Turin is situated in the north-western area of Italy. It is bordered by two countries, France and Switzerland, in the west and north respectively. Turin, or Torino as it is known in Italy, is the capital of the Piedmont region and provides easy access to the French and Swiss Alps. Turin was originally named Taurani by the 1st century Celtic tribes, which inhabited the area. The Italian Appenine starts just below Po (near Genes) and continues until it reaches Sicily.

A bishop was appointed during the 5th century when Christianity reached Turin. Religion has great importance in the city with its most famous attraction being the much speculated about Shroud of Turin.

Alongside numerous cafes, the place is full of magnificent architectural and historical sites intermingled into the bustling and vibrant life of the city. Many of the 18th century monuments are the fine works of two great architects, Guarini (e.g. the church of San Lorenzo) and Juvara, and commissioned by Charles Emmanuel II and Victor Amadeus.

The town's political importance increased greatly during the reign of Charles Emmanuel (1732-1773) until 1798 when he was ousted by revolutionary troops. After the death of Napoleon, Turin became the Center for Italian Unification and the battle against Austria, during the reign of Victor Emmanuel I. Turin was the first city to house the Italian government (which is exhibited in the Palazzo Carignano) when Victor Emmanuel II became King of Italy after the French-Piedmontese alliance against the Austrians. The Savoy family stayed in power until 1946 when the Italian Republic was proclaimed.