams (Juventus and A.C. Torino), and will host the 2006 Winter Olympics. In a terrible air accident in 1949, a plane carrying the whole Torino football team (then one of the most important in Italy) hit the church of Superga, on the Turin hills. Among those who lost their lives was Valentino Mazzola, father of Ferruccio and Sandro Mazzola (who were also later to be football champions).

Chocolate

Turin produces a typical chocolate, named Gianduiotto after Gianduia, local Commedia dell'arte mask.

Nearby towns

Turin is surrounded by several smaller cities in the Province of Turin such as Grugliasco, Rivoli, Orbassano, Moncalieri, Avigliana, Buttigliera Alta, Gassino Torinese, etc. to make up one of Italy's primary metropolitan areas.

Notable natives

External links

Photos of Turin
Italian Job Tour - visitng locations of 1969 film
Torino 2006 Olympic Games - English, Italian and French. Website Version is Italian.
Guide to Turin city - Information and Useful Link

Túrin is a fictional character in The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien; see Túrin Turambar.

Turin is a place name in Lewis County, New York, referring to a village and a town.