Standing tall at 167.5 meters, the Mole Antonelliana is the unmistakable icon of Turin’s skyline. You simply can’t miss it when visiting this elegant Italian city. I was awestruck the first time I gazed up at this architectural marvel. It was originally designed as a synagogue but now houses something much more unexpected.
The Mole Antonelliana offers visitors not only a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Turin from its observation deck but also hosts the National Museum of Cinema. It’s a must-visit attraction that combines history, architecture, and film culture in one remarkable experience.
When I stepped inside, I discovered the museum spirals upward through multiple levels, creating a truly unique layout unlike any other film museum I’ve visited. The highlight for many travelers (myself included!) is the vertical panoramic elevator that ascends through the center of the impressive dome. This glass-enclosed lift gives you breathtaking views as you rise through the heart of this historic structure, offering a thrilling perspective of both the building’s interior and, eventually, the entire city below.
What makes the Mole Antonelliana so special is how it connects Turin’s past and present. While walking through its exhibits, I felt the perfect blend of the building’s rich history and its modern purpose as a celebration of cinema. The museum’s interactive displays and the building’s stunning architecture create an experience that appeals to film buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and casual tourists alike. It’s genuinely the perfect starting point for understanding Turin’s cultural significance.
The Fascinating History of Mole Antonelliana
The Mole Antonelliana stands as Turin’s most recognizable landmark with a surprising origin story and remarkable architectural journey. This towering structure has evolved dramatically since its inception, becoming not just a symbol of the city but a cultural treasure house.
From Synagogue to Iconic Museum
The Mole’s story begins in 1863, not as a public monument but as a synagogue. The Jewish community of Turin commissioned architect Alessandro Antonelli to design their place of worship. His ambitious vision, however, soon exceeded both budget and expectations.
As construction costs mounted, the Jewish community withdrew from the project. The city of Turin stepped in, taking ownership in 1877. Antonelli continued his work, pushing the building to new heights—literally.
When completed in 1889, it became the tallest brick building in Europe at 167.5 meters (550 feet). I was amazed to learn it wasn’t originally intended to reach such heights! Antonelli’s determination to create something monumental transformed what might have been a modest synagogue into Turin’s defining architectural achievement.
Changing Faces: Transformations Over the Years
The Mole has reinvented itself several times throughout its existence. After surviving structural challenges and a devastating storm in 1953 that destroyed its original spire, the building underwent significant renovations.
In 2000, I discovered, it found its most fitting purpose yet—becoming home to Italy’s National Museum of Cinema. This transformation married the building’s dramatic vertical space with cinematic displays, creating what many consider the world’s tallest museum.
Inside, visitors now experience film history across multiple levels, with exhibits spiraling around the stunning central atrium. The panoramic elevator, added during renovations, carries visitors to an observation deck offering breathtaking views of Turin and the Alps.
The Mole has also become a cultural icon beyond Piedmont, appearing on the Italian two-cent euro coin and in numerous films. Its silhouette is now inseparable from Turin’s identity and skyline.
Exploring the National Museum of Cinema
Inside the stunning Mole Antonelliana, you’ll find one of the most fascinating film museums in the world. The National Museum of Cinema offers visitors an immersive journey through the history of filmmaking and showcases incredible collections that bring the magic of movies to life.
A Journey Through Cinema’s Past
When I walked into the National Cinema Museum, I was immediately struck by how the space utilizes the Mole’s impressive architecture. The museum is arranged in a spiral, allowing visitors to journey chronologically through film history.
The main hall features plush red recliners where you can lie back and watch film clips projected on the soaring dome above. It’s a magical experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Pre-cinema artifacts like magic lanterns and shadow puppets show how people created moving images before movies existed. These early tools reveal cinema’s fascinating origins.
The museum also houses tributes to Italian filmmaking legends like Federico Fellini and Sergio Leone. Their original scripts, costumes, and props offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich cinematic heritage.
Interactive Exhibits and the Rare Collections
What makes the Cinema Museum truly special is how interactive it is. I spent hours playing with optical illusions and early animation devices that showed me exactly how moving pictures work.
The museum’s collection includes over 1.8 million film-related artifacts, from vintage movie posters to rare cameras. Some date back to the very beginnings of filmmaking in the late 1800s.
There’s an impressive display of original costumes from famous films. I was amazed to see actual outfits worn in classic movies, alongside props that played key roles in cinema history.
The poster collection spans decades of film promotion art from around the world. These vibrant artifacts show how movie marketing has evolved over time.
Don’t miss the exhibition of antique projectors and cameras—they tell the technical story of how filmmaking equipment has developed from bulky mechanical devices to digital technology.
Breathtaking Views from the Panoramic Lift
The high-speed panoramic lift of the Mole Antonelliana offers visitors one of the most spectacular vantage points in Turin. It rises 85 meters above the city to reveal stunning 360-degree views of the urban landscape and surrounding Alps.
