Mole Antonelliana, Historic tower in Crocetta Centre, Turin, Italy
The Mole Antonelliana is a 168-meter tower in the Crocetta Centre district of Turin, topped with an aluminum spire. The masonry structure measures 50 meters wide and displays eclectic architecture combining elements from different building traditions.
Construction began in 1863 as a synagogue for the Jewish community of Turin, but rising costs led to the transfer of ownership to the city authorities in 1876. Completion came only in 1889 after multiple design changes and technical challenges during the building phase.
The building houses the national cinema museum of Italy, with exhibits arranged across multiple levels inside the tower. Visitors walk through spiral galleries displaying projectors, film posters and early cameras from different periods of film history.
An elevator takes visitors to the observation platform at 85 meters, offering views over the city and the Alpine mountain range. Access to the museum and the platform is through the main entrance on Via Montebello.
The structure appears on the Italian two-cent euro coin and is recognized as the tallest museum building in the world. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche referenced the construction in his writings during his stay in the city.
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