Did you know that Turin had an extensive network of underground tunnels built during the early 18th century as a part of siege warfare upon the approach of enemies? This is one of those hidden gems of Turin that doesn’t normally feature on a conventional list of tourist attractions, but is quite a delight to visit.

The best part is, you are more likely to find an English or French tour guide here than in most other places, and all the guides are extremely warm and informative. Even those who speak only in Italian won’t hesitate to go the extra mile in wild gesticulation to put across a point.

The museum is dedicated to Pietro Micca, a patriot whose contribution to breaking the French siege of Turin in 1706 has come to symbolise all martyrs in the war. Pietro Micca was one of the miners helping the soldiers in the defence of the underground tunnels of the Torino fortress, referred to affectionately as ‘Passapertutt’ (going through everything). During the siege of Turin, the French were fervently persisting in breaking into the fortress several times, when one fateful night a couple of French soldiers succeeded in entering an upper tunneland were fighting the Torinos to get access to the lower one. Realising that the fuse of the bomb at the bottom of the staircase dividing the French from the Torinese was extremely short to be set fire to by the soldier accompanying him, Pietro Micca sprung to action and told him to leave.Soon thereafter, he set the fuse ablaze himself,resulting in an immediate explosion that crushed the vault of the staircase, obstructing the French, but that also flung him, lifeless, over a distance of forty metres.

Today, visitors are taken through the extensive labyrinth of tunnels, illuminated by lanterns, as a part of a fascinating glimpse into Turin below street-level.

• Car park available at Corso Bolzano.
• Taxi: Porta Susa station – call: 011-5620814.

• Reduced rate, EUR 2 for Over 65, Aged 10-18, Party Of 15 Min., University Students Up To 26 Years, People With Disabilities.
• Free for Abbonamento Musei holders, care-takers of physically challenged person, kids under 10, schools, students, Torino+Piemonte Card.

• Last entry is taken at 5:00 pm.

• From Porta Nuova (The Turin main railway station):
• Underground. Porta Susa station
• From Porta Susa railway station - on foot (just 5 minutes’ walk)

• Pizzeria la Sarda
• Master Sandwich
• Trattoria la Guarnizione

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Turin before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Turin and book an accommodation of your choice.