Torino Off The Beaten Path Tips by ant1606 Top 5 Page for this destination

Torino - City Parks

Torino is said to be the "greenest" city in Europe, I can't remember if this refers to the number of trees or green space per resident capita. Whether or not this statement is still statistically valid, Torino welcomes visitors with a great number of tree-lined avenues, shaded piazzas, small gardens and several city parks. Torino has four rivers and public recreational areas take advantage of this natural configuration.
Largest parks in town are:
- Parco Carrara (although commonly nicknamed "Pellerina")
- Parco della Confluenza (Po and Stura rivers)
- Parco della Rimembranza (uphill, wonderful city view from here)
Most renowned green spot is certainly the Parco del Valentino, which runs along the Po river and includes the beautiful Castello del Valentino and Borgo Medievale.
Bicycle rides along the right bank of the Po river can span from Parco delle Vallere in Moncalieri up to the Parco della Confluenza. Avoid Sundays for it's too crowded.
A trip to the Parco della Rimembranza is encouraged for it's cooler in summer. This park was established to commemorate the 5,000 Turinese soldiers who fell during WWI. Highest point at 716 m elevation features the Faro della Vittoria (Victory light-beam), a huge bronze statue symbolized by a winged lady holding the revolving blue-light beam visible from considerable distance. This awesome sculpture weighs 25 Ton at 18.5 m tall (60 ft) and 26.5 m (87 ft) including the base.

Nole Canavese - Fossil Forest

There isn't much publicity around a rare fossil forest lying on the banks of the Stura river, just a few miles northwest of Torino. This extraordinary site was exposed in year 2000 when abundant rainfall had the swollen river to carve the limestone sediments that preserved large tree trunks and stumps for three million years.
These are Glypostrobus Europaeus, now extinct, kin to the North American sequoia. These fossils are incredibly preserved and still have flexible fibers, the wood even burns. Simply unbelievable. Specimens have been rescued and transfered to a museum in Torino but on-site conservation proves impossible, therefore authorities decided to leave it up to nature's will. The site is part of a protected area and the river will keep performing the erosion work and while some fossils will be washed away, some others will surface.
Visible fossils are not easy to find and it takes self-guided exploration to spot features but, if interested, contact me and I will provide the exact coordinates and access route for an interesting spot on the left river bank that can be reached with a 10-minute walk from a parking location. A GPS cycling route from Torino is also at disposal.

Other Contact: http://www.earth-prints.org/hand

Website: http://www.paleoantropo.net/articoli/003forestafossile/forestafossile.htm

Nearby Mountains - The Western Alps

There is an obvious reason why the city of Torino hosted the XX Winter Olympic Games in 2006. The city lays in proximity of the Alps mountain range by which is surrounded.
Nice views of the Alps from the city can be best enjoyed from the observation tower of the National Museum of Mountains, which is hosted in the Monte dei Cappuccini. This is a former monastery up in the city hill that overlooks the quiet Po River.
Other than just looking at the mountain range, it's highly recommendable to reach the mountains and enjoy total relax or practice any associated sport. As little as a 30 minutes drive is sufficient to reach and start exploring a few locations. Would it be pleasant walks through quiet woods or the most demanding climbing ascent, it's all within easy reach from the city.
The Western Alps await pending approval to be part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
See my dedicated Travelogue in "Torino" main page.

Other Contact: (website in Italian language)

Website: http://www.montagnapiemonte.it

"Le Baladin" - Microbrewery in Piozzo (CN)

Excellent beer produced in Piozzo, less than 1 hour drive south of Torino.
A surprising variety of microbrews makes Le Baladin an absolute must for beer lovers.
Served on draft but also available in bottles, my favorite is Nora.

Check website for opening hours.

Birrificio BALADIN Piazza V Luglio 15
12060 Piozzo (CN) Italy
Tel. +39. 0173.778013

Website: http://www.baladin.it

World Class Wine

Piedmont is home to some of the best wines in the world. In terms of territory and wine varieties, the area lying southeast of the city is probably the best option for a visitor who wants to drive within easy reach.
60 Km (40 mi) from Torino lie the areas of Langhe and Roero, respectively south and north of the city of Alba, and the province of Asti.
Not only this land is the production area of prestigious wines, but its kind and diehard people, cuisine and landscapes definitely deserve a well-worth visit. Top produces, other than wine, are cheese, truffle, mushroom and hazelnut.
We Piedmontese sometimes refer to this land as the "University of Taste", and we're not wrong as this is home to the finest typical local dishes. A myriad of villages and small towns where stayfarms offer relaxed accommodation and excellent food with dining views over mountains and hills covered by extensive vineyards.

Even a simple day drive or ride through the area is an eye-filling experience. Nevertheless it's a prime destination for Turinese motorcyclists - including myself! Various possibilities for free tasting of wine, grappa and other products. Best period is fall season.
WARNING: don't drink and drive!

Other Contact: http://www.italia-online.com/lan

Website: http://www.dolcevita.com/travel/langhe/langhe.htm

Langhe and Roero

Some 60 Km (40 mi) southeast of Turin lie the areas of Langhe and Roero, respectively south and north of the city of Alba.
Not only this land is the production area of the most famous and prestigious Italian wines, but its kind and diehard people, cuisine and landscapes definitely deserve a well-worth visit. Top produces, other than wine, are cheese, truffle, mushroom and hazelnut.
We Piedmontese sometimes refer to this land as the "University of Taste", and we're not wrong as this is home to the finest typical local dishes. A myriad of villages and small towns where stayfarms offer relaxed accommodation and excellent food with dining views over mountains and hills covered by extensive vineyards.

Even a simple day drive or ride through the area is an eye-filling experience. Nevertheless it's a prime destination for Turinese motorcyclists - including myself!
WARNING: don't drink and drive!

Directions:
Some 60 Km (40 mi) southeast of Turin

http://www.dolcevita.com/travel/langhe/langhe.htm
http://www.italia-online.com/langhe.htm

Other Contact: http://www.langhe.net

Website: http://www.langheroero.it

"Menabrea" - Brewery Visits in Biella

If Piedmont has a worldwide reputation for its wines, a few know that beer is not left behind.
Menabrea is produced in Biella since 1864. It would be reductive to consider it the best Italian beer, as it's been recognized as the best beer in the world. Several varieties have won gold medal prizes in the recent years at the Chicago Beer Championships.
The brewery and museum are open to visitors. There's a restaurant too and beer tasting is not to be missed.

For visits, contact the brewery:
Birra Menabrea
Via Ramella Germanin 4
Biella
Phone +39 (015) 252-2320

Biella is located ax. 70 Km north of Turin

Phone: +39 (015) 252-2320

Website: http://www.birramenabrea.it