Turin, a charming city in Northern Italy, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s no surprise that this city has been chosen as the backdrop for numerous films, TV shows, and books, both classic and contemporary. Whether you’re a cinephile, a bookworm, or simply a curious traveler, this guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Turin, exploring famous filming locations, local legends, and hidden gems. So, let’s dive into the world of famous films shot in Turin and much more!
Films That Transformed Turin into a Movie Star
Turin has been immortalized in a variety of films, from Italian classics to Hollywood blockbusters. These films have showcased the city’s unique charm and contributed to its cinematic reputation.
Classic Films Shot in Turin
Let’s begin with some timeless classics that have placed Turin on the global cinematic map:
- “The Italian Job” (1969): This British comedy caper film, directed by Peter Collinson, is probably the most famous movie shot in Turin. The city’s picturesque streets and squares were used for the film’s iconic Mini Cooper chase sequence.
- “Deep Red” (1975): Directed by Dario Argento, this Italian giallo film was partially shot in Turin. The city’s eerie, baroque architecture perfectly complements the movie’s suspenseful atmosphere.
- “The Day of the Owl” (1968): Directed by Damiano Damiani, this Italian drama film features several scenes shot in Turin, showcasing the city’s post-war modernist architecture.
Contemporary Films Shot in Turin
In recent years, Turin has continued to inspire filmmakers, featuring in a number of modern films:
- “The Best Offer” (2013): Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, this romantic mystery film showcases several of Turin’s opulent interiors, including Palazzo Madama and the Teatro Regio.
- “I Am Love” (2009): This Italian drama film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, was shot in numerous locations around Turin, highlighting the city’s elegant architecture and refined ambiance.
- “The Solitude of Prime Numbers” (2010): Directed by Saverio Costanzo, this Italian drama film beautifully captures the city’s melancholic autumn atmosphere.
TV Shows Set in Turin
Turin has also been the setting for several popular TV shows, adding to its cinematic allure.
- “Inspector Montalbano” (1999-present): This well-loved Italian detective series, based on the novels by Andrea Camilleri, features several scenes filmed in Turin, showcasing the city’s grand architecture and bustling streets.
- “The Miracle” (2018): This Italian drama series uses Turin as a backdrop to its intriguing storyline, highlighting the city’s modernist architecture and industrial heritage.
- “1992” (2015): This Italian political drama series features several scenes shot in Turin, capturing the city’s post-industrial transformation.
Animated Films Set in Turin
Turin’s enchanting cityscape has also served as an inspiration for several animated films:
- “La Freccia Azzurra” (1996): This Italian animated film, directed by Enzo D’Alí², is set in a fictionalized version of Turin during the Christmas season.
- “Leo da Vinci: Mission Mona Lisa” (2018): This Italian animated adventure film features a few scenes set in a beautifully recreated Renaissance-era Turin.
Famous Books Set in Turin
Turin’s rich history and cultural significance have also made it a popular setting for numerous literary works. Here are three classic and three contemporary books set in Turin:
Classic Books Set in Turin
- “The House by the Medlar Tree” by Giovanni Verga: This classic Italian novel, set in the late 19th century, vividly describes Turin’s grandeur and provides a deep insight into the city’s social fabric.
- “The Late Mattia Pascal” by Luigi Pirandello: This novel takes place in Turin and involves the life of a man who, presumed dead, assumes a new identity in Turin.
- “Senilití ” by Italo Svevo: The novel is set in Turin and tells the story of a failed writer who falls in love with a much younger woman.
Contemporary Books Set in Turin
- “The Solitude of Prime Numbers” by Paolo Giordano: This best-selling novel, set in Turin, explores the lives of two individuals marked by childhood trauma.
- “Six Walks in the Fictional Woods” by Umberto Eco: Eco takes the reader on a series of walks in the fictional woods of storytelling and reading, through a wide range of classics. Turin is the backdrop of these walks.
- “The Spell of Turin” by Enzo Fileno Carabba: This book beautifully captures the essence of Turin, presenting a series of walks through the city, its history, and its secrets.
Exploring Turin’s Filming Locations – Where to Go
To fully immerse yourself in Turin’s film history, there are several key locations you must visit. Let’s explore these cinematic sites in Turin:
- Piazza Castello – Turin’s main square featured in numerous films, including “The Italian Job” and “Deep Red”. The square is home to Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale, both stunning examples of Turin’s baroque architecture.
- Mole Antonelliana – This iconic landmark of Turin, now housing the National Cinema Museum, has been the backdrop for various films. Its panoramic elevator offers stunning city views.
- Palazzo Carignano – This beautiful baroque palace, now housing the Museum of the Risorgimento, has appeared in several period dramas.
- Parco del Valentino – Turin’s most popular park has been used as a location for numerous films and TV shows, offering a beautiful natural setting along the Po River.
- Porta Palazzo Market – Europe’s largest open-air market is a vibrant, bustling location that has been featured in several films and TV shows.
- Teatro Regio – This renowned opera house, featured in “The Best Offer”, is a must-visit for its stunning interior.
- Palazzo Madama – This historic building, housing the Museum of Ancient Art, is a popular filming location due to its grand staircase and baroque facade.
- Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino – For sports film enthusiasts, a visit to this stadium, which hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics, is a must.
Where to Sleep in Turin
When it comes to accommodation, Turin offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some suggestions for both budget accommodations and luxury stays in Turin:
Budget
- Tomato Backpackers Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel, located in the city center, offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
- Hotel Bologna: Located near Porta Nuova train station, this two-star hotel offers clean rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
- Residence Sacchi: These spacious self-catering apartments, located near the city center, offer excellent value for money.
