Explore the history, lands and culture of the Savoy dynasty, a diplomatic powerhouse positioned for centuries between the powers of France and the Holy Roman Empire. Travelling between their baroque capital of Turin and the lakes and valleys of northern Italy reveals the crucial events and roles the Savoys played in the shaping of not only the past but also of modern Europe. Along with many UNESCO World Heritage sites, both Aosta and Piedmont are known for their excellent wines and cuisine that – like the Savoys – combines the best of France and Italy.
Nestled in the picturesque Piedmont region of northern Italy, the vibrant city of Turin blends a rich historical heritage with a dynamic contemporary atmosphere. Turin is also renowned for its remarkable and original religious architecture. The Gothic façade of the city’s cathedral is one of the finest in Europe. The unique baroque domes of Guarino Guarini are considered the highest achievements of European structural engineering of its time. Transitioning to New Turin, discover a city that thrives on innovation and modernity. The Lingotto, once the largest car factory in the world, has been reinvented by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. Turin was the first city in Italy to collect modern art in the 19th century. It is still the top Italian destination for the modern and contemporary art, with world-class collections, galleries and temporary exhibitions.
There are many additional cultural jewels to explore and enjoy –the Museum of the Holy Shroud or the Mercato di Porta Palazzo, Europe’s largest food market. Turin’s vibrant dining scene is another testament to its history and modernity. Piedmontese dishes often mix the influence of French haute cuisine with local and Ligurian country cooking.
The beautiful Aosta Valley, spectacularly situated in the Italian Alps, holds great significance for the House of Savoy. The valley served as a strategic territory due to its location at the crossroads of major Alpine passes, connecting Italy, France, and Switzerland. The Savoy family fortified the region with castles like the Castle of Aymavilles and the Sarre Castle, which later became royal hunting lodges.
The Valley's proximity to Savoy’s power base in Piedmont allowed the dynasty to control vital trade and military routes through the Alps. Additionally, the region contributed to the cultural and architectural heritage of the Savoy, with landmarks like the Royal Castle of Sarre symbolizing their presence and influence.
The journey finishes at Lake Orta, an enchanting alpine lake that is sometimes overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, but possesses its own unique charm and captivating natural beauty. Maybe for this reason, Lake Orta is often referred to as the ‘Cinderella’ of the Italian lakes due to its unspoiled and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by picturesque villages and lush forests.
This journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to the Alumni of Oxford University and family and friends of Alumni.
Maximum Party Size: 20
Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell
Nirvana has been lecturing on the social history of Western art for nearly 25 years and has presented numerous lectures to the Friends of the Whitworth. She has also worked on collection interpretations and museum staff training. Her passion is cultural travel and she has created many unique cultural tours in the Balkans, northern Italy, France, Sweden and South Africa. In her work, she links the past with the present by combining aesthetic, historical and social theoretical approaches to art and culture. Those who travelled with Nirvana have particularly praised her ability to engage the audience and use her solid grasp of the subject matter to impart a lasting understanding of the artists, artefacts and their broader context. She has accompanied ten previous Friends of the Whitworth visits also organised by Distant Horizons.