Turin

Turin: history & character

Turin, founded by the Romans in the 1st century BCE as Iulia Augusta Taurinorum, became the capital of the Duchy of Savoy in 1563 and then Italy's first capital after unification (1861–1865). The Savoy dynasty's legacy shapes the city: 18 km of baroque porticoes (the longest continuous arcade system in Europe), monumental squares and royal palaces connected by pedestrian promenades. Italy's fourth-largest city with 850,000 inhabitants, Turin combines this historic elegance with an industrial spirit — Fiat, cinema, technology — and a deep attachment to the Po river, which crosses the city for 10 km. For dog owners, Turin is one of the most practical Italian cities: porticoes shelter from rain and summer sun, 35+ fenced Aree Cani are spread across every district, and the Alps one hour away offer dog-friendly escapes year-round.