Turin Underground Tour: WWII Shelter & Royal Cellars Walk

Summary

Turin’s secret tunnels echo with stories from war to royalty

You’ll step beneath Turin’s surface with a local guide and wander through centuries-old tunnels, WWII air raid shelters, and ancient royal cellars. Feel the chill of history in your fingertips and hear stories echo off stone walls — it’s more than just a tour; it’s like stepping sideways in time for a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

“Down here, the city has a different heartbeat,” our guide Marco said as he flicked on his flashlight. I remember the way his voice bounced off the cold stone — it was weirdly comforting, like he’d done this a thousand times. We started at the Pietro Micca Museum, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small stepping into those tunnels. The air smelled old, not musty exactly, but like wet stone and something metallic. It made me think of history textbooks, except this time I could actually touch the walls.

Marco told us about Turin’s underground — how these 18th-century tunnels were once escape routes and later became hiding places during World War II. He pointed out scratch marks from people sheltering during bombings. There was this moment when we stood in the old air raid shelter and it just went quiet; even the group stopped shuffling for a second. I got goosebumps thinking about families huddled there while bombs fell above. You don’t get that kind of feeling on most city tours, you know?

The royal cellars were my favorite part — not because I’m into wine (though maybe I should be), but because of how cool it felt to run my hand along the curved brickwork. Marco tried to teach us an old Piedmontese word for “cellar.” Li laughed when I tried to say it — probably butchered it. By then we’d been underground almost two hours, but honestly, time felt different down there. When we finally climbed back up into daylight, Turin looked brighter somehow. I still think about that view up the stairs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Turin's underground tunnels

• Descend to ancient tunnels
• Visit WWII air raid shelter
• Explore ancient royal cellars

Top questions

How deep do you go on the Turin underground tour?

You descend about 50 feet below street level during the tour.

Is this Turin underground tour suitable for claustrophobic people?

No, it is not recommended for travelers who are claustrophobic.

What sites are included in the Turin underground guided tour?

The tour includes 18th-century tunnels at Pietro Micca Museum, a WWII air raid shelter, and ancient royal cellars in central Turin.

How long does the underground Turin tour last?

The experience lasts around two hours underground.

Are entrance fees included in the Torino Sotterranea tour?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this day trip physically demanding?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for walking and climbing stairs underground.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to all sites below street level — from Pietro Micca Museum’s historic tunnels to WWII air raid shelters and royal cellars — plus guidance from a knowledgeable local who brings every story to life as you walk together through Turin’s hidden layers.