Mole Antonelliana, Turin

The Mole Antonelliana in Turin is an architectural monument and one of the city’s symbols. Moreover, this building is often considered to be one of the most recognizable symbols of Italy itself. This large and beautiful construction, the highest one in Turin, towers far over the historic districts.

The Mole Antonelliana’s history

This monumental building has a history just as rich as the place itself. Everything began with the concession of the Statuto Albertino in 1848 that provided freedom of religious belief. Back then Jewish community decided to build a new synagog with the help of the hired architect Alessandro Antonelli. He started working on it on March 17, 1863. Initially, the construction was meant to be 47 meters, but in the process, this idea was reconsidered. In 1869 the works were frozen, by that time its height reached 70 meters. The Jewish community didn’t seem too happy with this, and in 1873 the building was given to the government in exchange for new territory. The construction was resumed, and the project progressed.

In late 1885 the tower was of 113 meters. The architect also planned to create a spire, but the job was done by his son when the father passed away. The construction was completed in early 1889; then a gilded copper statue called "Winged Genius" by Fumagalli was set on the top. The place was opened to the public on April 10, its height totaled 167.35 meters. Back then it was the highest masonry construction ever created.

On April 11, 1904, the storm destroyed the statue on the top, after that 1906 a five-pointed start replaced it. In 1908 the Museum of the Risorgimento was housed here, but it was moved to Palazzo Carignano in 1938. In 1931 a reinforced concrete support system was developed and used to fortify the building. On May 23, 1953, a new storm came in and tore down the spire. It was restored in 1961, then in 1964, an elevator was installed. Also during the reconstruction works in 1996–2000 a lighting system was set up. When everything was completed, the National Museum of Cinema took up some space inside.

Architectural design

Currently, the height of the building is at 167,5 meters. Tower’s shape is quite unique, it is a perfect mix of the Neoclassical, Baroque and Gothic styles. Its large square foundation is evenly 50 meters on each side. The entrance is surrounded by a portico with 6 columns that has a huge balcony towering over it. Right above, on the third level, you can see porches with 20 columns on either side. The fourth level boasts round-headed windows which complete the Baroque style. Every level is 10 meters high. Even far above you can find 40-meter dome with an elongated vault and curved walls. Notice also a two-story structure called "Tempietto" (20 m) on the dome. Tourists can access the first story which offers a magnificent panorama of Turin.

There is a massive spire with a five-pointed star set on a round base towering above the observation deck. It has 10 circular terraces, each terrace is smaller in diameter than the previous one. This way the creator of this fascinating construction made an interesting attempt to combine the Neoclassical and Neogothic patterns with technological innovations of that time. Well, it did work in the end.

Fun facts

• Its massive size, unusual shape, and beautiful lighting installed later made the tower the highlight of Turin. By the way, the lights change occasionally, the place is lit remarkably differently on every holiday.
• Many episodes from the movie "Dopo mezzanotte" (2004) were shot inside. The building also appeared in a Japanese anime called "Porco Rosso" (1992) which was directed by famous Hayao Miyazaki and in the movie "Turistas" (2006).
• The image of the Mole Antonelliana can be noticed on some monuments and coins which are so valuable to numismatists.
• Esoterics, however, believe that the building itself is a powerful energy center because of the close resemblance with a pyramid and a long pagoda.

How to get

This architectural monument is located in the center of Turin, on Via Montebello, 20, near the Museum of the Radio and Television and Museum of Decorative Arts. Via Po, Verdi and Rossini stops are situated within walking distance. You can catch trams 13, 15 and buses 55, 56, 61, 68 there. You can also take the tram 16 (Palazzo Nuovo or corso San Maurizio stop).

Opening hours: from 09:00 till 20:00 every day, till 23:00 on Saturdays. The Mole Antonelliana is closed on Tuesdays. The ticket office closes one hour before closing time. Telephone: +39 011 813 8511.

Admission: you can either visit the observation deck and the museum separately or everything together. A full ticket that lets you access all the structures costs 15 euros, reduced one – 12 euros. Only group of 15 persons and people between the ages of 6 and 26 can purchase the reduced ticket. Children under the age of 5 are free of charge. You’ll also need to pay 10 euros to get to the dome. The information is relevant for 2018.