Luxury
- Turin Palace Hotel: This four-star hotel, located near Porta Nuova train station, offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a wellness center.
- Grand Hotel Sitea: Located in the city center, this hotel offers elegant rooms, a renowned restaurant, and top-notch service.
- Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze: This five-star hotel offers luxurious rooms, a wellness center, and stunning views of Turin.
Where to Eat in Turin
From traditional Piedmontese cuisine to international flavors, Turin offers a plethora of dining options. Here are some recommendations for both budget and luxury dining in Turin:
Budget
- Pizzeria da Salvo: For delicious and affordable pizza, this popular pizzeria is a great option.
- Piada Mia: This eatery offers piadinas, a type of Italian flatbread, with various fillings at reasonable prices.
- Pastificio Baretti: This pasta shop offers a variety of fresh, homemade pasta dishes to take away.
Luxury
- Del Cambio: One of the oldest restaurants in Italy, Del Cambio offers an exquisite dining experience. Its traditional Piedmontese dishes are a culinary delight.
- Ristorante Consorzio: This restaurant offers creative and modern interpretations of traditional Italian dishes, using high-quality, local ingredients.
- Vintage 1997: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique sensory experience. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing the best of Piedmontese cuisine.
Best Itinerary for Exploring Turin’s Filming Locations Day by Day
To make the most of your film-themed trip to Turin, we have curated a comprehensive itinerary that will take you to the city’s most iconic filming locations.
Day 1: Central Turin
- Start your day at Piazza Castello, exploring Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale.
- Visit the National Cinema Museum at Mole Antonelliana.
- After lunch, explore Via Po and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, featured in many films.
- End your day with dinner at a local trattoria in the Quadrilatero Romano district.
Day 2: Royal Residences and the Po River
- Begin your day with a visit to Palazzo Carignano and the Museum of the Risorgimento.
- After lunch, head to Parco del Valentino and visit the Borgo Medievale and Castello del Valentino.
- End the day with a stroll along the Po River, a popular filming location.
Day 3: Modern Turin and the Lingotto District
- Start your day at the Lingotto district, visiting the former Fiat factory featured in “The Italian Job”.
- Visit the Pinacoteca Agnelli and the Renzo Piano-designed bubble on the roof.
- After lunch, explore Eataly, the original location of the now world-renowned Italian food market.
- End your day with a visit to the Oval Lingotto, a former Olympic venue.
Remember to always double-check opening hours and entry requirements for each location.
Local Legends and Curiosities about Turin’s Film Industry
Turin’s film industry is full of fascinating legends and curiosities. Did you know that Turin was the birthplace of Italian cinema? In 1896, just a few months after the Lumií¨re brothers’ first public screening, Turin hosted Italy’s first-ever film screening. The city was also home to Italy’s first film studio, Ambrosio Film, established in 1906.
From its early beginnings to the present day, Turin has remained a significant player in the Italian film industry. It’s home to the National Museum of Cinema and hosts the annual Turin Film Festival, one of the most important film festivals in Italy.
One of the most enduring legends related to Turin’s film industry is the so-called “Mole Antonelliana Curse”. According to the legend, films that are screened for the first time in the Mole Antonelliana, the home of the National Museum of Cinema, are destined to fail at the box office. Whether you believe in the curse or not, it’s a fun piece of local lore!
Hidden Gems in Turin
While Turin’s famous landmarks often steal the spotlight, the city is also home to several hidden gems that are worth exploring:
- Villa della Regina: This beautiful 17th-century villa, located on the Turin hills, offers stunning views of the city and the Alps.
- Monte dei Cappuccini: This small hill on the right bank of the Po River is a great spot for panoramic views of Turin and its surroundings.
- Quadrilatero Romano: This historic district, with its narrow streets and beautiful squares, is a great place to explore Turin’s nightlife.
- Parco della Pellerina: This large urban park, one of the biggest in Europe, is a great place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
- Borgo Medievale: This replica of a 15th-century Piedmontese village, located in Parco del Valentino, is a charming place to spend an afternoon.
What to Pack for a Trip to Turin
When packing for your trip to Turin, consider the season of your visit. Turin has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
Spring and Autumn
- Lightweight clothing for the mild temperatures, and a raincoat or umbrella for rainy days.
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be exploring various filming locations throughout the city.
Summer
- Light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
- Don’t forget to pack sunblock and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Winter
- Warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and a hat. A good pair of boots is also essential for walking on snowy or icy streets.
In all seasons, don’t forget to pack a camera to capture your cinematic journey, a notebook to jot down your experiences, and a portable charger to keep your devices powered up. You might also want to bring a copy of your favorite book or film set in Turin, to enhance your connection with the city!
Transportation Tips for Getting Around Turin’s Filming Locations
Getting around Turin is relatively easy thanks to the city’s well-organized public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and a metro system. A Turin Travel Card offers unlimited travel on public transport and can be a cost-effective option if you’re planning to visit multiple locations in one day.
For longer distances or if you’re short on time, taxis are readily available. Alternatively, Turin is a bike-friendly city, with several bike-sharing stations scattered throughout the city.
Walking is also a great way to explore Turin, especially in the city center where many of the main sights are located. Just don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes!
Conclusion
From classic films to contemporary TV shows, from timeless novels to animated films, Turin’s rich cultural scene offers a unique blend of history, art, and cinema. Whether you’re exploring the city’s famous filming locations, dining in a local trattoria, or discovering hidden gems, Turin is sure to offer a memorable cinematic journey. So pack your bags, bring your passion for film and literature, and get ready to explore Turin, the Hollywood of Italy!
