Turin history

The history of Turin is a tale of transformation from a small settlement at the foot of the Alps into the elegant capital of a powerful duchy, and later, the entire Kingdom of Italy. The first settlements in this area were established by the Celto-Ligurian Taurini tribe; however, the city was officially born during the era of the Roman Empire. Around 28 BC, by the decree of Emperor Augustus, a military camp known as Castra Taurinorum was founded here. It soon received the status of a colony and the name Augusta Taurinorum. The city has preserved traces of various eras: from the strict Roman layout, which is still recognisable in the centre, to the opulent Baroque architecture created by the will of the House of Savoy.

Turin's growth and development were driven by several important factors. Its strategic position at the foot of the Western Alps allowed for the control of key passes leading to Gaul (modern-day France), making the city a vital point on trade and military routes and fostering the development of craftsmanship. A turning point in the city's history was the year 1563, when Duke Emmanuel Philibert moved the capital of the powerful Duchy of Savoy from Chambéry to Turin. This new status transformed the city into a significant political and cultural centre of the region.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Turin came under the rule of the Lombards and Franks, and in the Middle Ages, it became the centre of the March of Turin. However, its true flourishing began with the rise of the Savoy dynasty. Upon becoming the capital of the duchy, the city began to be actively developed with magnificent Baroque palaces, spacious squares, and wide avenues, for which it is sometimes called the "Italian Paris". The economy thrived thanks to its status as a capital, attracting aristocracy, architects, and artists. It was during this period that the foundations were laid for the future greatness of Turin, which in the 19th century would become the first capital of a unified Italy.

Key Milestones in Turin's History

From a Roman outpost to the first capital of Italy and an industrial hub, Turin's history is rich with events that have defined its unique character. Here is a brief chronology of key moments in its centuries-old journey.

• Circa 28 BC — Foundation of the Roman military camp Castra Taurinorum, which later became the colony of Augusta Taurinorum, marking the beginning of the city's history.
• 940s — Turin becomes the centre of the March of Turin, an important feudal territory in northern Italy.
• 1404 — Establishment of the University of Turin, which over time became one of Europe's prestigious educational institutions.
• 1563 — Duke Emmanuel Philibert moves the capital of the Duchy of Savoy from Chambéry to Turin, giving a powerful impetus to the city's development.
• 1578 — The famous Shroud of Turin is moved from Chambéry to Turin, turning the city into an important centre of pilgrimage.
• 1706 — The city withstands a 117-day siege by French troops during the War of the Spanish Succession, strengthening the status of the Savoy dynasty.
• 1720 — Turin officially becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia, contributing to further architectural and cultural flourishing.
• 1861 — The city is proclaimed the first capital of a unified Italy, playing a central role in the Risorgimento movement.
• 1899 — Foundation of the automotive company FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino), which turned Turin into an industrial giant of the 20th century.
• 2006 — Turin hosts the XX Winter Olympic Games, which facilitates the modernisation of urban infrastructure and attracts international attention.

Stages of Economic and Urban Evolution

The history of Turin is an example of dynamic adaptation, where the city has repeatedly changed its identity, transforming from a military fortress into an aristocratic capital, then into an industrial giant, and finally into a modern centre of technology and culture. These metamorphoses have left a deep imprint on the economy and appearance of the city.

• Capital Reform (1563). The transfer of the capital of the Duchy of Savoy to Turin was the starting point for massive urban redevelopment. The city acquired its famous "royal" appearance: straight avenues, majestic squares, and a unified architectural ensemble designed to demonstrate the political power of the dynasty. This turned a provincial settlement into a European centre of power and art.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (1871). The opening of the Fréjus Rail Tunnel connected Piedmont with France, making the city a key logistical hub. This event gave a powerful impulse to trade and laid the foundation for future industrialisation by ensuring access to European markets and raw materials.
• Birth of the Auto Industry (1899). The founding of the FIAT concern determined the fate of the city for the entire 20th century. Turin became the "automotive capital" of Italy, leading to the formation of huge industrial zones (such as Lingotto and Mirafiori) and the creation of a unique ecosystem entirely oriented towards mechanical engineering.
• Cinematic Boom (Early 20th Century). Even before the rise of Hollywood, the city became the cradle of Italian cinema. The first studios were created here, and monumental silent films were shot, cementing the region's status as a cultural laboratory and fostering the development of creative industries.
• Demographic Explosion (1950s–1960s). The post-war "economic miracle" attracted hundreds of thousands of migrants from the south of the country. This led to the rapid expansion of the city limits, the construction of new residential districts, and a complex social transformation that turned the city into a melting pot of cultures.
• Olympic Renovation (2006). The preparation for the XX Winter Olympic Games became a catalyst for the post-industrial transition. The city shed its image as a "grey factory workshop": industrial wastelands were turned into parks and cultural spaces, a metro system was launched, and the economy reoriented towards tourism, education, and high technology.

