Discover with us some curiosities about the Mole AntonellianaThere are numerous curiosities about the Mole Antonelliana, the building that has always been considered the symbol of the city of Turin. A kind of “trademark” of the Piedmontese capital, thanks to its unmistakable silhouette that comes naturally to look for while walking around the city. Elegant, understated and mysterious, like all of Turin after all, the Mole is an architectural monument located in the historic center halfway between Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza Castello.

If you are looking forward to touring Turin on a Vespa, the Mole Antonelliana is a must-see. In some of our tours we start from Vittorio Veneto Square. A few hundred meters and with the Vespa you find yourself under the imposing Mole. No problem, however, because at the foot of the city’s landmark there are also dedicated parking spaces for two-wheelers.

The history of the Mole Antonelliana

The Mole was designed in 1862 by engineer and architect Alessandro Antonelli commissioned by the Israelite Community of Turin to build a synagogue. The architect initially designed a domed building 47 meters high, which was then increased in a short time to 113 meters!

The changes implemented during construction, however, drew criticism from the developer, and so in 1869 the Israelite community refused to provide further funds. Then the construction site was taken over by the municipality and completed in late 1889 under the leadership of Costanzo Antonelli, Alessandro’s son. The Mole is getting taller: in fact, it has risen from 47 meters in the original design to 167 meters today.

But the history of the Mole Antonelliana will continue to be troubled and punctuated by peculiar events over the years.Ten years later, on the tip of the Mole is enriched! At the top of the building, in fact, a statue is placed, the winged genius, later renamed “the golden angel” by the people of Turin. The history of this statue, however, is not a happy one. In 1904 during a powerful cloudburst she was struck by lightning.

The angel, fortunately, though torn from its base does not fall to the ground, but remains poised on the terrace below. A “half” miracle since it weighs about 3 tons! The statue therefore remains intact but the City of Turin nevertheless decided to replace it with a beautiful star, the work of artist Ernesto Ghiotti. But, even in this case, fate holds nasty surprises.

May 23, 1953, and witnesses recount that after a particularly hot and muggy day, a terrible cloudburst hit Turin. The star is bl own away by the whirlwind that also destroys 47 meters of the spire. Debris falls in the garden of RAI, which is headquartered right under the Mole. Fortunately, there are no casualties. The spire was rebuilt in the following years and finished in 1960, returning the Mole Antonelliana to its previous height. This time, however, it is reinforced from the inside, as is the star placed on its top, which becomes three-dimensional and twelve-pointed.

The Mole, at 167.5 meters high, is among the tallest buildings in Italy and is one of the most well-known monuments in the Bel Paese: it can even be found on the 2-cent coin!

Antonelli’s masterpiece also managed to escape the World War II bombings that did not spare Turin’s historic center instead. Despite the thousands of difficulties it has faced in its nearly two centuries of history, the Mole remains a landmark for Turinese and others.The Mole Antonelliana amid rituals, legends and magicA detail that will surely not be new to university students attending the University of Turin, whose seat is located under the Mole, is the superstition linked precisely to the Mole. Legend has it that those who climb to the top of the Mole Antonelliana before graduating will never reach their dreamed-of university goal.

Believe it or not, we suggest that you celebrate, perhaps right after your graduation discussion, with a visit to the Mole. So you can say the wait will have been worth it, and you will have a chance to toast with a view from above. The Cinema Museum inside the Mole, however, remains a safe place for all college students still far from graduation day. Fear not, then, and stop by for a visit!

Mysterious legends around the Mole include those who regard the work as a large antenna to radiate positive energy over the city. It is no mystery that Turin has always been considered a magical city because myths and legends of esoteric cults are linked to it. In fact, the city is known to be one of the tips of both triangles of black magic (with London and San Francisco) and white magic (with Prague and Lyon).

In addition, the Mole during particular anniversaries lights up in different colors, depending on the event being celebrated. You need only look up to see it colored blue, red or glowing with a thousand flashing lights.

The Mole: a visit to the Cinema Museum

The Mole Antonelliana is also home to the National Cinema Museum, one of the most important museums entirely dedicated to cinema in the world and the only museum of its kind in Italy. The museum houses several multimedia and interactive stations, equipment and materials from Italian and international sets, a large collection of films, books, prints, posters, playbills, old and modern film equipment, costumes, pieces of film sets, paintings and photographs.

Its setup is unique. It spirals upward on several exhibition levels, tracing the history of cinema from its origins to the present day by offering an interactive and evocative itinerary. A real journey of discovery into the world of cinema. Inside the Cinema Museum is the panoramic elevator of the Mole, made of transparent crystal, which in less than a minute reaches the “temple” of the Mole located 85 meters above the ground, from which one can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city of Turin and the surrounding Alpine arc.

For us, the Mole remains a fascinating and timeless place and we have to tell you, we have always been in love with it.Join Tour in Vespa NewsRemain updated on the launch of new tours and exclusive promotions: you will receive valuable tips to experience TourinVespa at its best!