The "Mole Antonelliana", the architectural symbol of Turin, was launched by the architect Alessandro Antonelli (from the city of Novara) in 1863. Originally conceived as a synagogue, it was purchased in 1878 by the Municipality of Turin, while it was still under construction, to turn it into a monument for national unity.

With a height of 167.5 meters, the "Mole" is the most impressive building in the city center of Turin and for a long time was even considered the highest stone construction in Europe. Still, during the twentieth century it was repeatedly restored and strengthened by reinforced concrete and steel beams.

Besides being an excellent scenic spot, since 2000, it has been the location of the National Museum of Cinema in Turin, the first museum in the world dedicated to cinema. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind place.