TURIN CONFIDENTIAL

Turin Confidential Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città

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What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

June, what a lovely day to visit Turin! After the great success of the Eurovision Song Contest, the whole world has re-discovered Turin as a tourist destination. It happened with the 2006 Olympic Games, but thanks to Eurovision we have refreshed the world’s memory: we have a lot of museums, a vibrant cultural life, parks, and shopping centers so what are you waiting for?

Events

The Eurovision village has been so successful that the city has decided to maintain it as a venue for summer concerts and its website has become an official English source to check what the city has to offer. Well, together with this column.

June is also Pride Month. On June 18 a colorful parade will start from Porta Susa to Piazza Castello to celebrate diversity and human rights. Because LGBT rights are human rights. Let’s ketchup in Via Principe Eugenio at 4.30 pm.

And finally, free entertainment is provided by the crews of two movies. The city is, in fact, the set of the next Fast and Furious 10 with Jason Momoa, and 2Win, the story of the rivalry between Audi and Lancia. So, don’t get surprised if you see incredible vehicles chasing other cars.

But if you prefer something quieter, here are a few other ideas.

Art Galleries

Until Sunday 5 June, Galleria Pirra hosts the exhibition “Disantropica” with the photos of Gabriele Zago, an art director who lives and works in Turin. His works witness the lives of tribes in Papua New Guinea and their struggle with globalization.

From 8 June to 8 July, Luce Gallery presents the work of Caitlin Cherry, afro American painter, and sculptress.

Museums and Exhibitions

A new museum has opened in Town. Gallerie d’Italia is the new project of Banca Intesa San Paolo which displays its collection as well as temporary exhibitions at Palazzo Turinetti. Discover the impressive collection of pieces belonging to the Piedmontese Baroque together with the bank photo archive.

Gam is always worth a visit. First of all, because of the amazing World Press Photo, with the winning photos of the 65th annual press photo contest. But you can also enjoy A collection without borders, dedicated to international art pieces from the 1990s, as well as an exhibition dedicated to Flavio Favelli.

At Galleria Sabauda there is the unusual display of comics entitled “Ghosts and other mysteries”

Children will love it together with a visit to Mufant, the museum of fantasy and sci-fi.

Mao gives you the possibility to investigate the enchanting history of eastern art and opens a new exhibition entitled: The great void. From sound to image. While Palazzo Madama continues with its exhibition dedicated to Pompei.

Music

Fancy some music? How about having an aperitif at Blah Blah and then waiting for one of the many rock concerts?

Hiroshima Mon Amour also offers a rich program with gigs and dancing nights. Get back in shape as in July HMA will bring Skunk Anansie back to town.

And for a moment of little pleasure…

Turin has invented the “Happy Hour”. Sipping a Martini in one of the bars of Piazza San Carlo might give you a special view on the crashes and chasing of Fast and Furious. But if you choose a bar in Via Po or Piazza Vittorio and spot a blue Panda, that is me running late for work.

 

Lori Barozzino

Take a look at the last articles as many events are still taking place.

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

Turin Confidential. Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città

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What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

 

Easter, Easter Monday and 25 April (Liberation Day in Italy) are a great occasion to enjoy the first sunny days of the warm season. This year, the weather looks promising so why not organize a pic-nic out in one of the many parks of the city, such as Pellerina or Valentino, or even a stroll right outside the city?

If you opt for the Valentino Park, you can also time travel by visiting the lovely Medieval Village.

 

Another good idea is that of taking a daily pass of the sightseeing bus, jump on and off in the many stops or take the little train that from Sassi brings you on the hill of Superga, where the view of the city is breath-taking. Get all the info at the tourist board.

 

Cittàdellarte, in Biella, founded by Michelangelo Pistoletto, opens its door in Easter, Easter Monday, 25 April and 1 May. For info and booking write an email to termeculturali@cittadellarte.it

 

The Castle of Pralormo welcomes the 2022 edition of Messer Tulipano. This colourful festival gives you the possibility to admire more than 100,000 colourful tulips. A pleasure for eyes and soul.

Events and festivals

 

Off Topic is a multidisciplinary lab not far from Mole Antonelliana, symbol of the city. Many are events they organize: from concerts, to dance shows and even dinners with guided tastings. Wednesday 20 April, you can enjoy a dinner with an in-depth lesson to discover Vermouth, traditional liquor of Turin.

 

 

Music

 

On April 20, Fonderie Limone hosts the award for the best Italian songwriter. The entrance is free but the reservation is mandatory by sending an email to saturnio@saturnio.it.

