THE MOLE ANTONELLIANA AND THE CINEMA MUSEUM OF TURIN

The Mole Antonelliana is one of the landmarks of the city of Turin. Built by the architect Alessandro Antonelli is also the city's most loved monument by Turin people.

The Mole Antonelliana is located in the center of Turin, is 167.5 meters high. Characterized by a unique profile for a few years the Mole in Turin was the highest monument in Europe. The massive square base supports a lower dome uniquely shaped, characterized by elongated time with convex masonry walls standing. Above the dome is placed a spire. The forms are a mediation between neoclassical and neo-Gothic.




The history of the Mole Antonelliana from the first Constitution granted by Charles Albert, the "Statuto Albertino" that granted the freedom to worship is not Catholic. The Jewish community purchased the land to build a temple in 1863 began construction of the Mole. The initial idea was for a building with a height of 47 meters but Antonelli presented a project for a structure of 113 meters. Doubts about the feasibility of the project, the higher costs and construction times did abandon the project to the Jewish community.

Construction of the Mole Antonelliana (source Wikipedia)


The structure of the Mole Antonelliana was gradually increased over the years until it reached its present height of 167.5 meters in 1904, despite the death in 1888 of its designer.

Antonelli wanted to participate in the building even during his last days, an elevator operated by a pulley hoisted the nearly ninety architect at the top of the dome to allow him to personally check the status of jobs. But the first real lift opened to the public was built in 1964 although the current panoramic lift, made in glass that "flies" through the dome is active only since 2000. The panoramic lift salt for 85 meters at a speed of 5 km / h and above, up to the "temple" on top of the dome where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Turin and its surroundings.

Since 1996 the Mole Antonelliana is the seat of the National Museum of Cinema in Turin. An engaging museum that traces the history of film art from its origins with magic lanterns to the special effects of ET or Star Wars. Going through the techniques and figures entering the film making up the posters of the most famous films.

The National Museum of Cinema in Turin is the brainchild of the historic and scholar of cinema Maria Adriana Prolo in 1941 but only in 2000 the seat was moved steadily in the beautiful scenery of the Mole Antonelliana.

To really discover Piedmont one must visit this symbol of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana and be enchanted by the magic of cinema that fill with magic. The Mole is the center of Turin, which wander the streets of the city and then find other monuments like Palazzo Carignano, Via Po, Piazza Castello, etc ...
Walking can also discover the gastronomic specialties of Turin as the chocolates "gianduiotti", vitello tonnato, chocolate cake Gianduiotta, marsala wine Sabayon, etc ... Have a great journey in Turin.