The prevailing perception of these two great cities in north-western Italy is predominantly one of commercial and industrial powerhouses, which may explain their neglect by the vast majority of visitors to Italy. However, both have highly attractive centres, which are further distinguished by the preservation of a large number of magnificent palaces and picture collections.

Turin, leading city of Piedmont, was developed on a grand scale in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and boasts broad avenues and spacious piazze. Its architecture is mainly Baroque and classical.

Genoa lays claim to the largest historic centre of any European city. It was one of the leading maritime republics of mediaeval Italy, a leading rival of Venice, and enjoyed a golden age during the seventeenth century, when many of its startlingly impressive palaces were built.

Full details can be found on the Turin & Genoa page.