The Mole Antonelliana, begun in 1863 as a synagogue and standing 167.5 meters tall, dominates Turin’s skyline. It houses the National Cinema Museum and a panoramic elevator that leads to a terrace with views of the city and the Alpine arc.
- Transparent panoramic elevator ascending to 85 meters in height
- National Cinema Museum with collections from magic lanterns to film costumes
- 360-degree view of Turin and, on clear days, the Alpine arc
- Iconic architecture with a history dating back to 1863
Ride the transparent elevator to the 85-meter-high terrace for a 360° view of Turin and the Alps. Visit the National Cinema Museum with collections ranging from magic lanterns to film costumes.
- Via Alessandro Riberi, Torino (TO)
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Introduction
The Mole Antonelliana is not just a monument; it’s an experience. The first time you see it, it strikes you immediately: it soars isolated in the Turin sky, with that slender shape that seems to almost defy the laws of physics. It’s not a palace, nor a church—it’s a pure symbol, telling the ambition of a city. When you pass by it, perhaps in the evening with the lights illuminating it, you understand why the people of Turin are so attached to it. It’s a visual landmark, but also an emotional one: it gives you the impression that Turin always has something more to show, something unique. And let’s face it: going up there is an unforgettable adventure.
Historical Background
The history of the Mole is somewhat a tale of second thoughts. Initially, it was intended to be a synagogue, commissioned by Turin’s Jewish community in 1863. However, architect Alessandro Antonelli had grand ideas—perhaps too grand. Costs soared, timelines stretched, and eventually, the project was taken over by the Municipality of Turin. Antonelli worked on it until his death in 1888, without seeing it completed. His son Costanzo carried on the work, and the Mole was finally inaugurated in 1889. Fun fact: the original spire collapsed in 1953 due to a tornado and was rebuilt in metal. Today, it houses the National Cinema Museum, a perfect choice for such a visionary building.
- 1863: construction begins as a synagogue
- 1888: death of Alessandro Antonelli
- 1889: official inauguration
- 1953: collapse of the original spire
- 2000: opening of the National Cinema Museum
The Panoramic Elevator: A Thrilling Ascent to the Sky
Riding the Mole’s elevator is an experience that stays with you. It’s not just a simple ascent: the cabin is transparent and rises through the building’s central void, offering a 360-degree view of the internal structure, with those arches and spiral staircases that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie. In just a few seconds, you reach the panoramic terrace at 85 meters high. From there, Turin unfolds beneath you like a living map: you see the Po River winding through, the Alps in the background (on clear days they’re perfectly visible), and the rooftops of historic buildings. I was there at sunset, and the orange sky enveloping the city was pure magic. Be warned, though: if you suffer from vertigo, brace yourself – the effect is breathtaking in the truest sense of the word.
The National Cinema Museum: A Journey into the Seventh Art
Visiting the National Cinema Museum inside the Mole is like stepping into a dream. This is no traditional museum: it spirals upward following the building’s structure, with each floor telling a different story of cinema. You start from the origins, with magic lanterns and early projectors, and as you ascend, you encounter costumes, vintage posters, and reconstructed sets. The central hall, with its red armchairs arranged in an amphitheater and the giant screen, is spectacular—sometimes they screen silent films accompanied by live organ music. I got lost among the exhibits on great Italian directors, from Fellini to Leone, and loved the interactive section where you can try dubbing a scene. It’s a place that celebrates creativity, and it feels almost natural that it’s housed in such a bold building.
Why Visit It
Three concrete reasons not to miss it. First: the panoramic view is unparalleled – from no other point in Turin do you have such a wide and evocative perspective. Second: the National Cinema Museum is one of the most original in Italy, perfect for enthusiasts but also for the curious, with engaging exhibits that even children enjoy. Third: it’s a unique architectural icon, a mix of neoclassical and Art Nouveau that tells the city’s story in a visceral way. And let’s face it, taking a photo with the Mole in the background is a must for any visitor to Turin.
When to Go
The best time? I’d recommend a late afternoon on a clear autumn day. The air is crisp, the sky is often crystal clear, and the setting sun paints the stone of the Mole in warm, golden hues. Taking the elevator at that hour offers a panorama with the pink-tinged Alps in the background and the city’s first lights flickering on. In summer, it can get crowded—but if you go early in the morning, you’ll avoid the queues and enjoy the tranquility. In winter, with the fog, it has a mysterious charm, though the view from the terrace might be limited. So, every season has its appeal, but that autumn sunset, for me, is unbeatable.
In the Surroundings
After the Mole, continue exploring the city center. Just a few steps away is Palazzo Madama, with its Baroque facade and the Civic Museum of Ancient Art – stepping into its medieval courtyard feels like a leap back in time. A little further on, you’ll reach the Galleria Subalpina, a 19th-century covered passageway with historic cafés, perfect for a break. If you’re interested in cinema, make a stop at Cinema Massimo, the historic multiplex that often screens films in their original version. And if you’re in the mood for some greenery, Parco del Valentino is about a twenty-minute walk away, along the Po River: ideal for a relaxing stroll after your visit.
💡 Did You Know…?
Did you know that the Mole Antonelliana was originally designed as a synagogue? The Turin Jewish community commissioned the work to architect Alessandro Antonelli, but excessive costs and structural modifications led to the project’s abandonment. The City of Turin took over the building in 1877, designating it as a museum of the Risorgimento and, later, as the home of the Cinema Museum. Another curious detail: the spire, originally 47 meters high, was rebuilt after a tornado in 1953, using a reinforced concrete structure covered in stone. Today, every year during the Turin Film Festival, the Mole lights up with special projections, becoming an open-air screen.