The Pietro Micca Museum in Turin tells the story of the city’s 1706 siege through weapons, maps, models and a surviving network of underground military galleries. Near the site of the old Citadel, this small museum offers a more intimate encounter with Turin’s Savoy-era history than the city’s grand palaces.
Its namesake was a miner in the Savoy army who died after setting off a powder charge to block French troops entering a defensive tunnel. The siege ended in victory for the Savoy forces and their allies, securing Turin and marking a turning point in the state’s rise. The museum’s exhibits explain the campaign, but descending into the narrow countermine passages makes the dangers of underground warfare especially vivid.
The galleries are usually visited with a guide, so check current tour times and language options before going. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip and bring a light layer: the tunnels are cool, with steps and uneven surfaces. The route may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility or claustrophobia, so ask the museum about access in advance.