When people mention Turin, you think of industry and Fiat. However they have a range of old buildings, museums etc. It was the capital of the Duchy of Savoy before the Dukes became the Kings of Italy following the reunification in 1861.

Firstly, we went to the church of San Lorenzo. There are a LOT of churches on this trip. More baroquerie

They also have a photograph of the Shroud of Turin which you can look at in the absence of the real thing.

Then to the Cathedral, situated conveniently at the back of the Royal Palace. Royalty even had their own private pew, accessed by their own corridor and up in the air so they didn’t have to associate with the plebs at any stage.

Before the art gallery of the Royal Palace, we went to the Palazzo Madama – a Roman city gate transformed into mediaeval castle and then given a flouncy 17c facelift. It now has a museum of paintings and the decorative arts.

Then to the Palazzo Real – I will just put some photos in of the decor and let you make your minds up.

This evening I had a drink in the little bar here in the hotel before dinner. Also an argument of the validity of private equity in public services with one of the members of the trip. As the drink was very strong, not sure I was firing on all cylinders.