Why is Turin important to Italy?

Answer 1

Tens of thousands of people visit Turin, each year, to see the famed Shroud of Turin or the church which houses it (when it is not on display). It is the legendary burial cloth of Jesus, and contains all the "proof" that is needed for devout believers. The Shroud of Turin seemingly has the imprint of the outline of the body of Jesus, and is a wonder to behold.

However, when fragments of the cloth were allowed to be taken for radiocarbon dating, the cloth proved, scientifically, to be no older than the 13th century A.D. Catholic church supporters offered various explanations for this discrepancy in dates - of more than a millenium. Impurities in the cloth were thought to have been tested, rather than the cloth itself. The fragments, which were used in dating, were believed by others to have been part of later additions of cloth - so that it would not appear tattered and full of holes (but could still remain holy!). It is still contended, by critics, that the oldest portions (not yet identified) of the cloth have not been dated.

In any case, Turin is still visited, mostly for the famous shroud, but for many other interesting sites, as well. Yet, it is a beautiful and interesting city, in its own right. It is a large city in northern Italy, with approximately one million inhabitants, and two million in the greater metro area. It contains a thriving business district, as well as its historic center, and sacred places of worship.

Turin is the tenth most visited city in Italy, and among the 250 most visited cities in the world.

Turin was also the central site of the 2006 Winter Olympics.