Mole Antonelliana

An architectural symbol of the city of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana was initially conceived as a Synagogue, before being purchased by the city to make it a monument to national unity. Designed and begun by architect Alessandro Antonelli in 1863, it was not completed until 1889. It was, at the time, at 167 and a half meters high, the tallest masonry building in Europe. In 1961, on the occasion of the celebrations for the Centenary of the Unification of Italy, the Panoramic Elevator was inaugurated, which, renovated in 1999, still makes it possible to climb up to the small temple, 85 meters high, and admire the extraordinary view of the city and the surrounding Alpine arc. It is possible to walk up the stairs in the dome cavity to the Panoramic Terrace.