 

Not many people know that our Conservatory is not only a school to become a musician. It also organizes concerts, performances and sometimes hosts even musicians from the world of pop/rock music. The concerts with students of the conservatory are free but the booking is mandatory.

And finally, 25 hours of music and 20 dj will entertain you at Bunker on 17 and 18 April.

 

Dance

 

Again at Off Topic, on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 April, you can follow the story of Ciccio Speranza, a man who struggles with his weight but dreams of dancing light and free as a butterfly.

 

At the same time, OGR are home to the performance entitled Moving Bodies, Open your Mind with the dance company EgriBiancoDanza.

 

 

Museums and Exhibitions

 

Always talking about music, from 15 April to 11 September, Spazio Musa hosts a beautiful collection dedicated to music album covers depicted by famous artists. I bet you know Andy Warhol signed a famous album cover, but what about Toulouse Lautrec?

 

Until the end of August, you can visit an enchanting exhibition at Palazzo Madama dedicated to Pompei. Have the possibility to enter a domus romana right before the city was destroyed in 79 AD

La Venaria Reale has organized exhibitions and events connected by a common topic, that of the “game”. Visit the exhibition: “From squares to courts” with rare iconographic evidence from the 18th and 19th centuries, including paintings from Royal Savoy Residences and exceptional posters from the Incisa archive of the Library of the Asti Bishop’s Seminary.

The topic of game continues with the exhibitions entitled Pictures at play, with the works of 18 Italian photographers, including Giovanni Gastel and Letizia Battaglia who have recently passed away.

 

Pinacoteca Albertina welcomes visitors with an exhibition explaining the process from drawing to painting and one entitled “drawing the city”.

 

Until May 8, at Gam you can visit the exhibition dedicated to Carlo Levi.

And for a moment of little pleasure…

 

I officially open the ice-cream season. And for once, instead of choosing a parlor in the city centre, why not discover the district of Mirafiori. Follow the suggestions of the colleague Roberta Carluccio. You do not need to read and translate the whole article. Just note the addresses in red, follow your navigator and try one of the many gelateria of the neighbourhood. If you reach it on foot or bicycle, kudos to you: you have definitely earned an extra treat: whipped cream on top. Don’t we all love the warm season?

Lori Barozzino

 

 

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

 

Turin Confidential. Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città

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What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

 

We have survived the period before Christmas, all those social gatherings to greet boss, colleagues, friends at the gym, friends of your children and the parents of the friends of your children. Without forgetting the exhausting research for the perfect present. Or even a present, any present, for the aunt who has everything in at least three different colours. And finally, we have also survived Christmas with our family, including the aunt/sisterinlaw/motherinlow who has everything and is always ready to point out what you have not.  We definitely deserve to conclude the year with the friends we choose and beloved ones, dancing, drinking and partying all night.

Not according to Covid.

With the rise of the infection, the City of Turin has deleted the celebrations in the city centre in order to avoid huge gatherings. Our Mole Antonelliana will be lit with countdown and video mapping, but we have to find alternative solutions to celebrate. At least we are not locked down, so we can still enjoy many attractions of our lovely city.

 

 

Events and festivals

 

Have you considered the possibility to enjoy a guided tour organized by Turismo Torino? Many are the proposals, which also include the possibility to enjoy a “merenda” in a historical cafeteria.

 

Music

 

The Conservatory Giuseppe Verdi hosts Teatro Regio and its Orchestra for a concert directed by Michele Spotti.

 

Museums and Exhibitions

 

Note that, due to the last Covid-19 regulations, the entrance to museums is possible with Greenpass and FFP2 mask, children under 12 are not required to have the Green Pass.

 

The Cinema Museum hosts Photocall, dedicated to movie stars. Inside Mole Antonelliana, you can still find the lift to reach its top. A good idea is to go up at sunset, to enjoy the Christmass light from a very unusual perspective.

 

Until January 9, Palazzo Madama hosts an exhibition dedicated to the European Renaissance of Antoine de Lonhy and a section dedicated to India which is part of a project curated by Artissima and that finds space in other two locations Mao and Accademia Albertina. Several are also the guided tours that Palazzo Madama organizes to their permanent collection. And children can go star hunting in the museum by attending the workshop entitled Piccolo Atelier di Natale.

 

Many are the exhibitions at Gam. One is dedicated to Giovanni Fattori, an absolute master of the 19th century in Italy and another one to Luigi Ontani and his Wunderkammer. You can also enjoy the immersive and participatory installation entitled Sinfonia by Alessandro Sciaraffa.

 

Gam also opens its doors to children. From 3 to 5 January they can take part in a Winter Camp to discover the museum and its collection and take part in creative activities.

