Antonelliana

The Mole Antonelliana, commonly called the Mole, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Turin, Piedmont, Italy. It was designed by architect Alessandro Antonelli and originally commissioned in 1863 by the Jewish community of Turin as a synagogue and community building.

Construction began in 1863 and was completed in 1889. During its rise, the building’s height increased dramatically from an initial estimate of about 60 meters to 167.5 meters, making it one of the tallest brick and masonry structures in Europe at the time. The structure features an eclectic 19th-century design with a square base that rises to a tall vertical body and is crowned by a slender spire.

Today the Mole Antonelliana is no longer used for religious purposes. It serves as a cultural landmark and houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, the National Museum of Cinema. The interior includes a glass-walled panoramic elevator that carries visitors to a viewing platform near the top, providing expansive views of Turin and the surrounding area.

The Mole Antonelliana has become a symbol of Turin and a major tourist attraction, frequently appearing in city imagery and guides. Its height, architectural distinctiveness, and the museum within contribute to its status as a defining element of the city’s skyline.