Architectural Appearance: From Roman Austerity to Royal Baroque

The urban structure of Turin is unique for the Italian Peninsula. Unlike the chaotic layout of many Italian cities, it is distinguished by strict street geometry and monumental scope, for which it is often called "Little Paris". The architectural portrait of the city has been formed over centuries, layering eras upon one another: from ancient planning to bold modern experiments.

Roman Era and Middle Ages

The foundation of the city was laid during the time of the Roman Empire. The ancient layout of the military camp (castrum) with streets intersecting at right angles has been preserved in the Quadrilatero Romano district. This is the heart of the historic centre, where traces of antiquity can still be seen.

• Porta Palatina (1st century BC) — one of the best-preserved Roman gates in the world, which served as the main entrance to the city.
• Medieval Remnants — although Turin has been rebuilt, individual buildings, such as the Casa del Senato, remind us of the austere era of the Middle Ages.

Baroque: The Golden Age of Savoy (17th–18th Centuries)

It was the Baroque style that defined the true face of the city. Upon becoming the capital of the duchy and later the kingdom, Turin turned into an architectural showcase for the House of Savoy. Court architects Guarino Guarini and Filippo Juvarra created a city-theatre with endless perspectives and opulent facades.

• Style: Piedmontese Baroque — more restrained and strict on the outside, but incredibly detailed and complex in its interiors and dome structures.
• Iconic Landmarks: Palazzo Carignano with its undulating brick facade, the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), and the majestic Superga basilica rising on a hill above the city.
• Urban Planning: The appearance of the famous Turin porticoes (arcades), the total length of which is 18 kilometres. They allowed the nobility to walk through the centre in any weather.

Eclecticism and Liberty (19th – Early 20th Century)

In the 19th century, as Italy was unifying, the city experienced a construction boom. Baroque was replaced by Eclecticism, and later by the exquisite Liberty style (the Italian version of Art Nouveau).

• Mole Antonelliana (1863–1889) — the symbol of the city, originally conceived as a synagogue. It is a striking example of 19th-century eclecticism and engineering audacity.
• Liberty Style: The Cit Turin district and the foothills are dotted with villas featuring floral ornaments, stained glass, and wrought iron. Casa Fenoglio-La Fleur is considered a masterpiece.

Industrial Era and Modernity

In the 20th century, Turin became an industrial capital, giving rise to unique industrial architecture that is being reimagined culturally today.

• Lingotto (1920s) — the former FIAT factory with a test track on the roof. Today, it is one of the best examples of renovating an industrial site, transformed by Renzo Piano into a public space.
• Modernity: The city reaches upwards while maintaining respect for history. The Intesa Sanpaolo skyscraper, designed by the same Renzo Piano, has become a new landmark, harmoniously integrated into the panorama of the Alps.

Distinguished Figures in Turin's History

Turin, having been the capital of a duchy, a kingdom, and even an entire country for centuries, became the birthplace or second home for many outstanding figures. Politicians, scientists, artists, writers, and industrialists have left an indelible mark on the history of the city and the world. Here are just a few of them:

• Victor Emmanuel II (1820–1878) — the first King of a united Italy. Born and began his reign in Turin, which under him became the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later of all Italy. His activities were inextricably linked with the city, which became the cradle of the Italian Risorgimento.
• Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour (1810–1861) — political figure, the first Prime Minister of Italy. A talented diplomat and reformer, Cavour was the architect of Italian unification. Born in Turin, he made the city the centre of political life and achieved its elevation on the European stage.
• Giovanni Agnelli (1866–1945) — industrialist, founder of FIAT. His entrepreneurial genius turned Turin into the automotive capital of Italy. The founding of the FIAT factory in 1899 forever changed the economic and social landscape of the city, making it one of the largest industrial centres of the 20th century.
• Amedeo Avogadro (1776–1856) — scientist, physicist, and chemist. The author of the fundamental law named after him, Avogadro spent most of his life teaching at the University of Turin. His scientific work dedicated to molecular theory made a huge contribution to the development of modern chemistry.
• Filippo Juvarra (1678–1736) — architect. One of the main creators of Turin's Baroque appearance. Masterpieces such as the Superga basilica and the hunting lodge of Stupinigi were built according to his designs. His works defined the elegant and monumental style that still commands the admiration of visitors to the city today.
• Primo Levi (1919–1987) — writer and chemist. Born and lived almost his entire life in Turin. As a survivor of Auschwitz, he became one of the most poignant voices telling the world about the tragedy of the Holocaust in his autobiographical works, such as "If This Is a Man".
• Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909–2012) — neurobiologist, Nobel Prize laureate. Born in Turin, she graduated from the local university. Her discovery of nerve growth factors was a breakthrough in medicine and brought her worldwide recognition.
• Ludovico Einaudi (born 1955) — composer and pianist. One of the most famous modern neoclassical composers, Einaudi was born in Turin into a family of prominent public figures. His music is heard in films around the world, making him one of the cultural ambassadors of his hometown.