 

Musli, the museum dedicated to School and Book, has a programme full of workshops for children and families.

 

Children will certainly enjoy the exhibitions “Animals from A to Z” displayed at Galleria Sabauda.

OGR, until January 16 2022, visit Vogliamo Tutto, an exhibition about labour.

 

To fully enjoy the Christmas mood, why not taking advantage of the evening openings of La Venaria Reale?  The installations of lights at the entrance will welcome and plunge you in an enchanted atmosphere.

 

 

 

And for a moment of little pleasure…

 

I know just one solution to face the temperature going below zero: Zabaione. This cream prepared with egg yalks, sugar and wine, and served warm with biscuits, is one of the best comfort food you can find in Italy. In winter, many diners and restaurants include it in their menu. But you can easily find it in cafes too. I suggest you to choose one of the many beautiful historical cafeterias that pinpoint Via Po, Via Roma, Piazza Castello. Take a seat, maybe near the window, grab a book, if no one is with you for some chitchats, and enjoy a glass of Zabaione. Forget the time passing by. A new year is coming, you have a lot of projects and resolutions, but they can certainly wait tomorrow. Happy New Year!

 

Lori Barozzino

 

Take a look at the last articles HERE as many events are still taking place.

 

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

Turin Confidential Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città

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What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

In October, supermarkets and grocery stores fill up with Halloween costumes, themed treats and gadgets for tricks. Some Italians complain that this is a tradition imported from the USA and that we already have the February Carnival to dress up. What if I told you that’s not the case? Actually, this celebration of Celtic origins has many similarities with ancient traditions of Piedmont. The night between 1 and 2 November represented, in fact, the transition between the harvest season and that of the rest of the countryside as well as a moment of closeness to the dead. In the Piedmontese villages and valleys, on Halloween evening, it was customary to visit the cemetery leaving the table set, so that the souls of the dead could return to their homes and feast; the return of the living to the houses was announced by the sound of the bells, so that the dead could disappear. Another tradition was to sleep on the edge of the bed to allow the deceased to rest next to their loved ones. The tradition of the carved and illuminated pumpkin is also present in Piedmont, as well as that of the dried pumpkin filled with wine. After all, we are the region of Barolo, the King of wines.

November is also the month dedicated to contemporary art. So, grab your Jack o’ lantern and follow me.

 

Events and festivals

From October 28 to December 12, ARTiglieria Contemporary Art Center hosts Paratissima. A great occasion for young artists to be seen and discovered.

From 5 to 7 November, at Oval Lingotto, you can explore Artissima, one of the most important contemporary art fair in Europe where famous galleries presents international artists.

The third pavilion of Torino Esposizioni welcomes The Others, a contemporary art fair which focuses on emerging artists.

Saturday 6 November is the Night of Arts, museums and galleries open their doors to collectors and art lovers who will have the opportunity to wander under the enchanting atmospheres created by the christmas lights. The city centre is, in fact, pinpointed with Luci d’Artista, special installations created by renowned artists.

The art week involves also Castello di Rivoli, which has prepared a rich program that includes exhibitions and meetings with artists. Saturday 6 November, you also find a bus that from Piazza Castello in Turin will bring you directly to Rivoli castle.

Flavours of India at Palazzo Madama. From 5 November to 5 December the exhibition “Hub India. Classical Radical”. During the night of the arts, the entrance will cost only 1 euro.

Dama is a project that brings to town international art galleries. Many are the works spread all around the city. You can find a list here.

 

Music

If you want to dance with original Abba songs, Teatro Gioello is the place to be. Here, on 9 November, Abba Dream will bring back the great sound of the Swedish band. You can find the tickets here.

After 2 years, Club to Club returns. This festival is dedicated to avant-pop and electronic music,. Many are the djs that will perform in different venues. Find the program here and get back to the dance floor.

Museums and Exhibitions

In Avigliana, until December 12, the association Arte per Voi presents an exhibitions dedicated to Afghan women.

From November 3, Gam inaugurates an exhibition dedicated to Ontani and its Wunderkammer entitled “Luigi Ontani. Alam Jiwa & Vanitas”.  While on Tuesday 2 November, from 6 pm to 8 pm, the director himself will welcome visitors and answer their questions before opening the exhibition “Una collezione senza confine”, collection without borders. The exhibition will include works by renowned artists such as Marina Abramović, Tony Cragg and many others.

For the food lovers

From 5 to 7 November, Mercato Centrale organizes the “Washoku Japanese culture & food fest – Nagoya Days” the first Piedmontese festival dedicated to Japanise dishes.

