I’m not a big HGTV fan, but I’ve never been above watching a couple shows here and there with my parents. However, after the past three days in Torino I’m about to apply to be on House Hunters Internationals. (Coincidentally, there is actually a Torino episode coming up on August 14. Not a plug or anything…just a suggestion if my own pictures don’t sway you of the city’s charm)

TOP 6 REASONS I AM MOVING TO TORINO**:

6. Churches on churches on churches

Being in Torino makes me want to become a weekly church-goer. There are churches everywhere. Literally, everywhere. And they’re all beautiful. Patrick and I did a walking tour of the city going from church to church. By the end of the day, our feet hurt, we felt an urge (guilt from previous absences?) to go to Sunday service and we watched the most beautiful sunset. Beat that American Churches.

—The Torino Duomo (by no means as beautiful as Florence but it has its strengths)

— Santuario della Consalta

— Santuario Maria Ausiliatrice

— Gran Madre (Yes, to my obvious pleasure, this church was inspired by the Pantheon)

— Monte dei Cappuccini (Me, Patrick and Jesus watching the sunset…come on, how romantic is that? ❤ )

5. Olympic Stadium Benefits

What’s cooler than hosting the Olympics? Building up the sports arenas in your city so you can host multiple incredible & exciting events!

Now listen up folks…do NOT make the same mistake Patrick and I did. Always check the cities you are traveling to and see if there are any events coming up. If you do so, you will be unlikely (like we were) to miss one of the best and unknown sporting competitions. From August 2-13 Torino is hosting the World Masters Games. What is that exactly? It is basically like the olympics…for people over the age of 35. Hosted every 4 years, this competition brings competitors from all over the world to show that age doesn’t stop them from getting their athletic journey on.

Even though we left Torino before any competitions started, we were able to meet so many exciting people from around the world. Staying in the same hotel as us is a French man competing in the Triathon. We met a Canadian man playing soccer, a Canadian female swimmer, Australians playing basketball and much more. I’ve decided I better get really good at Badminton because I don’t see any other potential sports in my future.

4. National Cinema Museum

Before we came to Torino we were told that we absolutely must visit the cinema museum. Even though neither Pat or I are huge movie buffs we decided to go anyways. We fell in love with the place! There was so much detail and creativity put into every area. I walked away enlightened.

Part of the exhibit was a huge, comfortable bed with a TV on the ceiling. Mom, can I get that for my room?

Another exhibit showed movie clips and had toilets as the seats for the audience. Oh yes, that was real life.

My personal favorite is the large, reclined chairs on the main floor so you can watch movies on the big screen. Why can’t American movie theaters have these chairs?

After touring the museum, we rode to highest point of the building…the Mole Antonelliana for a beautiful view of the city.

3. My Italian Namesake

Believe it or not – there is an historic and incredibly famous cafe called Cafe Fiorio. Am I related to the original owners? Who knows…but I did get an awesome drink with coffee, chocolate and whipped cream.

2. Beautiful Parks

Looking at a map of Torino, you will see a lot of green, much more than is typical for big cities. Not only are there lots of parks, but they are all well landscaped with many activities for all. Our favorite, and the most popular park in downtown Torino, was the Parco del Valentino. Besides having an elaborate fountain there was also a medival castle in the middle of the park.

Patrick and I took time in the afternoon to rent a bike and pedal around the park.

Not before too long we were joined by an unexpected guest.

Who?

Wait for it…

Wait for it…

Yes, that’s right. A clown came out of no where to give us a lift. Nothing like a park in Torino.

1. Easy Transportation

This may seem like a silly top reason, but to me it is one of the most important. The metro and bus system in Torino is not complicated at all. It is quite proficient – you can always find a way to get to where you are going – but it is not challenging – I did not get on the wrong bus once in Torino! At the train station they have a wonderful tourist section that provided easy to read maps with every bus route labeled. WHY CAN’T EVERY ITALIAN CITY BE LIKE THIS???

Torino is definitely big enough, but not so big that you feel overwhelmed. The traffic was never horrible, the people friendly and the weather (while hot) was not humid.

I have never been to Torino before and I will admit that my knowledge of the city began and ended with the fact that they hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics. What I didn’t realize is that this often overlooked Italian city would steal my heart (and Patrick’s…yes he’s in love too) in a matter of three days. Another amazing adventure in a great city!

** I’m not really sure that footnotes can be put in blogs but I’m making it happen. Another top reason is Eataly…which will be explained in a later blog post 🙂