Dominating the city skyline, you can’t fail to notice it: the Imperial Castle. At the time of the Holy Roman Empire, the castle was occasionally home to each of the emperors, and in the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important royal palaces. The sights here include the new castle museum, the palace with the emperor’s living quarters, the Romanesque Double Chapel, the Deep Well and the Sinwell Tower. The neighbouring garden is a must-see too. It might be small, but it’s a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city and is popular with residents too. The castle's garden is open from April to October.

A Baroque temple and one of the most important centres of pilgrimage of Christendom. It is also an artistic centre of prime importance with iconic artwork from a variety of eras. The frescoes of the vault of the Coreto and the Regina Martyrhum dome were painted by Goya.

Tucked amongst the mountains, the high altitude resort of Sestriere is a safe bet for guaranteed snow cover. Purpose built in the 1930’s, Sestriere is the capital of the Via Lattea or as it is known to ski aficionados – The Milky Way – a series of lifts that link a number of villages and offers a combined ski area of 400 km covering 140 slopes. The skiing caters for all levels of ability from beginner’s slopes to the technically challenging trails that were used for the alpine events during the 2005/2006 Winter Olympics. Asides from the skiing there are other winter activities designed to challenge and thrill, such as heli-skiing, ski-doo trails, winter hikes and ice skating. The resort has a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment venues that will cater for all your Après-ski requirements, whilst in the surrounding area there are many fine medieval castles and churches if you’re looking to sample a taste of the local history and culture. Slope Life: Host of the 2005/2006 Winter Olympic Alpine events and capital of the Milky Way, Sestriere is the star around which all the other resorts in the region gravitate. The Milky Way or the Via Lattea comprises the villages/resorts of Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana-Claviere and Mont Genevre (in France), which offer up to 400 km of pistes and are interlinked by a series of lifts. Throughout the area there are runs to suit all levels. However, Sestriere which stands at 2,035 m has the best access and offers the highest (2,823 m) and most challenging pistes in the area with Monte Sises providing more expert black runs. Advanced skiers can also find plenty of challenging off piste action in and around the region. The Monte Motta/Banchetta Mountains are more suitable for the intermediate skier, whilst beginners will be able to frolic on the slopes just above the resort. The resort is serviced by 20 lifts and in order to access the rest of the Milky Way, take the Col Basset gondola to Sauze d’Olux. Ski passes range from 1 to 15 days. The Via Lattea 1 day pass includes access to the resorts of Sestriere, Sauze d’oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere. International passes are also available. Sestriere also has a selection of high quality ski schools for those taking their first tentative steps on the snow: Scuola Sci Sestriere +39 0122 77060 www.scuolascisestriere.com Scuola Sci Borgata +39 0122 77497 www.scuolasciborgata.com Scuola Sci Vialattea Sestriere +39 0122 76528 www.scuolascivialattea.it And for all your equipment needs, the following supplier will be happy to oblige: Centro Sci Sestriere 2 Via Pinerolo +43 720 990 293 www.rentasport.it

The large market square located at the heart of the city centre is surrounded by a multitude of must-see sights. The daily market takes place here, where you can buy all sorts of tasty treats, flowers and spices. The ornate Beautiful Fountain is a well-photographed sight. The two rings on the fence are the focus of much attention. A legend says that if you turn the “golden ring” and make a wish, it will come true. The black ring, meanwhile, is said to bless women with children. The main market square is characterised by the facade of the Chruch of Our Lady constructed as an imperial royal chapel. Every day at noon the "Männleinlaufen" (mechanical clock and glockenspiel) takes place here - a daily event not to be missed!