Shopping in Torino

Saturday, 15 September, 2018 32 and very humid

I went out!

I decided over breakfast that I wanted to go shopping, something I rarely do while on holiday. There are two stores I’ve heard about that might do the trick. One is OVS, which is a clothing department store, and the other is Rinascente, a national department store. There are several shopping areas in Turin but these stores are on Via Lagrange and Via Roma – both somewhat upscale.

Dhal for breakfast
Dhal for breakfast

The tram wasn’t as crowded as expected this morning, particularly since a lot of people get off at the first stop, Porta Palazzo market, in full swing for a Saturday. We both score a seat!

When we get to our final stop there’s more to see than we expected – a real mix of buildings. Some quite baroque, and one looked medieval. We wandered along the street looking at the architectural details. This isn’t like Paris, where all the buildings conform in colour and design, and this makes everything seem more interesting so we’re curious.

Some of the architectural detail is stunning
Some of the architectural detail is stunning

Ahead of us on the main road, we spotted an impressive building with one of those really tall doors. We headed towards it to start our journey to shop but were a bit delayed by swarms of birds.

A couple of times birds came swooping down the road
A couple of times birds came swooping down the road
The birds perched everywhere and we noticed there's no deterring spikes here
The birds perched everywhere and we noticed there’s no deterring spikes here
Looking towards our targeted building, the contrast with the medieval building on the right
Looking towards our targeted building, the contrast with the medieval building on the right
Someone opened the front door of this magnificent building
Someone opened the front door of the magnificent building we were heading towards

There were some great details on that building. First, it must have originally been something to do with electricity ( I can’t find the details so far) since along above some windows there were some engraved names – GRAMME THOMSON EDISON AMPERE FARADAY OHM.

Electricity!
Electricity!

And another great detail – wish I were taller – these rather demonic figures!

Turin has links to the occult - can see why
Turin has links to the occult – can see why

Then we turned towards – shopping! Continue reading “Shopping in Torino”