And for a moment of little pleasure…

The typical regional dish for All Saints’ Night is Cisrà, an ancient dish coming from the Langhe area. It is a soup made with chickpeas and vegetables with the addition of pork ribs or tripe. Tradition has it that this soup has to be offered hot and steaming. So, why not looking for restaurants or piole, traditional taverns of Turin and Piedmont, that serve this amazing preparation? Take a sit, remember the dead and celebrate life, the most amazing piece of art we can possess.

Lori Barozzino

Take a look at the last articles HERE as many events are still taking place.

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

(la foto di copertina è di Stefano Zanarello)

Turin Confidential. Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città

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What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

The cold season is gently approaching and we can say goodbye to swimwear and light clothes. For me, this means sweaters, warm jackets and scarves. And of course, indulging on food a bit more since the terrible bikini season is quite far now. While waiting for the Panettoni fest on 4 and 5 December, the city, as well as the entire Piedmont region, is giving space to festival and events where food is the main protagonist. So, let’s wear comfortable shoes and garments and go food hunting.

 

Events and festivals

Until Sunday 10, at Docks Dora there is the Tripel B Fest, an amazing occasion to taste Belgian Beers, while in various locations of the city you can find the Play With Food Festival, with a program of theatre and performing arts that revolve around food.

From 9 to 10 October the Hunting Residence of Stupinigi hosts Floreal, the festival dedicated to flowers and plants. The program also includes conferences, book presentations, exhibitions, workshops and… food. In fact, you can find cooking lessons, chefs as well as the stand of Costadoro, renowned coffee roaster from Turin and Birra Exit, artisanal beer producer.

From 14 to 18 October, the international book fair awaits you at Lingotto. The program includes also events all around the city.

From 8 to 10 October, Torino Stratosferica presents the Festival entitled Utopian Hours, a gathering for visionary and creative people.

 

Music

Oscar Giammarinaro, leader of the iconic ska and Turin-based band Statuto, will perform at Caffè Neruda Saturday 9 October. The artist with a 30-year long career is presenting his solo project marked by a refined style, intimate songs and elegant atmosphere.

 

Museums and Exhibitions

At Fondazione Merz  the exhibition dedicated to Marisa and Mario Merz continues, while, from October 12,  one of Merz’s iconic igloo can be seen near Fontana del Cervo, the deer fountain, inside Reggia di Venaria.

 

On October 14, Gam opens the exhibitions dedicated to Giovanni Fattori, with masterpieces of the 20th Century.

From October 7, Palazzo Madama hosts the exhibition dedicated to the European Renaissance of Antoine de Lonhy.

Few days remain to visit the  exhibition entitled Un acquario sotto la città, which is part of Biennale di Democrazia  at Accademia Albertina, Turin’s fine arts academy. The exhibitions is open until October 10, but from 8 to 24 October you can find Persistenze, an exhibition included in the Biennale of Ars Captiva. The location is the enchanting Rotonda Talucchi, that is worth a visit even only for its architectural structure.

And how about taking a ride out of town? At Torre Pellice, the Tucci Russo art gallery hosts an exhibition dedicated to Tony Craig, from Sunday 10 October to January 30. A great occasion also to visit the town famous for the Waldensian community and taste traditional delicacies such as bunet or bollito misto.

 

And for a moment of little pleasure…

Autumn is knocking at our doors, and so is the Piedmontese anti-vampire dish called bagna cauda. This sauce prepared with garlic (a lot of garlic) can be found in traditional restaurants and it is generally paired with vegetables and potatoes. But let me warn you: this is not the right dish for a romantic first dinner or if you have a business meeting the next day. Try bagna cauda with your long-term partner, family or friends. Or, as I said before, if you need to fight against Dracula.

 

Lori Barozzino

Take a look at the last articles HERE as many events are still taking place.

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

Turin Confidential. Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città

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What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

The Italian Constitution states that our country guarantees school for, that art and science are free and so is their teaching. The European Heritage Days are a beautiful occasion to open cultural places and welcome all sorts of visitors. All inclusive is this year shared theme, thus encouraging discussion and participation of all races, religions, ethnicities, genders, abilities and sexual orientations. Last month our city has welcomed Afghan refugees to remind us that it is our job to open up doors and allow better life chances to people escaping from wars, hunger and unacceptable human conditions.

Thanks to the European Heritage Days, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26, many museums and galleries will open their doors at the cost of 1 euro, offering guided tours and digital initiatives. Some locations will remain open during the evening too. A great occasion to discover Villa della Regina or the sumptuous Palazzo Carignano.

Events and festivals

From 21 to 26 September, Festival delle Migrazioni reminds us that humans are migrating creatures. We have moved for centuries, we will always do. Concerts, meetings, workshops and even dinners shall remind us that frontiers cannot stop men and women from moving and discovering our beautiful planet.

