Turin: Italy's automotive capital awaits you!
A journey through cars, history and design
Are you a car enthusiast eager to discover an unexpected side of an elegant and historically rich city? In Turin, the passion for four wheels blends seamlessly with innovation, design, and tradition. If you're an automotive lover or simply curious to explore this fascinating city from a unique perspective, buckle up! We'll guide you on an unforgettable tour through museums, historic collections, and iconic locations that have shaped the epic story of the automobile. Let's go!
Turin and the Birth of Italian Automotive Excellence
The history of the automobile in Turin is a captivating tale rooted in the late 19th century. It was here that visionary pioneers established the first workshops and factories, transforming the city into the heart of Italian motor innovation. The birth of FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) in 1899 marked the beginning of a golden age, elevating Turin to a world-renowned industrial hub. From early handcrafted vehicles to the models that motorized Italy, and even luxurious cars and futuristic concept cars, Turin has always maintained a leading role in design, production, and experimentation. This rich past has left a tangible legacy, turning the city into a true open-air museum for enthusiasts.
Must-Visit attractions for car lovers
Here are the essential stops on your automotive journey through Turin, with useful tips and insights to make your visit unforgettable.
Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile (MAUTO)
The MAUTO is one of the most important and comprehensive car museums in the world, making it a must-visit for anyone in Turin. Here, the history of the car unfolds through a breathtaking exhibition featuring over 200 original vehicles from 80 different brands, from early steam-powered models to futuristic prototypes. It's not just a collection of cars, but a genuine narrative of the technological, social, and cultural evolution linked to the automobile. Among the highlights, don't miss the first Italian automobile, the Bernardi 3, or the futuristic Lancia Stratos Zero. The museum also offers interactive and temporary exhibitions that delve into specific themes.
Did you know? The MAUTO collection includes vehicles that belonged to famous personalities and unique models resulting from daring engineering and design challenges. Every car has a story to tell.
Useful info for your visit:
Address: Corso Unità d'Italia, 40
Hours: Monday 10 AM - 2 PM | Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 7 PM. We recommend checking the official website for updated opening hours, as they may vary.
Tickets: It's advisable to purchase tickets online to avoid queues. Various ticket types are available, including family passes. Thanks to our collaboration with Federalberghi Torino, our guests can purchase tickets at a discounted rate by requesting a postcard and/or discount code at the reception.
Must-Visit attractions for car lovers: MAUTO
Centro Storico FIAT
The FIAT Historical Centre is a true treasure trove of history and innovation, housed in a magnificent Liberty-style building from 1907, just 300 meters from our hotel. It's part of the area where the company's first production workshops were located. Here, the story of Italian automobilism comes to life through an exhibition that goes far beyond just cars. Within its walls, you'll discover and learn about the fundamental stages of the FIAT epic, with a heritage that includes not only iconic cars like the Fiat 3 ½ HP (the first car produced) and the famous Eldridge Mefistofele of 1923, but also other historical vehicles that marked Italian industrial progress. These range from the first Fiat 702 tractor from 1919 to the Littorina that revolutionized railway transport, as well as the 18BL truck and even the G91 fighter jet. This center is not just a museum but also a precious company archive housing documents, memorabilia, models, and advertising posters, offering a comprehensive look at the brand's evolution and its impact on society.
Did you know? The FIAT Historical Centre is not only a museum but also a living archive that preserves documentation relating to the entire production of FIAT, Lancia, and Abarth—an invaluable treasure for historians and enthusiasts.
Useful info for your visit:
Address: Via Gabriele Chiabrera 20
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 7 PM. We recommend checking the official website for updated opening hours, as they may vary.
Tickets: Thanks to our collaboration with Federalberghi Torino, our guests can purchase tickets at a discounted rate by requesting a postcard and/or discount code at the reception.
Must-Visit attractions for car lovers: Centro Storico FIAT
Heritage Hub
Located in the heart of the Mirafiori industrial complex, the Heritage Hub is a fascinating exhibition housing over 300 historic vehicles from the Abarth, Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo (produced at the Arese site) brands. It's not just a museum, but a dynamic "depot" where cars are grouped by theme and historical period, allowing visitors to admire unique specimens and never-before-seen prototypes. It's an exciting journey through the evolution of Italian design and engineering, featuring cars that have made history in mobility and motorsport.
Did you know? The Heritage Hub is located within a former Mirafiori mechanical workshop, helping to preserve the authenticity of the industrial context. The cars on display are regularly used for events and rallies, keeping their spirit alive.
Useful info for your visit:
Address: Via Plava, 80
Visit: Access to the Heritage Hub is exclusively by pre-booked guided tour. It's essential to consult the official Stellantis Heritage website for available dates and booking procedures.
Must-Visit attractions for car lovers: Heritage Hub
Lingotto: La Pista 500 and Pinacoteca Agnelli
The Lingotto, once an iconic FIAT production plant, is now a brilliant example of industrial reconversion and a symbol of Turin looking to the future without forgetting its glorious past. This majestic multi-functional complex now hosts shopping centers, hotels, the Polytechnic University, and, most notably, the legendary Pista 500. Stepping onto the Lingotto rooftop means driving on the elevated track where new FIAT cars were tested fresh off the assembly lines. Today, this historic track is not only a path to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the city but also an innovative rooftop garden, the largest in Europe on a building, combining nature and art. Right in the center of the Pista 500 is the Pinacoteca Agnelli, an architectural gem designed by Renzo Piano, which houses a precious private art collection belonging to Gianni and Marella Agnelli. Here, masterpieces by artists like Canaletto, Matisse, Picasso, and Tiepolo coexist, along with ever-changing temporary exhibitions, with the automotive history that surrounds them, offering a unique and unexpected cultural experience.
Did you know? The Lingotto track has been immortalized in several films, the most famous of which is undoubtedly "The Italian Job" (1969), making it a globally recognized icon. Today, the Pista 500 also hosts artistic projects and temporary installations, further integrating art and industrial history.
Useful info for your visit:
Address: Via Nizza, 230
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 7 PM. We recommend checking the official website for updated opening hours, as they may vary.
Access: Access to the Pista 500 and Pinacoteca Agnelli is via a single or combined ticket.
Tickets: Thanks to our collaboration with Federalberghi Torino, our guests can purchase tickets at a discounted rate by requesting a postcard and/or discount code at the reception.
Automotive events and exhibitions: Turin's motor calendar
Turin is not just about history, but also the present and future of automotive, with a rich calendar of events attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. Key events include:
- AMTS - Auto Moto Turin Show: Held in April, this major event is dedicated to the passion for two and four wheels. At Lingotto Fiere, you'll find vintage cars, iconic models, the best of tuning and customization, and adrenaline-pumping drift and stunt shows. Learn more on the official website.
- Salone Auto Torino: In September, the city center hosts an outdoor exhibition of prototypes from leading coachbuilders, new models from car manufacturers, and dream supercars and hypercars. Discover more on the official website.