Originally built as a Jewish Temple, the Mole Antonellianastands as a revered landmark in Turin. The building was completed in 1889, oneyear after the death of its architect, Alessandro Antonelli. Today the buildinghouses the Italian National Cinema Museum and provides panoramic views of thecity for visitors willing to brave its towering heights.
At the time of its completion the Mole Antonelliana was thetallest brick building in the world. After a storm ravaged its spire, it wasreconstructed to allow for public access and the elevator that now takes visitorsto its high points. Before heading into the building, take the time to strollaround the outside and appreciate its architectural brilliance.
Once inside, head for the glass elevator that takes you upto the viewing platform almost 280 feet (85 meters) above the ground. You’ll often have to line up to use the elevator, so make sure to time your visit well. On most days you can clearly seethe Alps that rise from the northwest and cover nearly half the horizon.
Make your way back down the elevator and stop at theNational Cinema Museum for an interesting lesson in the country’s cinema. Thecollections include films, negatives and cinema technology from the early daysof Italian film. The museum also has a large collection of props and costumesused in iconic Italian films as well as drawings from old Walt Disney movies.
At night an art installation by Mario Merz lights up a sideof the Mole with the first numbers of the Fibonacci sequence. The rest of thebuilding is also dazzled in lights, and can be seen throughout much of thecity.
The Mole Antonelliana is located next to the Royal Gardens,just north of the River Po. Both the elevator and museum have small admissionfees save money by purchasing the two tickets together. The museum and elevator are closedon Mondays.