Rising Above Turin: An Unforgettable Experience
Taking the panoramic lift at Mole Antonelliana was one of the highlights of my Turin visit. The glass elevator whisks you upward at impressive speed, creating a thrilling sensation as the city falls away beneath your feet. I recommend visiting in the morning around 10:30 am when I found virtually no queues.
On clear days, the visibility is simply magnificent. From the observation deck, I could see the entire layout of Turin’s elegant grid system with the Po River snaking alongside. The view extends all the way to the majestic Alps that form a stunning backdrop to the cityscape.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto appears particularly impressive from this height – you can appreciate its perfect symmetry and grand scale. The ticket costs €12.50 per person, which I found reasonable for such a memorable experience.
Photography Tips for Capturing Turin’s Skyline
For the best skyline photographs, I suggest visiting on clear days, ideally in early morning or late afternoon when the lighting creates dramatic shadows across the city. The panoramic terrace provides unobstructed views in all directions, perfect for capturing the Alps behind Turin’s historic buildings.
Best spots for photos:
- North side: Perfect for capturing the Alps
- East side: Great views of the Po River
- South side: Historic center and palaces
- West side: Sunset views (if visiting later in the day)
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive cityscape. I found that smartphones work well too, especially using panorama mode. For the clearest shots of distant mountains, use a polarizing filter if you have one.
Remember to photograph the unique architectural details of the Mole itself as you ascend or descend. The intricate interior structure makes for fascinating close-up shots alongside your sweeping city panoramas.
Planning Your Visit
A successful visit to Mole Antonelliana requires some advance planning to make the most of your experience. Here’s what you need to know before heading to Turin’s iconic landmark.
Guided Tour or Solo Exploration?
When I visited the Mole Antonelliana, I faced the classic traveler’s dilemma: guided tour or self-guided exploration? Both options have their merits.
Guided tours typically last 90 minutes and offer fascinating insights about the building’s architecture and the film museum’s collections. The guides share stories you won’t find on information panels, and I found this particularly valuable for understanding the historical context.
Self-guided visits give you the freedom to spend more time in areas that interest you most. I enjoyed lingering in the film memorabilia section without feeling rushed.
If you’re short on time, I recommend the guided tour for a comprehensive overview. For film buffs or architecture enthusiasts, allow extra time to explore independently after your tour concludes.
Tickets, Accessibility, and Practical Information
Tickets for the Mole Antonelliana can be purchased online or at the entrance. I strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during summer months and weekends when wait times can exceed an hour.
Ticket Options:
- Museum only: €11
- Museum + panoramic elevator: €15
- Reduced rates for seniors, students, and children
- Turin Card holders: free entry
The building offers accessibility features including elevators and ramps, though some historical sections have limited access. I noticed staff were very helpful with visitors requiring assistance.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Saturdays. The museum is closed on Mondays except during special exhibitions.
I found morning visits ideal for avoiding crowds. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to fully appreciate both the museum and the breathtaking panoramic views of Turin.
Beyond the Mole: Discovering Turin’s Treasures
While the Mole Antonelliana stands as Turin’s iconic symbol, the city offers many more cultural and culinary gems waiting to be explored. From world-class museums to royal palaces, Turin rewards visitors who venture beyond its famous landmark.
The Alluring Attractions of Piedmont’s Capital
The Egyptian Museum in Turin truly surprised me – it houses the most extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo! I spent hours wandering among ancient sarcophagi and mysterious hieroglyphs that tell stories from thousands of years ago.
The Royal Palace of Turin showcases the city’s regal history with its lavish rooms and spectacular gardens. Walking through its grand halls, I felt transported to the time when the House of Savoy ruled the region.
Palazzo Madama sits majestically in the center of Piazza Castello. This fascinating building evolved from a Roman gate to a medieval fortress and finally to a baroque palace. Its diverse architecture reflects Turin’s layered history.
The city’s museums host impressive rotating exhibitions throughout the year, keeping Turin’s cultural scene fresh and exciting.
Culinary Delights and Cultural Gems
Turin’s food scene captivated my taste buds from the first bite. The city is famous for its chocolate. Particularly, the hazelnut-chocolate spread that inspired Nutella and the distinctive gianduja chocolates that melt in your mouth.
I discovered that Turin is the birthplace of the aperitivo tradition. Many local cafés offer complimentary small plates with pre-dinner drinks. This is perfect for sampling local specialties while people-watching in elegant piazzas.
The historic cafés around the city center transported me to another era. Café Al Bicerin serves its namesake drink. It is a delicious layered concoction of espresso, chocolate, and cream that I couldn’t resist trying.
Turin’s Slow Food movement celebrates traditional cooking methods and local ingredients. I found that many restaurants proudly serve Piedmontese specialties like agnolotti pasta and vitello tonnato.
