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For many, a weekend visit to Italy is simply a case of lounging in bars, soaking up the country’s distinct rhythm and moving from cappuccino to cappuccino. Time should be devoted to sampling the erudite literary atmosphere of the cafés in piazza San Carlo. If you want to justify this indulgence with a few bare bones of culture most of the main sites are within easy reach of each other. From piazza Castello the shortest of circuits could provide a trip through Turin’s regal history, including a peep at Juvarra’s scissor staircase and the luxurious rooms inside the Palazzo Reale, and the beautiful dome of Guarini’s cathedral next door. Shroud hunters should visit the Museo della Santa Sindone to see the replica. Follow this with a visit to the underground tunnels and the Pietro Micca staircase on the site of the city’s former citadel around via Cernaia. Art lovers should not miss the the Museo Egizio, Galleria Sabauda and Galleria d’Arte Moderna, or a concert at the renowned Regio. A visit to the Mole Antonelliana is a must for film fans who will enjoy the building’s innovative Museo Nazionale del Cinema in the city that is regarded as the birthplace of Italian cinema. Shopaholics will find all the style they need to have their credit cards burning down the via Roma. For serious flea market junkies, Il Gran Balon on the second weekend of the month around Porta Palazzo is unmissable, while the weekly market in piazza Repubblica is sure to whet the appetite and satisfy lovers of Italian leather goods. A stroll down via Po and along the banks of the river in the parco Valentino provides a romantic route for lovers inspired by the spirit of Italy as will the hillside gardens and villas across the river. The Basilica di Superga is a favourite nocturnal haunt for lovers’ trysts. Turin is the capital of the Italian car. Motor enthusiasts should not miss Renzo Piano’s conversion of the Lingotto Fiat factory and the nearby Museo dell’Automobile. A trip up the funicular to the Basilica di Superga is a good Sunday excursion for adults and children alike. And then there is always football if either Juventus or Torino FC are playing at home. Tickets can be obtained at the stadium, at major newspaper kiosks and from the club websites and are easily available apart from for local derbies and European games. League games, in general, are sleepy affairs with a high level of skill, cat and mouse tactics and an emphasis on defence known as catenaccio. Not to mention those particular Italian quirks of shirt- pulling, long hair and flamboyant diving.
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