Photo: Museo Nazionale della Montagna – CAI Torino.
The idea to create a National Mountain Museum in Turin started in 1874 among the first members of the Italian Alpine Club (Club Alpino Italiano or C.A.I.), which had been established in the city in 1863.
This museum is situated on the top of a hill, close to the city center. The premises belonged to an ancient Capuchin monastery, which still exists next to their church. It provides an insight into the origin of mountaineering through relics, pictures and displays, emphasizing the accomplishments of the first Italian climbers and other adventurous projects.
In fact, the museum is dedicated to Prince Luigi of Savoy, Duke of the Abruzzi, who in 1901, donated selected items of the equipment used on his expedition to the North Pole. Apart from his Arctic explorations, he is known for his mountaineering undertakings, particularly for the successful ascent of Mount Saint Elias (the second-highest mountain in both Canada and the United States) as well as the K2.
The Winter Olympics 2006
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Olympic Winter Games, held in Turin in 2006, put this almost unknown City on the map for tourists. Before the Games, Turin was mainly associated with the car industry, and this international sporting event, gave a new perception of the city.
During the Olympics most of the ice-based sports were staged in the metropolitan in Turin, whereas snow-based competitions were held in nearby mountain regions (Sestrière – Bardonecchia …).
Nicknamed Medals Plaza, Piazza Castello, the very heart of the historic center of Turin, was the grand frame where the athletes received their Olympic medals every evening.
Turin is the capital of the Italian region Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian). The name explains the geography of this area, since “piede” means foot in Italian and “monte” = mountain. From the panoramic terrace of the museum, weather permitting, one can enjoy breath-taking vistas of the North-Western alpine mountain range.
The Monviso: an iconic mountain
The Mount Viso or Monviso is located in the Western Alps extending along the Italian-French border.
Monviso is well known for its pyramid-like shape, which stands out isolated without neighboring peaks.
For this reason it can be seen from a great distance; on a clear day, it can be easily spotted from Turin, even if it is 100 km. away.
Photo: Museo Nazionale della Montagna – CAI Torino
Actually, the Monviso is not among the most prominent peaks of the alpine mountain range. It only rises to 3.841 m (12,602 ft). Anyway, due to its majestic appearance, it is called the “stone king” (Italian: “re di pietra”).
From the panoramic terrace of the mountain museum one can identify the Monviso looking toward South-West, in the direction of the French Riviera. North-West one can spot the glacier of the mountain massif Monte Rosa (Dufourspitze 4.634 m./15.200 ft).
Turin has many surprises in store, which we like to share with visitors during our bespoke, private guided tours. Come and discover this charming ancient Royal City, surrounded by the Alps!