Torino (Turin) is an ancient city, Italy’s first capital, and is now a great industrial district. Each moment in history has left its mark on the city, creating a legacy of culture, architecture and monuments.

The Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games showed the world an unexpected city, surprising not only people who previously couldn’t have found the city on a map, but even those who were already familiar with it.

Since the 1990s Torino has been following a path that has transformed it from an industrial capital - a sector which continues to play a fundamental role in the territory’s economy - into a pole of innovation, culture and improved quality of life.

Like every important European capital, Torino is founded on a stratification of cultures, populations and civilizations that began over two thousand years ago. The oldest documents mention a small village at the foot of the Alps called Taurasia, which was destroyed by Hannibal in 218 B.C.

On these ruins, in 28 A.D, the Romans built Augusta Taurinorum: a colony with a grid pattern of streets, the ancient origins of today’s urban layout. In 1280 the Savoys conquered the city and in 1563 they transferred their capital from Chambéry to Torino.

The city was beautified thanks to the efforts of great architects of the time: Ascanio Vittozzi, Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte, Guarino Guarini, Filippo Juvarra and Benedetto Alfieri. But it was the Risorgimento in the 1800's that gave the city its leading role in history, guiding the process that led to the unification of Italy. In 1861 Torino became the first Capital of the Kingdom of Italy; and the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Unity of Italy will take place here in 2011.

At the end of the 19th century, the pulsing heart of the city passed from politics to industry: in 1899 – ten years after the inauguration of the Mole Antonelliana – Giovanni Agnelli founded Fiat, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino. World War II took a heavy toll on the city, but Torino emerged from it with a new spirit and attracted new inhabitants from all over Italy. This new spirit and these new inhabitants are the distinctive traits of today’s Torino as well, for the city has become a hub of exchange, comparison and innovation.

Walking is definitely the best way to feel the pulse of Turin: stroll around the city parks, drop into its historic cafés, take in the multiethnic quarters, enjoy fashion and shopping, but don’t forget that Turin is magical too. So put on your walking shoes and let your curiosity lead the way.

Al Porta Susa B&B is an ideal starting point for visiting Torino. Located in a period building in the heart of Torino, it is just steps from the Porta Susa train station, with the city center only minutes away on foot.

In a large apartment with high and frescoed ceilings, we offer three large and comfortable bedrooms, two bathrooms reserved for guests, the living room and the dining room where you will be served breakfast. All rooms are fitted with with TV, CD/DVD player and wireless internet.