Once seen as little more than an industrial city, Turin is now undergoing extensive urban regeneration, which was further helped by the surge in tourist numbers brought about by its hosting of the 2006 Winter Olympics. 

Situated on the mighty River Po in the far northwest of Italy, and surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, Turin offers visitors a feast of baroque architecture, ornate art nouveau cafes and museum collections covering everything from Egyptology to contemporary art. 

For years Turin was synonymous with car giant FIAT, which was founded here in 1899 - however the city's origins go back much further. Julius Caesar's Quadrilatero Romano (Roman Quarter) can still be seen and is now abuzz with trendy restaurants.

By the early Middle Ages the powerful Savoy dynasty had taken control - leaving a legacy of lavish palaces. After unification, Turin was the first capital of Italy, an honour it held for just four years.

The symbol of the city is the Mole Antonelliana, an eye-catching dome, while its most famous relic is the Holy Shroud, thought by some to be the cloth that wrapped Christ's body after the crucifixion. It still attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Other visitors come to shop under the city's elegant porticoes, or try some of the local gastronomic specialities such as Lavazza coffee, Gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and Vermouth.