Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Turin Trip - Part 3

Hello! I'm so glad you're here!! We're on Part 3 of our Turin trip today. If you missed them, you can check out Part 1 and Part 2 first. After visiting the Cathedral, we toured the heart of the city on foot...

Courtyard in front of the Cathedral. In the background, you can see one of the original main gates of the city.

Original main gate
You'll notice two archways; one for entering and one for exiting. The old Roman way was to drive and walk on the left, so the actual entrance is on the left. When you think of driving on the left, you probably think of England, but it apparently originated from the Romans!


Bells ringing!

One of the prettiest buildings!!

And ancient city, but still inhabited by everyday people! I love the combination of old and new!

Frescoes on the buildings - gorgeous art for all who see it!

Like Milan, most of ancient Turin has arched pathways (known as galleries) so you could shop easily even in inclement weather.

Statue of Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy
Nicknamed the "Green Count" because he loved to wear this color on state occasions and had his entourage and escort wear the color as well. He was an extremely important political figure at the time and enlarged the region's power, lands and influence during his reign.

The Green Count Bar

This is an original market stall spot. The gallery was full of these! The same family would use their designated spot through the generations to sell their goods. And they were only allowed to sell their products if they had a stall, which was set aside for them/their family. Commerce was strictly regulated, enforced and taxed accordingly, and it was illegal to "set up shop" anywhere they liked.

Lots of Italian pride is shown everywhere!

This building has a "piercing", lol! This also signifies that the inhabitants have Royal, or "blue" blood. Although the blood part is often seen on other buildings, this is the only one with a piercing!

Whenever excavation or renovation is done and ancient parts are discovered, a portion is left showing so you can see how it originally looked. Europeans seem to really like stucco, but I much prefer the original brick!!! To them, brick looks cheap or low class, but I strongly disagree!!!


Streets of Turin

Sadly, this shop was closed, but we did get some later!
(Coconut and it was delish!!!!)

An American brand, with an Italian flair!

Stunning entranceway!
That's it for Part 3!
Tomorrow will see more of the streets of Turin, and the Palazzo Madama!
I hope you'll come back to see it!!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

How Interesting that buildings have piercings and they dislike brick. I love the old brick and stone. Well if the driving on the left side originated in Rome I wonder who decided to switch it up? Learning time? I think so.

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

Loved the pictures and the travel narrative. I know this trip was a blast.

Rita said...

Love all the archways and the old wooden doors! The piercing is strange. I would have had no idea what that was unless you told me. All the tall buildings have such character, but I think I'd be a little claustrophobic with those closed in streets. You know how I'm used to being able to see for distances. And even in towns here we have so much more room. Really cool to travel with you, though, and see the sights and hear the bells. :):)

LindyLouMac said...

What a lovely tour we are having.

AiringMyLaundry said...

How pretty. I love all the buildings.

Intense Guy said...

Europe has some of the prettiest churches and buildings on the planet.

Glad you got to eyeball some of 'em!