Mole Antonelliana

The Mole Antonelliana is one of the most iconic monuments in Turin, a symbol of great historical, artistic, and cultural importance. Designed by architect Alessandro Antonelli, its construction began in 1863 and was completed in 1889. Originally conceived as a synagogue, its history is complex and fascinating, reflecting the turbulence and aspirations of post-unification Italy. In 1848, with the promulgation of the Albertine Statute, the Jewish community of Turin obtained the right to freely practice their religion and decided to build a new synagogue. They chose Alessandro Antonelli, known for his ambitious architectural vision. The original project envisioned a 47-meter building, but Antonelli, driven by his passion for large structures, proposed a series of modifications that would bring the final height to 113 meters. However, rising costs and construction delays caused dissatisfaction among the Jewish community members, who eventually abandoned the project. In 1873, the city of Turin acquired the building, dedicating it to King Vittorio Emanuele II and transforming it into a national monument. The Mole Antonelliana was only completed in 1889, under the guidance of Antonelli himself until his death and then by his son Costanzo. The building is a unique example of architecture, with its square brick base and a succession of neoclassical elements culminating in a spectacular spire. The dome, topped by a neoclassical temple and a lantern, is one of its distinctive features. The spire, about 50 meters high, was initially decorated with a statue of the Winged Genius, later replaced by a five-pointed star after being damaged by a storm in 1904. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Mole Antonelliana is its current role as the seat of the National Cinema Museum. This museum, one of the most important in the world of its kind, was conceived during World War II and inaugurated in 2000. The museum’s collection, initiated by archaeologist Maria Adriana Prolo, includes pre-cinematographic optical devices, films, photographs, posters, and other film memorabilia. The museum also hosts the Turin Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film events in Italy. The Mole Antonelliana also has a significant impact on popular culture and the daily life of the people of Turin. An interesting anecdote concerns an urban legend that students from the University of Turin who climb to the top of the Mole will not graduate. This myth is so ingrained that many students avoid visiting the tower until the end of their studies. Architecturally, the Mole Antonelliana is a masterpiece of engineering and design. The structure is characterized by a massive masonry base, an imposing dome, and a spire that soars towards the sky. Its unique shape and height of 167.5 meters made it the tallest masonry building in the world at the time of its completion. Today, visitors can climb up to the panoramic terrace at 85 meters high via a panoramic elevator, inaugurated in 1961 and renovated in 1999, to enjoy a breathtaking view of Turin and the surrounding Alps. Another curiosity concerns its lighting. The Mole Antonelliana was one of the first buildings in Europe to be fully illuminated thanks to a gas system. In 2017, to celebrate the 110 years of the electric company Aem Torino, the building was illuminated with over 6000 LEDs, creating an impressive visual spectacle.