Events in Piedmont: Turin, Esperienza Italia (The Italian Experience)

For 9 months, Turin, the first capital of Italy after National unity was proclaimed on 17 March 1861, will host celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the State of Italy.

The detailed programme of the "Esperienza Italia" includes shows and appointments suitable to all tastes. The ex-railway offices in the capital of Piedmont will become the “Officina Italia” hosting 3 large event-laboratories: “Fare gli Italiani” (Creating Italians) recounts the history of Italy from 1861 to today; “Stazione Futuro” (Future Station) is dedicated to the Italy of Tomorrow, and “Il Futuro nelle mani” (The future in our hands) gives a insight into the future work of metropolitan artisans.

The majestic Baroque complex of Venaria Reale will be transformed into the “Palace of Italy” where features par eccellence of Italy can be admired: the event of “La Bella Italia” displays 300 Italian works-of-art from the ancient time to 1861; “Moda in Italia” (Fashion in Italy) is a journey in the Italian fashion and style, while in October an exhibition dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci will be featured. The gardens of the palace will host Potager Royal, 10 hectares of orchards and fruit gardens with botanical, cultural and gastronomic tours. Sumptuous regal dinners will be prepared in the Galleria Grande proposing the typical flavours of each Italian region.

Along with these initiatives, Turin will also host theatrical events, concerts, shows, cinematographic shows and also conventions. Sports programmes will also take part, the Venaria Reale - Piazza Castello route hosting the first leg of the Giro d’Italia 2011 tour. And the city will host also the main annual military rallies: from Grenadiers of Sardinia to the Bersaglieri (Italian infantry soldier recognized by his plumed hat), Alpinists and Fireman all gather to celebrate the 150 years of the Unification of Italy.