Turin manages to combine the stately aristocratic atmosphere of a former capital with the lively contemporary feel of an Olympic city.
A stroll around Turin is a voyage of continual discovery: a Baroque courtyard evokes kings and carriages, a contemporary art installation arises among 17th century palaces, a coffee shop which elsewhere might be a museum serves the finest hot chocolate and pastries.
Turin is also home to some of the world's most important artistic and historic artifacts: drawing by Leonardo da Vinci and the Holy Shroud are near neighbors at the Royal Library and the Duomo respectively.