Until September 26, Graphic days, the festival dedicated to visual design, proposes a program rich in performances, workshops, exhibitions under the main theme “Touch”.  A clear invitation to stop experiencing life from our homes.

Art site fest is a festival that takes place in several castles, residences and company museums until November 7. The lovely program spans over theatre, visual art and dance performances. A great way to experience enchanting locations such as Palazzo Madama or the Historical State Archive.

Saturday 25 September you can jump on an electric bus that will connect Turin to Rivoli together with artists and a renowned Italian art critic, Achille Bonito Oliva. The bus will bring you to the Rivoli Castle and then back to Turin. The event has a cost of 15 euros and will be repeated once a month until December.

Music

 

Mito is the festival that takes place both in Milan and Torino. The 15th editions include concerts spanning all around the city, from Mozart to Schubert with the classic repertoire that now and then melts with a more contemporary sound.

Not only theatres and traditional concert halls, the section entitled Mito for the city brings concerts into schools, recoveries and vaccination hubs.

 

Corso Parigi is a club near Porta Nuova station with an interesting cultural program.  Friday 24 you can find a duo proposing Italian music and Saturday 25 a Beatles tribute band. Generally, a small contribution for the artists is requested but, to enter, you also need the ARCI card, that you can subscribe there. Booking a table is strongly recommended and, of course, do not forget your green pass (or a 2-day old Covid-19 negative test).

Movies

 

Monday 20, the movie Dune by Denis Villeneuve will be screened in English  (with Italian subtitles) at 6.30 pm at Ideal, at 9.30 pm at Due Giardini and Fratelli Marx.  A good occasion also for those who love movies in original language or need to boost their English.

From punk to the love parade, the Seeyousound festival proposes a documentary entitled B-movie- Lust and sound in South Berlin. Tickets only online here.

Exhibitions

From Friday 24 to October 10, Accademia Albertina, Turin’s fine arts academy, inaugurates a new exhibition entitled Un acquario sotto la città, which is part of Biennale di Democrazia. Next to the academy, you can also find the Pinacoteque, with its precious collection of paintings and drawings.

Until October 3, Gam hosts an exhibition entitled On the principle of contraddiction. Five artists present works were at least two elements seem to contradict one another.

For children (and food lovers)

 

Until October 10, Zoom organizes a Street Food festival and if you enter after 4pm, you can buy the ticket at a discounted price.

From 18 to 25 September, in Moncalieri children can find Open-T, a Festival to promote theatre and reading.

 

And for a moment of little pleasure…

 

This is the best period to visit food festivals, wineries and taste the new wine. But September is also the month where a real jewel of the Piedmontese food tradition is prepared: cugnà. This jam is made with the last fruit of summer cooked in the wine must and is generally paired with meat and cheese. You can find it in traditional restaurants or trattorias or even in shops selling Piedmontese delicacies. Try it with a Toma or a Raschera cheese, and then let me know.

Lori Barozzino

Take a look at the last articles HERE as many events are still taking place.

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

Turin Confidential special Edition: 20 things to do in August

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Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città 

 

What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

Are you spending August in Turin and you do not know what to do? Or are you here visiting and in search of ideas to discover our city? You might have noticed that some shops or attractions are closed, especially in the two central weeks of August. But fear not, Turin has still a lot to offer. Since I believe that staycation can be as funny as a far from home holiday, here is a special edition of my column. You will find ideas on how to experience Turin at its best. Ready?

