After researching about Torino I come to find a lot of Italian culture, traditions, and the way of life here in Italy originated in Torino. Torino the 4th largest city in Italy and first capital city (today Rome is the capital), known as the "Detroit of Italy" being the automotive capital and home of FIAT. The host of the 2006 Winter olympics, being the largest city ever to host the olympics. The slow food movement was started in Bra, Italy near Torino. The slow food movement advocates the use of local ingredients and celebrates the art of enjoying a long leisurely meal. Torino has a celebrated cafè society which lies at the center of the cities social, political and artistic life. Torino is an important center of contemporary art and design. Vermouth originated in Torino and is at least partially responsible for active “aperitivo” culture of the city. Grom, the famous gelato chain began its sweet journey in Torino. And my most favorite discovery of all..... Torino is the birthplace of solid chocolate, chocolate was produced here before it was produced in Switzerland in the 18th century!
Milo loves car rides!
Family Road Trip <3
Macaroons and Cappuccinos in Pinerolo! First time I've had a macaroons this time in Italy and they were good! We were so close to France that they were so popular in Torino and the surrounding cities.
Stopped for some Apertivo in Luserna! Fabio's spot he recommended to us! The Apertivo and wine was very delicious, we were so full we didn't even need dinner.
We met up with the guys after their game and they took us to their usual bar where they party with the team!
We love Slavo!
Panda Verde was the name of the shot that Brian was feeding us all night... which tasted like mouth wash and the next day we saw them all over the place on the way to Torino!
Beautiful Torino is well known for its baroque, rococo, neo-classical, and Art Nouveau architecture! Torino is one of the few Italian cities that has a limited number of structures and sites from ancient Rome, the middle ages or the Renaissance.
The University of Turin was founded in 1404 and looks so beautiful. Our friend we met in Detroit, who is from Portugal went to school here!
Palazzo Madama e Casaforte degli Acaja is a palace in Torino. It was the first Senate of the Italian Kingdom, and takes its traditional name from the embellishments it received under two queens of the House of Savoy.
Torino is full of miles and miles of streets of shopping connected by all these huge squares!
Torino is sometimes called the "cradle of Italian liberty", for having been the birthplace and home of notable politicians. The city used to be a major European political center, being Italy's first capital city in 1861 and being home to the House of Savoy, Italy's royal family.
Loved this light installation I spotted in a store!
First time seeing an American Muscle car in Italy!
The Mole Antonelliana is named for the architect who built it, Alessandro Antonelli. A mole is a building of monumental proportions. The building was conceived and constructed as a synagogue. The Jewish community of Turin had enjoyed full civil rights since 1848, and at the time the construction of the synagogue began. it now houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and is the tallest museum in the world.
The Mole appears on the reverse of the two cent Italian euro coins and was the inspiration for the official emblem of the 2006 Winter Olympics, as well as those of the 2005 World Bocce Championships and the 2006 World Fencing Championships.
Bianco Bar Torino!
Had to make a trip to IKEA while in Torino! Kevin says I have to go to IKEA in every city.. But I just love IKEA even if it is the same in every city!
The Caffarel Chocolate Factory in Luserna San Giovanni! Founded in 1826 when Pierre Paul Caffarel (1801–1871) converted an ex-tannery into a chocolate factory and invented Gianduiotto in 1852. Gianduiotto is the best chocolate I ever! It is so soft and creamy and mixed with Tonda Gentile delle Langhe hazelnuts (renowned for their taste). Caffarel was the first company to sell and produce large quantities of solid chocolate. Caffarel is now owned by Lindt & Sprüngli since 1997. Gianduiotto is still exclusive to Caffarel.
Mmmm chocolate is my favorite! We bought a bag of an assortment of chocolates and they also make there own chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella but way better) and we got that as well. The lady gave us a discount which was nice since it was so expensive.
Riots in Torino! It took us 2 hours to drive through. Nightmare leaving the city.. They raised the taxes and people weren't happy! I heard the riots now moved all the way to Venice! At least we are safe on top of our mountain!
The Juventus Soccer Stadium (Football to them). Juventus is the most successful team in Italian history having won 28 (Serie A) national titles.
If you are traveling to Torino another thing you should definitely see is the Superga Basilica. We unfortunately never made it there with the Riots!
peace & love,
K . A . M
