Early start this morning as the shroud museum opened at 9 and is a good 15 minute bus ride away a number 52
Arrived just before 9 and went for a coffee in a cafe on the corner until it opened.
So done - shroud as we call it. The museum was really interesting showing a film first then taking you through the history and evidence of the shroud. This was not biased towards religion or non, just presented the facts and what had happened to it. It was brought. To Turin by the savoy family in about 1573 when they established Turin as the capital of italy. From then to now it has been kept in Turin. The original has only been on public show 7 times since 1931, with the last time being 2000 and the next time April this year 2015. Evidence gathered included checking microorganisms (eg mould and soil) really does support the theory that this cloth was used to cover someone, as to whether it was Jesus is another discussion and not one I would like to debate on this blog.
After the shroud museum we poked our heads in a beautiful church and meandered on a walking tour of the area. We found the original coffee house I turin where the drink Bicerin was born. This is a local drink consisting of coffee, cream and rich dark chocolate - at £5 a glass it wasn't cheap but it was amazing, very yummy.
After this we walked through some old parts of Turin, seeing the oldest still standing residence, sitting extra a 1960s block of flats which was weird. Seeing a 17th century building sitting next to a 1960s concrete block - which is also considered important was was restored to preserve it? Was weird.
We walked down the longest street in Europe via Galabaldi and walked around a huge open market, surrounded by halls used for differing food types - fish market, cheese and pasta. Ed and Loraine bought cheese.
Next stop was the royal palace. Built for the savoy family in17something but not used, added to over the years.
This was a typically Italian baroque interior, quite dowdy even though baroque is obviously gilded. Javarro the architect brought with the savoy family to Turin built the building(and nearly everything else in Turin)
One room displayed a beautiful green vase a present from the tsar of Russia wi a typical gemstone veneer called Machinite (I think) and one room was panelled in lovely carved wood. Another room displayed a number of suits of armour both for man and horse.
So a couple of hours here then off to the art gallery in the same location. There were a couple of Botticelli and van dykes but not really to my taste, although obviously good they did not convey life or movement for me so don't think I would take one home.
After this it was off to the archeology museum. Here was displayed artefacts fro mine Roman and Greek period. Ts was really interesting, particularly as I have already been to Pompeii and had a vague understanding of the timelines and things.
Also displayed on the museum was a papyrus for the Ancient Greek period showing fantastical animals along with some recognisable creatures and people. Controversy surrounds this, whilst supporters believe this is authentic backed up by some carbon dating some believe this was an elaborate forgery done In the 1800s. Either way the original is displayed and is amazing.
By now it is nearly 6 so time for an aperitif, cocktails so with a martini perfect, pumps and ginger we enjoy some finger sandwiches until 19:30 when fod is served and we enjoy a pizza each and a splendid bottle of Barolo red wine. Cost for the drinks and food for 3 of us £75 .....
Sated and happy back to the apartment to sleep with very tired feet. Tomorrow off to the airport.