  • Visit Mao at a special price. On August 15, Mao gives you the possibility to enter at the special price of 1 euro. There will also be two guided tours: one at 3 pm to discover the collection, and the other at 4.30 pm to visit the exhibition China goes Urban.
  • Also Gam and Palazzo Madama will open their doors at the special price of 1 euro on August 15 (also if you have the Museum pass). The ticket includes temporary and permanent exhibitions except: Viaggio Controcorrente at the Gam and World Press Photo at Palazzo Madama
  • Take a selfie in Largo Montebello. Here the area included between Via Montebello and Via Santa Giulia has been decorated with polka dots. I personally like this unusual yet playful corner of the city. What do you think?
  • From 26 to 19 August, Todays festival presents a selection of bands from all over the world. It has been defined one of the most refined Italian festival. Concerts take place in former industrial facilities thus providing an urban and fascinating atmosphere.
  • Back to Largo Montebello, you can find two other curious elements: the street sign decorated by street artist Clet and the house of a teacher who inspired a character of the renowned book Cuore, written by De Amicis. Which bring us to the next point.
  • How about choosing a bench in a public garden such as Aiuola Balbo or Giardini Cavour and read a book? Maybe about Turin. One of my favorites is La Casa di Tolkien, written by Andrea Pedrana and Roberta Pellegrini. The description of a kiss under a street lamp will leave you breathless. I do not think the book has been translated into English, but in case you are trying to learn our language, this is definitely a nice option.
  • Why not searching for the crazy buildings conceived by Antonelli? This renowned architect is not only the mind behind Mole Antonelliana. He also signed the iconic Casa delle Colonne and the really weird Fetta di Polenta.
  • Talking about street lamps and benches, in Piazza Carlo Emanuele II, that we call Piazza Carlina, you can take a seat under the marvelous art installation conceived by artist Nicola De Maria. At night, the atmosphere can have the flavor of an ice cream of Mara dei Boschi. Their dark chocolate is really something to die for.
  • Have a sandwich at Mulassano. Did you know that this little gem is the place where the traditional tramezzino was invented?
  • The Egyptian Museum doesn’t go on holiday. It seems mummies prefer to relax in town. And if you speak Italian, on August 20 you can join a visit personally guided by the managing director.
  • Get fit at Parco della Pellerina. This immense green lung of Turin includes walking paths, tiny hills, ponds and areas to run or take some exercise.
  • We do not only have the Pellerina park. Thanks to the new green belt, grab a bicycle and take a ride along the new cycling path that connects Parco Dora, the park of Via Calabria, Pellerina and the garden of the Lucento Castle.
  • How about stopping at Parco Dora? This former industrial area includes playgrounds, walking paths, the river Dora Riparia and plenty of graffiti, the perfect location for a contemporary pic-nic.
  • Ops, it seems I have forgotten the other green lungs of the city. Parco del Valentino stretches along the Po river. Here you can take a walk and meet the many squirrels that live here.
  • Inside the Valentino Park, one cannot forget the Medieval Village. This little hamlet was built during the Romantic period for an Expo. It is truly enchanting. Make a wish while throwing a coin into the pomegranate fountain.
  • Talking about graffiti, Mau is an open space museum that stretches along the streets of the district called Cit Turin, little Turin. Contact them for a guided tour.
  • Go to Via Lanza and find that special spot between Via Volturno and Via Crimea.  Here Mole Antonelliana and Monte dei Cappuccini seem to be one next to the other. Taking the perfect picture is not easy, but the result is absolutely worth the effort.
  • Discover Turin as the set of many movies. In Via Lanza you can find Villa Scott, which was used for Dario Argento’s Profondo Rosso. The arcades in Via Roma witnessed a spectacular char chase in The Italian job. Just do not try to repeat it now.
  • Who needs Rome when you have Piazza San Carlo and its ancient cafes to experience La Dolce Vita? During the weekends, in front of the bank Intesa San Paolo, you will also be surprised by a group of musicians that gather together to play and sing traditional Italian songs.

Of course, you can always visit museums, churches and art galleries. Visit the Tourist Office in Piazza Castello, ask for city map or help to plan your movements.  You can also buy the Torino Card, a museum pass that will allow you to save a lot of money. Money that you can promptly invest in a huge, fresh, delicious ice-cream. Which leads us to the final tip.

  • Head to Marchetti in Piazza Cln and do not forget to top everything with their delicious whipped cream. See you in September!

Take a look at the last articles here as many events are still taking place.

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

 

Loredana Barozzino

La foto di copertina è Eliana Russo:  si tratta del punto n.17. Non molti conoscono questo effetto ottico che mostra la Mole e il Monte dei Cappuccini in un’unica visione

Turin Confidential. Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città 

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What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città 

 

These weeks Turin is alternating hot days to more fresh ones with unexpected heavy rainstorms. But who cares when you have kilometers of porticoes to protect you? If you are in the city centre, you can find a shelter near a cafeteria. And maybe take a seat to enjoy a drink or two. This period is perfect to visit Mole Antonelliana or Museo Egizio, as you won’t have to line too much outside.  You could also take a walk up to Monte dei Cappuccini and enjoy the view from its terrace. But if you are looking for events and things to do, here is my 2-week selection.

 

Museums

Mao, the museum dedicated to art and of Asian societies, will be open for the entire month. You can find several exhibitions, guided tours on site as well as virtual tours.

Not far from Mao, you can visit the beautiful Palazzo Barolo but only until August 10. This enchanting palace is probably the best kept example of Baroque noble residence of Turin.

In Piazza Castello, you can find a bus that will drive you directly to La Venaria Reale. Until the end of August, you will find the exhibition dedicated to Paolo Pellegrin, and Metamorfosi, a rich program of ballet, music and theatre.

