Turin: between history and coffee shops
A landmark in Italy since the early 1800s
Only few people know that besides Fiat cars and the amazing Alps, the Italian city of Turin is represented by its historical coffee shops. In fact, from the beginning of the 19th century coffee houses were the usual place where men would come together and discuss about politics, along with other relevant matters. In modern times, coffee lovers from all countries and social classes started attending the historical coffee houses.
Today, coffee shops remain a landmark of the city, proud to host beautiful icons such as the House of Savoy, the 167 metres Mole Antonelliana and the magnificent Royal Palace.
As described by the Australian magazine Italianicious, Turin's colonnaded walkways lead to the central market, characterized by fresh food and delicious products. Once again, coffee is a great protagonist. No matter what you have at the market, you should always finish your meal with a nice espresso from one of the several coffee houses surrounding the market. Undoubtedly, this is how "the locals do".
If you want to experience a coffee tour, you should definitely start from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the largest European square measuring almost 40,000 square metres. The Piazza hosts Caffè Vittorio Veneto, opened since 1878. Luxuriously decorated with gold-painted letters above the architraves, the Cafè serves mouth-watering breakfasts in the morning (with a great variety of croissants, biscuits and fresh pastries) while in the evening it turns into a students' meeting hub. Going down Via Po, one should certainly stop at Pasticceria Abrate, established in 1866. Very dear to Savoy royalty, the bakery has been the official supplier of the Royal Riding School.
Keep walking towards Piazza Castello we can find Caffè Mulassano, first opened as a liquor store in 1870. Now it is very famous for its aperitif and variety of sandwiches. Many other coffee shops are worth trying while you are in Turin (such as Caffé Platti, Torrefazione Samambaia, Caffé Fiorno and Caffè Vergnano), just be careful not too drink too many in one day.
Follow @castaritaHK
