Surrounded by the Western Alpine Arch and in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Turin is one of Italy's most important cities. Located in the north west of the country, the city is a gateway to the Alps and Italy's industrial north. Famed for its arts, culture, Art Nouveau architecture and sporting heritage, visitors flock to Turin from across Europe. As the host of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, as well as being the home to both the Juventus and Torino football teams, sport really does put this city on the map. For those less interested in the city's sporting credentials, there are many castles, art galleries, piazzas and museums in the city centre to capture the imagination.