TORINO
Turin, Italy's first capital city lies in the heart of Piedmont, where history, culture, art, innovation and state-of-the-art technology all coexist. Turin is, in the words of the great architect Le Corbusier, "a city with a perfectly balanced natural environment".
Turin, a constantly developing city has acquired different identities through the years, whether it was in ancient times or the industrial revolution. These eras have carved out the city’s profile and are reflected in its culture, architecture and wealth of historic buildings.
Innovation
The Turin Winter Olympics 2006 was a showcase occasion for this chameleon-like, eclectic city. The success of the Games was the first major milestone on the long road towards metamorphosis that started in the 1990s, as Turin transformed itself from the capital of Italy’s car industry into a centre for innovation, culture, and the good life. Turin has multiplied its talents, investing in knowledge-centred industries based on research and testing.
Design
In Turin, style goes hand in hand with design. The city has a natural, distinctive flair that has always been reflected through the eyes and the work of influential designers such as Bertone, Giugiaro and Pininfarina. The intermingling of influences between the world of design and everyday objects has been revealed through the work of architects such as Carlo Mollino, Annibale Rigotti and Andrea Bruno. In 2008, this tradition will result in Turin being the first Italian city to be World Design Capital. It will also host the World Architects' Congress, which will involve young creative talents from the Polytechnic, Institute of Applied Arts and Design, and the European Design Institute — not to mention the 100 local industrial design businesses.
The coffee tradition
If it's true that a good breakfast gets the day off to a good start, then you’re never likely to have a bad day in Turin. An excellent coffee served with fragrant croissants in one of the city centre's many bars or cafés is a wholesome local tradition. Turin is famous for its historic cafés, where men of academics, politicians and noblewomen have gathered since the 19th century. Still part of the city’s culture today, a visit to one of these cafés, to sample the delights of Piedmont's patisseries such in a historic setting, is an absolute must.
Lavazza coffee originated right here, in a grocery store in the city centre called the San Tommaso 10. It is now a modern café where you can sample an infinite variety of coffee-based specialities.
