Local Information

Flouting its industrial heritage and its reputation as one of Italy's great cities, Turin is something of a paradox. Lying in the heart of Italy's economic heartland, Turin's Baroque architecture provides an oasis of calm in an otherwise frenzied city. Located on the river Po, Turin has a rich historical pedigree. It was the capital of Savoy from the 16th century and was briefly the seat of the national parliament after Italian unification in 1871.

Although Turin may have lost its political standing, it has retained its status as one of Italy's premier cities and its magnificent Baroque centre has the air of a European capital rather than a provincial city. There is a tangible aristocratic arrogance among its people, justified by Turin's wealth of gracious Baroque thoroughfares, opulent palaces, extravagant churches and magnificent collections of Egyptian antiquities and European artworks.

Turin's suburbs are not as picturesque, built as they were by Fiat to house thousands of rural workers from the south of Italy. But despite a rather ugly suburban sprawl, the city is surrounded by an enormous green belt with spectacular views of the Alps east of the river. But Turin's busy thoroughfares and congested traffic system almost undermine the strengths of the city as a whole. Roads are heaving and packed with temperamental Italian drivers, so stay well back.

However, Turin's congestion problems merely take the shine off an otherwise highly impressive city. Touting itself as the European capital of Baroque, Turin boasts a traditional beauty that is found in few other European cities. A highly exciting city brimming with life, Turin is as much a city to survive as it is to experience.

Remember, Car Hire 3000 offer car hire from over 4000 locations throughout the world. For more information on car hire America, car hire UK , car hire Spain, Florida, Orlando or any of the thousands of car hire locations we offer why not have a look in our Destination Guides.