Best things to do in Province of Turin

Discover the world of Italian automobiles at Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. The Turin museum houses more than 200 cars of 80 different makes, representing the evolution of the automobile since its origin. Wander through the museum's collection of 19th- and 20th-century models. Admire the first Italian car ever created, an 1896 Bernardi, or some of Ferrari's early racing cars. The museum's library holds more than 7,000 texts about automotive history and development.

Dedicated solely to Egyptian art and culture, Museo Egizio houses the world's second-largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Founded in 1824 by King Carlo Felice, the museum now contains more than 30,000 exhibits, narrating the history of Egypt from the Paleolithic to the Coptic eras. Exhibits contain funeral furnishings and numerous objects of everyday use. Look for the altar of the goddess Isis and the intact tombs of the architect Kha, a builder of pharaohs' tombs, and his wife, Merit. The staff has painstakingly preserved these ancient objects, presenting them in a visitor-friendly layout that makes exploring ancient history fun and informative for of all ages. Guided tours are available with prior reservation.

More than a zoo, Zoom Torino teams up tour groups with biologists and wildlife experts who walk them through the animal's habitats. The energetic, crowd-pleasing lemurs roam free in an environment designed to mimic their Madagascar home. They share the space with pelicans, flamingos, and giant tortoises. Visit the African habitat and participate in the feeding of an African species of penguins. Travel to the Serengeti to meet more exotic animals. Call ahead to ask about English-speaking guides.

Piazza Castello is the urban center of one of northern Italy's most important cities and was Italy's first capital. Wander the square to admire the Royal Palace, Royal Library, and the Royal Theater, among other structures. The old castle, from which the plaza takes its name, is a fortress built atop Roman ruins. Explore the portico-lined arcades along the square's perimeter of the square. They connect to many of the area's shopping streets.

A movie lover's paradise, Museo Nazionale del Cinema covers the industry from its earliest days to the present. The museum's huge exhibit space covers five floors. Among a huge array of movie memorabilia, you can see the original cape worn by actor Christopher Reeve in the movie "Superman." Recline in a comfortable chair in one of the screening rooms to watch special showings of experimental and classic Italian films. The museum also displays a growing collection of film posters, reels, books, and photos. You can ride the museum's panoramic elevator, which covers about 75 m (246 ft) in less than 60 seconds and offers 360-degree views of the area.

Explore the Basilica di Superga to discover the tombs of many princes and kings of the House of Savoy. The church you see here today is a result of a promise Duke Victor Amadeus II of Savoy made in September 1706. He climbed a hill and saw Turin besieged by Franco-Spanish forces. He swore that, in case of victory, he would have a monument built to the Virgin Mary on the very hill where he stood. Climb the church's spiral staircase for views the city and, on clear days, the Alps. Take a guided tour for access to special areas.

Take a relaxing walk through Parco del Valentino, officially opened in 1856 as the country’s first public garden. The vast park contains a botanical garden, a castle, and a medieval village built specifically for the 1884 World’s Fair. The park stretches along the Po River and covers an area of about 50 hectares (124 acres). For the first few decades of the 20th century, the park served as the site of popular car races, the most notable of which was the 1948 Italian Grand Prix. The days of cars speeding over the park’s paved circuit are long gone, but the site still contains a special bench built in honor of Enzo Ferrari, perhaps the country’s best known racecar driver and automotive entrepreneur.

Experience the heart of Turin in the historic Piazza San Carlo. Anchoring the city's old center, the plaza features 17th-century architecture and serves as a popular spot for shopping and dining. Admire the twin facades of the churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo. Study the iconic equestrian monument to Emmanuel Philibert that stands in the middle of the plaza. Some of the traditional cafes in the plaza feature original 19th-century furnishings.

Soaked in history and filled with art, Palazzo Reale Di Torino was once the hub of the city’s political power. Together with the surrounding buildings, this palace formed a regional command center for the powerful House of Savoy. Originally built in the 16th century, the opulent palace was further expanded and modified in the 17th century. Renowned architect Filippo Juvarra was hired by Victor Amadeus, the head of the Savoy dynasty, to modernize the palace up to 17th-century standards. The architect’s most famous addition was a grand staircase. Later, Claudio Francesco Beaumont, a distinguished artist who was the dynasty’s official painter, embellished many of the palace’s chambers. Today, the palace offers visitors a chance to glimpse the grandeur in which the European aristocracy once lived and worked. Be sure to visit the on-site museum, with a historic armory displaying a vast collection of old weapons.