The surrealist painter, Giorgio de Chirico once described Turin as “the most profound, most enigmatic, most disquieting city not only of Italy, but of the world.” It is hard to imagine that he wasn't referring to the rich magical heritage of the city which sees symbols of the occult and confusing mixed messages in public monuments located at every turn. In our first and second articles on magic in Turin, we discussed the magical origins of the city and the major magical destinations. Yet, there is even more to be said! More than could be said in a few articles. However, this is a good place to start to prepare you for what you might expect once you've found a vacation rental in Piedmont and are exploring the city of Turin to take in this spooky past.
One of the most magical and spooky site of Turin has to be the Grotte Alchemiche (or Alchemic Caves). These are situated right underneath Palazzo Madama, in Piazza Castello and the caves are supposed to be where all the esoteric energies – both the good and evil which are at war in the city – converging on the city meet. According to local legends, there are three caves in total and they are almost impossible to reach, because Turin's underground is replete with tunnels and secret passages which were created to confuse people and to protect the caves. The legend tells that if you were ever able to find one of them, you would see your thoughts, hopes and fears materialize.
Prince Umberto of Savoy is said to have managed to reach the first one. However, once he found it, he thought about his biggest fear: being assassinated. He was then killed in Monza just a few days later.
If you still want to know more, the Magic Turin tour is the perfect thing for you. The tour will explain the secret symbolism of some of Turin's best known monuments, as well as the mystery of its most hidden gems. Beginning at what is considered the fulcrum of magical activity in Turin, Piazza Statuto, at 9 PM on Thursday and Saturday, it lasts for about 2 and half hours and will cost around €22.
Tours are available in Italian, English, French and Spanish and you can book your ticket at Somewhere Events.
Turin is truly a magical place in more ways than one! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for signs of its magical past as you explore the city on your next visit.
If you still want to know more, the Magic Turin tour is the perfect thing for you. The tour will explain the secret symbolism of some of Turin's best known monuments, as well as the mystery of its most hidden gems. Beginning at what is considered the fulcrum of magical activity in Turin, Piazza Statuto, at 9 PM on Thursday and Saturday, it lasts for about 2 and half hours and will cost around €22.
Tours are available in Italian, English, French and Spanish and you can book your ticket at Somewhere Events.
Turin is truly a magical place in more ways than one! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for signs of its magical past as you explore the city on your next visit.
