The enlightenment writer Montesquieu once dubbed Turin as "the finest village in the world" thanks to a modern city plan that begun in the 17th century. While many Italian cities can be a warren of twisting side streets, Turin boasts wide avenues with arcades, large squares, and plenty of palazzi. To get a bird's eye view of the city takes a glass elevator ride to the top of La Mole Antonelliana, which is sort of like the Italian Eiffel Tower. This edifice was originally designed to be a Synagogue, but today is known for its great view of Torino as well as housing the museum of cinema.