Lingotto Factory - The Best Weekend in Turin

Turin is the capital city of Piedmont.  The Region that borders France, where the Unification of Italy began in 1860 under the House of Savoy.

The Regions certainly is a gourmet lovers paradise.  Known for Barolo, Barbera, and Barbaresco wines, the white truffle from Alba, the birthplace of slow food in Bra, 'tonda gentile,' the jewel of the crown hazelnuts from the Langhe.

Worldwide brands born in the region include Olivetti, Lavazza Coffee, and Ferrero, a chocolate company that invented Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Tic-Tacs, Mon Cheri, and Kinder eggs!

The city is also known for its refined historical and artistic heritage. From grand squares like Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, The Drawing Room of Turin. To the iconic sites that include Mole Antonelliana and The Church of Gran Madre di Dio. The 'must-see museums' include The Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, and the Egyptian Museum.

An ideal stay for contemporary art and design lovers is in the district of Lingotto. Lingotto is the name of the Lingotto building on Via Nizza that once housed the

Fiat Factory was built by architect Giacomo Matte Trucco in 1920.  By the 1930s, The Fiat Factory was the most prominent car factory in the world. Eighty different car models were produced in its lifetime.

Archistar Renzo Piano converted the 500m long five-story factory into a multi-functional and sophisticated complex.The new complex includes the Art Gallery Pinacoteca Agnelli, founded in 2002.

The permanent collection includes twenty-five extraordinary masterpieces from Giovanni Agnelli and his wife, fashion icon and art collector Lady Marella Caracciolo. With works by Canaletto, Matisse, Manet, and Renoir.  It is located in the suspended structure over The Lingotto Complex Roof.

Eat at fine dining La Pista Restaurant, where chef Fabrizio Tesse creates an epic dining experience.  Fabrizio Tesse was sues chef for 3 star Michelin chef Cannavacciuolo.  The chef's philosophy is to offer a fine dining experience accessible to every wallet.

Visit the Legendary Fiat Test Track that has been transformed into Europe's most extensive suspended garden.  Architect Benedetto Camerana and  Torino Stratosferica created a rooftop garden with over 40,000 plants.

Stay at the Hilton Double Tree, Lingotto Hotel. Located next to the Lingotto Factory.   Architect Renzo Piano designed the Vertical Stacked glass building. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Northern Italian Alps.  The glass elevators by Maspero allow for a full view of each level, which includes 142 guest rooms, four meeting rooms, a fitness center, a restaurant lounge bar, and an extensive breakfast area.

A 15-minute taxi ride from the Porta Nuova Train Station. Less than a kilometer from the National Automobile Museum. Runners and walkers can enjoy a lovely stroll along the Po River to arrive at The Valentine Park. The park covers an area of 500,000m and has been nominated as 'The best Italian Park'.  With a wealth of bird life, lush green areas have over 1800 large trees and monumental fountains.

The Double Tree Hilton Lingotto overlooks Green Pea. Green Pea is the world’s first green retail store. The complex covers four floors of shops dedicated to respecting our planet.  You can find homeware, fashion, cosmetics, books, and more! I loved 'Otium,' the top-floor Pool and spa with Ristorante Casa Vicina.

Next door to Green Pea, the original Carpano Factory has been transformed into Eataly Torino Lingotto; you can find a wide range of high-quality Italian and regional products with three restaurants. Specialty products include Chocolate and Pastries by Torinese Pastry Chef Fabrizio Galla.

Eataly purchased the location in 2005. In 1996,the Production of Vermouth moved to the Fratelli Branca Distillery in Milan.   On the top floor of Eataly, you can visit the Carpano Museum. Curated by Valentina Pelizzetti and Negozio Blu Archittetti Associati