If you love Contemporary Art, Gam is the place to be. Here discover their permanent collection and an exhibition dedicated to Luigi Nervo, who gave the city an amazing light installation that is part of Luci d’Artista, Turin Christmas lights.

Talking about Contemporary Art, while not heading to Castello di Rivoli? Apart from the permanent collection and the incredible temporary exhibitions, you can also visit the impressive Cerruti Collection in a villa separated from the Castle.

 

Music

In the gardens of Hiroshima mon Amour you will find the rich program of the Hiroshima Sound Garden Festival. Wednesday, 4 August, the groove will be courtesy offered by Scottish singer and songwriter Stuart Braithwaite.

From 7 to 12 August, in the courtyards of Palazzo dell’Arsenale, Teatro Regio stages Pagliacci. Info for the tickets here. On Friday 6, you can attend the rehearsals at a special price; these proceeds will go to Fondazione Piemontese per la ricerca sul Cancro in order to buy a tomotherapy device. For August the 6, you shall call directly the association at the number 011-9933980 or write an email to e-mail.

Within the festival “E…state a casa”, organized by Casa del Quartiere in San Salvario, you can find activities and events for adults and children, concerts, dj sets, plays and, during the year, even courses to learn Italian.

 

Markets

 On August 8, in via Don Grioli, you can find a market with 100 exhibitors. They sell antiques, clothes and accessories. A real paradise for collectors and vintage lovers.

But if you prefer to remain in the city centre, remember that every second Sunday of the month, you can also find our flea market: Gran Balon.

 

And for a moment of pure pleasure…

Buy some peanuts in a market or supermarket and go to the Valentino Park. More precisely, look for the huge fountain that represents the 12 months. The majestic monument, with its statues and decorations dates back to the 19 Century. Surrounded by the lush garden, it will leave you breathless.

Take your time to admire such a masterpiece, snap some photos and then find a seat on the stone steps under the trees that you can find on your right. Relax. Now, remember the peanuts? Pull them out and wait. You will be soon reached by squirrels in search for a little treat. But do not make the mistake to peel the nuts for them; squirrels are very suspicious and will probably reject them. In case you are able to catch their reaction, send us proof. We’d love to share these little moments of fun and pleasure.

Take a look at the last articles, here and here, as many events are still taking place.

 

Lori Barozzino

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

Turin Confidential

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Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città 

 

What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expats

 

Italy has won the football European championship. What our national team made at Wembley Stadium in London was a surgical operation planned by coach Roberto Mancini to bring the cup home. Our home, not theirs. With a perfect Italian Job. Which is also a cult movie filmed in Turin in 1969.

 

Many are the locations the producers chose for the crazy car chases between Mini Coopers and the Italian police. But do you know that Mr Gianni Agnelli offered, for free, a fleet of Fiats 500 and Lancias for the making of the movie? Legend has it that in this project he saw a great marketing opportunity but an English woman said “No, it is an English movie, it has to be made with English cars”. The woman, according to this legend, was Queen Elizabeth II. The Mini Coopers remained, but Mr Agnelli, as a perfect gentleman not only gave some cars, he also opened the doors of Lingotto and Mirafiori, giving the permission to shot some spectacular scenes on the roofs of both plants.

So why not watching the movie one more time and trying to spot all the streets and palaces of our beautiful city?

Music

 

The Flowers Festival in the municipality of Collegno continues with live concerts and Saturday 17 the rhythm is courtesy provided by Subsonica, iconic band from Turin.

Cap10100 is a cultural space which hosts concerts but also plays and art performances in a beautiful location along the Po River. This week you will find concerts of the Ginzburg Park Festival whose stage has been destroyed by a tree during a storm. As you can see, nothing stops the music in Turin till the fat lady sings!

Docks Dora, a former industrial area dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, is pin pointed with artists’ studios, creative spaces and bistros. One of these, Amen bar, is a lovely restaurant with a great combination of food and live music. Thursday 22, Sabrina Mogentale will plunge the entire venue into Brasilian mood. Eat, drink, chill, repeat.

Museums

With a 5-minute walk from Amen bar, you can reach the Ettore Fico Museum which unfortunately is closed at the moment. Keep this address in mind, we will right back at it in September.

But since we talked about movies, why not going to the Cinema Museum inside the Mole Antonelliana? From July 20, the exhibition Photocall will celebrate Italian actors and actresses, while until July 25, from 10 pm to 00.30 am, you can admire the four sides of the cupola enlightened by images to celebrate the magic of movies.

