The world's oldest Egyptian museum is not in Cairo: it is in Turin, since 1824, when Charles Felix bought consul Drovetti's collection. In richness it is ranked second only to Cairo's, and Egyptologists have worked here for two centuries — "the road to Memphis and Thebes", wrote Champollion, "passes through Turin".
What to see
The tomb of Kha and Merit, found intact in 1906 with its furnishings, loaves and unguents from 3,400 years ago — the exhibit that alone justifies the trip; the rock temple of Ellesija, Egypt's gift for Italy's help in the Nubian rescue; the Royal Papyrus and the Gallery of the Kings, its monumental statues staged theatrically by film designer Dante Ferretti after the 2015 renewal.
Visiting
Timed booking is warmly advised at weekends and holidays. The full route takes three hours; audioguides have long been included in the ticket. With children it works surprisingly well: mummies and sarcophagi never fail.
Getting there
Dead centre, on Via Accademia delle Scienze, steps from Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo: ten minutes' walk under the arcades from Porta Nuova station.
Our editors' tip
Enter at opening and go AGAINST the flow: start from the Gallery of the Kings, a bottleneck by midday, then climb back through the upper floors. And give the tomb of Kha five true minutes: that everyday trousseau — the loaves, the sandals, the make-up jars — is ancient Egypt ceasing to be stone and returning to life.