La Mole Antonelliana
I'm in Turin this week-end visiting my parents.
Today after a grey start, the sun came out and I decided to play tourist for a little while and reacquaint myself with the monument that has become the symbol of the city since it was built in the second half of the 19th century: La Mole Antonelliana, or as we call it, "La Mole".
It was built by the extravagant architect Antonelli as a synagogue, but the Jewish community rejected it when the plans became more and more over the top and the costs spiralled out of control.
So the city bought it and completed it.
It's lovely place to go when the weather's nice.
The 'free standing' lift in the middle of the dome
takes you up to the panoramic terrace at 85 metres in just less than a minute.
(P.S: Those 3 rectangles are modern art!)
Being Saturday and sunny, it was busy and I waited for 80 minutes before going up!
The views are nice, although it was hazy and sadly I couldn't see the Alps.
After enjoying the views, I visited the National Museum of Cinema which is housed inside the building since 2000.
It is very interesting and fun.
It goes from optical illusions
to the origin of photography, the birth of cinema and up to the modern days.
Films are projected in small, quirky rooms such a fridge with W.C. seats
and also on large and small screens in the main hall
and on the inside of the dome
You can sit in very comfy reclining chairs and have a break from all the walking
under the watchful eyes of a few Medusas
So, if you ever find yourself in Turin, please remember that the Mole is a must
but you don't need to leave your boots behind!
Today after a grey start, the sun came out and I decided to play tourist for a little while and reacquaint myself with the monument that has become the symbol of the city since it was built in the second half of the 19th century: La Mole Antonelliana, or as we call it, "La Mole".
It was built by the extravagant architect Antonelli as a synagogue, but the Jewish community rejected it when the plans became more and more over the top and the costs spiralled out of control.
So the city bought it and completed it.
It's lovely place to go when the weather's nice.
The 'free standing' lift in the middle of the dome
takes you up to the panoramic terrace at 85 metres in just less than a minute.
(P.S: Those 3 rectangles are modern art!)
Being Saturday and sunny, it was busy and I waited for 80 minutes before going up!
The views are nice, although it was hazy and sadly I couldn't see the Alps.
After enjoying the views, I visited the National Museum of Cinema which is housed inside the building since 2000.
It is very interesting and fun.
It goes from optical illusions
to the origin of photography, the birth of cinema and up to the modern days.
Films are projected in small, quirky rooms such a fridge with W.C. seats
and also on large and small screens in the main hall
and on the inside of the dome
You can sit in very comfy reclining chairs and have a break from all the walking
under the watchful eyes of a few Medusas
So, if you ever find yourself in Turin, please remember that the Mole is a must
but you don't need to leave your boots behind!