A Family Day in Torino

Eraldo picked us up from the Albergo Bologna at about 12 midday. We went directly to Giorgio and Claudia (Fenoglio) Calabreso’s apartment in San Mauro, Tourinese. Eraldo’s mother was there as was Kristina, Giorgio and Claudio’s daughter, a Primary school teacher. They had prepared a six course lunch with typical Piemonte food. We also had “fizzy” water and local wine. Wonderful company and delicious food. Tim and Dave were a little overwhelmed yet again with the true Italian culture.

After lunch we did some sightseeing and our first stop was the Church of Santo Volto, commissioned by the Archbishop of Turin, His Excellence Cardinal Severino Poletto for the Parish of Santo Volto and built between 2001 and 2006. It was designed by the architect Mario Botta who has examples of work all over the world.


We then walked through the narrow streets North-West of the city noted for good eating and drinking. After a break and a shot of coffee we continued walking endlessly and came upon the Caffe Cioccolateria al Bicerin which was founded in 1763 and has the original wooden panelling, floor, and cast-iron door and window frames. This cafe is in the Piazza della Consolata opposite the church of the same name and is famous for the ‘bicerin’ a hot drink made from coffee, chocolate and topped with milk cream. Molto buon!

After a few local galleries and a look at some Roman ruins under the city we were permitted to rest at the hotel for two hours before being picked up for “Torino by night” at 9:30 pm. It was a cool dry night down by the River Po next to the Piazza Vittorio Veneto where we drank wine and beer and made lots of laughter.