Empire to Elegance: Turin’s Royal History and Mystery Audio Tour

Turin hasn’t just preserved its past – it’s woven it into the fabric of daily life. On this walking tour, you’ll discover how Roman foundations, medieval power struggles, and royal ambitions shaped this elegant northern Italian city. You’ll find out how Turin evolved from Julius Caesar’s military outpost to the sophisticated first capital of united Italy, while hearing mysterious legends that still haunt its streets.

The tour starts at Porta Palatina, the impressive ancient Roman gateway built in the 1st century BCE. You’ll walk through the archaeological remains of the Roman city and into the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, home to the enigmatic Shroud of Turin. Along the way, you’ll discover how the House of Savoy transformed Turin into a royal capital through centuries of strategic diplomacy.

You’ll stroll through elegant porticoed streets and historic galleries en route to Palazzo Madama with its contrasting medieval and baroque facades. The tour ends at the Gran Madre di Dio church across the Po River, where some believe the statue points to the hidden location of the Holy Grail.

On this 90-minute walking tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• See the impressive Porta Palatina, where Julius Caesar established the Roman colony of Iulia Augusta Taurinorum
• Discover the Royal Palace complex and learn about the Savoy dynasty
• Visit Piazza San Carlo, Turin’s elegant “parlor,” with its twin churches and bronze statue of Duke Emanuele Filiberto sheathing his sword
• Explore Turin’s elegant covered galleries, including the Galleria San Federico where scenes from horror classic Profondo Rosso were filmed
• Admire the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s iconic 167-meter tower that appears on Italian 2-cent euro coins
• Learn about Turin’s esoteric reputation as a city divided between magical forces of light and darkness
• Uncover the secrets and legends behind the wooden door said to have trapped a shaman summoning the devil
• Hear about the city’s connection to Italian unification, and its tradition of fine chocolate and café culture

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or seeker of mysteries, this walking tour offers a perfect introduction to Turin’s multifaceted character. Discover why this elegant city at the foot of the Alps deserves far more attention than it typically receives.