Sunset at Monte dei Cappuccini
The Church of Santa Maria al Monte dei Cappuccini is built on a hill overlooking the river Po in Turin. That hill has a great view on the city and is a popular place to watch the sunset.
Train stations of Turin: Porta Susa / Porta Nuova
Turin has a few train stations. The two busiest ones are Porta Nuova and Porta Susa, both located in the city center. Their names come from that of the city gates that used to stand near their locations (only the Porta Palatina gate remains today).
Chiesa del Santo Volto
The Chiesa del Santo Volto (Church of the Holy Face) is a catholic church located in Turin, next to Parco Dora. It was built in 2006 based on designs by architect Mario Botta.
Parco Dora
Parco Dora is a large park in Turin designed by Latz+Partner and built on a former industrial wasteland, occupied in the past by factories that shut down in the 80’s. Its construction was part of an urban renewal programme launched in the late 90’s. The park was completed in 2012.
The park is characterized by its industrial past and spatially defined by the river Dora, by main traffic arteries and relatively new residential quarters. Corresponding to the former property lines the park has five separate areas whose functional differences and aesthetic impact are based on the quality of the industrial remains. Bridges, stairs and ramps connect the different parts of the park with each other and with the surrounding quarters.
Porta Palatina
The Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina) is a Roman Age (1st century AD) city gate located in Turin, that used to provide access through the city walls from the North side.
My new hiking guide book: 25 randonnées autour du Lac d'Annecy
My new book is out and is available on Amazon! It was self-published through Amazon KDP and is called: 25 randonnées autour du Lac d’Annecy - Accessibles en transport en commun (25 hikes around Lake Annecy - Accessible with public transport). I finally received a proof copy yesterday (it took a while…) and I am pretty satisfied with how it came out.
Here is a sample PDF with a few hikes: Sample PDF. Also check out the companion web page for the book, with GPS tracks for download, as well as links to additional photos and alternate routes for the hikes.
Torino 2006 Winter Olympics: Olympic Arch, Olympic Village, Palavela
Turin held the 2006 Winter Olympics, although the mountains are not that close to the city: Ice-based sports were staged in the metropolitan centre, with snow-based events in the mountain regions. For the occasion, a number of buildings and infrastructures were built or refurbished. This includes the Olympic Arch and footbridge, as well as the Olympic Village, both built in the Lingotto neighbourhood of Turin. I also passed by the Palavela arena in the same area near Giardino Corpo Italiano di Liberazione.
Dome Observatory of Basilica di Superga
Basilica di Superga is an 18th-century church located at the top of the Superga hill above Turin. Its Royal Crypt is the burial place of the Savoy family (although earlier members were buried at the Hautecombe Abbey near Chambéry). The Basilica also has a dome with an outside observatory that offers a great view on Turin and the Alps.
Hike around Tête de la Cicle: Col du Joly, Col de la Cicle & Col de la Fenêtre
Last fall, I went on a walk around Tête de la Cicle, in the Beaufortain mountains near Mont Blanc: I started at Col du Joly and walked through Col de la Cicle and Col de la Fenêtre, two passes on opposite sides of Tête de la Cicle.
Walk along the Arve river: From Annemasse to La Jonction in Geneva
Last fall, I went on a walk along the Arve river, from Annemasse (Haute-Savoie) to La Jonction in Geneva.