And for the kids

 

At the Natural Park La Mandria, in Venaria Reale, children can join a treasure hunt on Sunday 20 July, while in Bussoleno, the association Nel Bosco con Helix organizes activities for little explorer.

Back to Turin, Spazio ZeroSei, in Piazza della Repubblica 2b,  is a space where activities for children and their families help developing creativity, curiosity and imagination. They also have a baby parking called Spazio Ponte at n. 16 of the lovely Galleria Umberto 1.

 

And for a moment of pure pleasure…

Galleria Umberto I (foto Museo Torino)

Leave the kids at the baby parking and take a seat in one of the many bars and restaurants of Galleria Umberto 1. One of my favourites is Avocuddle where Giorgio and Lucia prepare homemade avocado toasts, cakes and all sort of appetizers. When the sun goes down, the gallery is lit by Marco Gastini’s art installation conceived for Luci D’Artista, the city Christmas lights.  At this point the night is about to come and the gallery is wrapped in a blue atmosphere.  Just like the uniform of the Italian football team. Oh, by the way, did I tell you that we won the European football cup?

Lori Barozzino

Take a look to the last articles, here and here, as many events are still taking place.

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

Turin Confidential

Pubblicato il
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Cosa succede a Torino: informazioni per chi arriva in città 

What’s on in Turin: events and attractions for tourists, occasional visitors and expat

I confess, I do not know when we exactly moved from spring to a hot summer. But this summer is one of the best I can recall. I cannot say if it is because we are going back to normality, with the opening of theatres and museums, the possibility to eat out with friends or go to a concert. Or if it is because super hot days are followed by nice sunsets with a fresh breeze that makes an evening out really pleasant. Whatever it is, let’s profit and live it at the fullest.

And if you need some ideas to chill and relax, here is my event selection.

Summer nights

From July 2 to August 3, at La Venaria Reale   , you can find Metamorfosi: 39 shows of dance, theatre and music. The events taking place in the gardens are included in the entrance ticket, while others, such as those held near the remains of the Diana Temple have a different ticket. You’d better check their website.

The municipality of Collegno hosts the Flowers Festival with concerts of Italian artists.

And what about a night at the theatre?

 

From 6 July to 8 August, Turin meets London and our Teatro Carignano becomes Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Here you will find Prato Inglese, English Garden, a kermess proposing Shakespeare’s plays. This year, it is the turn of “Much ado about nothing” which in Italian becomes “Molto rumore per nulla”. A great occasion to return to theatre and to learn some Italian, as we all know what is going to happen in this romantic and funny comedy.

Art

The Paratissima festival still hosts Peter Lindberg’s amazing exhibition “Untold Stories” at  ARTiglieria, as well as the sessions entitled “Rebirthing” and “Ph.ocus – About Photography”.

Nearby, at Circolo del Design, until 30 September, you can find Humanizing Technology, a program with online and offline events, movies, talks and workshops. You need to become a member to enter, with an annual membership that costs 12 euros.

From Circolo del Design, with a 5-minute walk you can reach Camera, Italian center for photography were you can still find the exhibitions dedicated to Lisette Model and Horst P.Horst, until July 18.

But let’s move to Quadrilatero Romano. This district is home to Mao, where you can visit the exhibition “China Goes Urban” or get lost in the enchanting and timeless permanent collection.

Open air museums

Art in Turin is not only in traditional museums, it can be in former factories or even in areas where once there were factories. Parco Dora is an urban park were graffiti perfectly blend with the playground. Here you can come for a walk, run or practice your favorite sport surrounded by incredible murals.

And if you love Street art like me, you cannot miss a visit to Mua, in the Campidoglio district. This Urban Art Museum stretches on the walls of an entire neighborhood. Discover their project with their guided tours.

Sport

Back to La Reggia di Venaria, with their  Green Fitness, you can attend lessons of urban fit, body combat, yoga and much more.

But if you are more like me and prefer to watch rather than do sports, until July 11, you can attend the European Championship of table football, organized by Spaccio di Cultura, a cultural association based in Porta Palazzo.

And for a moment of pure pleasure…

Porta Palazzo and Quadrilatero Romano are home to many restaurants, bistros and bars. Summer vacation (or staycation) must include an evening out in one of the many catering facilities that pinpoint Piazza Emanuele Filiberto. Pautasso and Antico Balon are perfect if you are looking for traditional dishes, while traditional drinks will be kindly proposed by Pastis.  Cheers!

Lori Barozzino

Lori is an interpreter and translator who lives in Turin. If you want to read more, here’s her blog.

 

(La foto di copertina è di Stefano Zanarello, quella della Reggia di Venaria è di Mario Alesina)

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