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Wendy Crumbo, Staff Writer
In a surprising vote, the northern Italian city of Turin was awarded the 2006 Winter Games by the International Olympic Committee on June 19, 1999. Turin, an industrial city of over a million people beat out Sion, Switzerland, a small village of 26,000 in the heart of the Swiss Alps. This was Turin's first ever bid as an Olympic host city. The last time Italy hosted the Olympic Games they were held in Cortina D'Ampezzo in 1956.
The victory for Turin was apparently due to the controversy surrounding what is being called the Olympic's worst scandal in its 105 year history. Marc Hodler, the Swiss IOC executive board member, had previously accused the committee of wide spread corruption. It is believed that these remarks caused Sion to fall out of favor with the remaining members on the IOC. This was Sion's third bid as a host city, following failed attempts at the 1972 and 2002 Games. The last time Switzerland hosted the Olympics was in St. Moritz in 1948.
Moments after the announcement was made, Turin mayor, Valentino Castellani, addressed the Italian delegation, "For us, it was only a dream. Now it's a reality. It's hard to be convinced, to be completely awake." Back in Turin, people crowded the streets in celebration with cheers and champagne.
Turin lies on the banks of the Po River, 239 meters above sea level and is 515 km northwest of Rome. The industrial city ranks second, only to Milan, in manufacturing. Fiat, Italy's largest automobile manufacturer, strongly influences the local economy along with textiles, leather goods, and fashion. Unsurprisingly, in the city sometimes called 'Italian Detroit', you can find the Museo dell' Automotive. Every car lover's dream would be to come here and relish themselves upon the Ferraris, Maseratis, Bugattis and other well known Italian automobiles.
Not being considered one of the leading tourist cities in Italy, the Olympic Games will draw in tens of thousands, who would not have visited otherwise. Many will be surprised at the number of fascinating historical buildings and monuments located in this region of the country. Among these are the Palazzo Reale, the palace where the royal Savoy's resided. The Piazza San Carlo, some presume, to be the most impressive square in Italy. Situated in the center, you will find a statue of Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy.
It is this great city that served as the first capital of the United Kingdom of Italy. It houses the Palazzo Carignano, which was the meeting place of the first Italian parliament. This was also the birthplace of Carlo Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele II, Kings of Savoy.
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Turin would be the Duomo, the Renaissance cathedral that houses the Holy Shroud. The Shroud is a 14 foot linen cloth, which many Roman Catholics believe to be the cloth that the body of Christ was wrapped in when it was removed from the Cross.
Without traveling a great distance, you will reach the tallest mountains in all of western Europe. Monte Bianco (4810 meters) and Monte Cervino (4478 meters). For the avid skier, one can indulge themselves on the slopes of both mountains while taking pleasure in the beautiful natural surroundings. For those who wish to witness this majestic sight in a more relaxing fashion, you can ride cable cars as you enjoy the extraordinary view.
During the time that the Olympic Games will be in Turin, the average temperature may range from 45 to 55 degrees in the daytime, and fall to 30 to 40 degrees at night. With the weather being quite comfortable, one may find this an ideal spot to plan an excursion and encounter all the wonderful things Turin has to offer. Not to mention the experience one would have attending one of the most traditional events of our time, The Olympic Games. What better place to do this ... than in Turin, Italy.
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