Tourists in Piemonte's capital can learn about Ancient Egypt, St Giovanni Bosco and Roman influence, or visit Juventus Football Club and the National Museum of Cinema.

Turin is one of the most exciting, worth visiting, bewitching cities in Italy (one of the ultimate day trips in Italy), but there are some things that visitors will not know about the city. Turin is based in Northern Italy, is the capital of the Piedmont region and was the first capital of Italy. The city center is full of delights and can be explored in depth on a walking tour. Here are some facts and trivia about the former capital of the Savoy dynasty that those travelling to Turin may find of interest.

White and Black Magic triangles

The city of Turin is supposedly a key point on two magical triangles: a black magic triangle involving London and San Francisco and a white magic triangle involving Lyon, France and Prague, Czech Republic. 

St Giovanni Bosco

St Giovanni Bosco, who founded the church of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, was notorious for entertaining his congregations with magic tricks. His most famous was making three separate pieces of rope combine as one to explain the Holy Trinity. He later became the patron saint of magicians

Lingotto shopping complex

One of the best things about Turin is that if you’re after a big shopping spree, head to the giant Lingotto complex on Via Nizza, which was formerly the major Fiat production plant. Now it’s home to just about anything you could possibly want, from art galleries to cinemas.

Mole Antonelliana

Turin’s tallest and most distinctive building is the Mole Antonelliana on Via Montebello, in the city centre. This historic building, was originally intended to be a synagogue, but the city’s Jewish population washed their hands of it after costs went out of control. This wasn’t helped by the architect deciding to make it 47m taller than originally planned.

National Museum of Cinema

The Mole Antonelliana is home to the superb National Museum of Cinema. Watch out for when the films finish – the whole building turns into a dazzling light show, with hidden blinds raised to let the sunlight in, and projections flashed across the roof. The perfect place to try something out that is unique in experience (and there is a glass elevator!) The Museo Nazionale del Cinema is perfect if you're a lover of Italian cinema, then this is one of the best museums and a popular place for film lovers to explore. 

Christmas Lights/ Luci d’Artista

Turin puts everyone else’s Christmas lights to shame. The Luci d’Artista (or Artists’ Lights) are specially commissioned works that line the whole city. This year’s included a fairy tale being told in snippets all the way down Via Garibaldi. These interactive displays are incredible and not to be missed!

Brand names

Turin, and the area around it, is home to many famous brand names that you may hear about on a daily basis, such as Ferrero Rocher, Cinzano, Martini, Tic-Tacs, Nutella and Lavazza. You'll see so many names you recognise here all in a short walk. 

Roman influence

Torino (as the Italians call it) means ‘little bull’. Many think this is linked to ancient practice of Roman soldiers, who would sacrifice bulls to gain strength from the blood. It’s mere coincidence though – there was a settlement called Taurisia here long before.

The Roman influence can still be seen, however. The old city gate, Porta Palatina, is the most prominent, but there are the ruins of the amphitheatre too. Both can be found just northwest of the cathedral.

Chocolate festival

Turin is obsessed with chocolate, and a great place for any chocolate lover to visit. As one of the best places to enjoy the chocolate fandom is in the CioccolaTò festival every March. If you miss it, don’t fret, as there are chocolatiers (such as Peyrano on Corso Vitorio Emanuele II) to be found all over the city.

Museo Egizio

If you into Ancient Egypt, then don’t miss the main attraction, the Museo Egizio on Via Academia delle Scienze. Originally a private collection, this Egyptian Museum is widely agreed to be home to the best Egyptian collection outside of Cairo.

Juventus Football Club

Italy’s most famous football club, Juventus, is based in Turin. They started wearing their famous black and white kit when the original pink one faded after washing. One of their players, John Savage, was from Nottingham, and sourced a job lot of Notts County’s kit. The ideal place for any football lover.

Museo Nazionale del Cinema

If you're a lover of Italian cinema, then this is one of the best museums and a popular place for film lovers to explore. 

Turin is also home to the former Royal Palace (UNESCO world heritage site) and so much more. Here are some other sites that are evidence of why it is so many visitors favorite place to visit:

• The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista

• Palazzo Carignano

• The Porta Palazzo Market 

• Castello del Valentino

• Piazza Vittorio Veneto & Piazza Della Repubblica 

• Borgo Medievale

• Chiesa di Santa Maria Del Monte dei Cappuccini (free entrance) 

Where would you first head to in the first capital of unified Italy?