Best Churches in Turin

Description:

The controversial Shroud of Turin (Sacra Sindone) and the chapel in which it is enshrined every jubilee year, Cappella della Santa Sindone, hold pride of place in this otherwise uninteresting, pompous 15th-century church. Even without the presence of one of Christianity's most precious relics (and it's only rarely on view in the silver casket elevated on an altar in the center of the room), the chapel is well worth a visit. Still under construction after a 1997 fire (one of many the shroud has miraculously survived, with an occasional singeing, over the centuries), the chapel is somberly clad in black marble. But, as if to suggest that better things await us in the heavens, it ascends to an airy, light-flooded six-tiered dome, one of the masterpieces of Italian baroque architecture.

The shroud, of course, is allegedly the one in which the body of Christ was wrapped when taken from the cross -- and to which his image was miraculously affixed. The image is of a man 1.7m tall (5 ft., 7 in.), with bloodstains consistent with a crown of thorns, a cut in the ribcage, cuts in the wrists and ankles, and scourge marks on the back from flagellation. Recent carbon dating suggests that the shroud was manufactured sometime around the 13th or 14th century, but the mystery remains, at least in part, because no one can explain how the haunting image appeared on the cloth. Also, additional radio carbon dating has suggested that, since the shroud has been exposed to fire (thus affecting carbon readings), it could indeed date from around the time of the death of Christ. Regardless of scientific skepticism, the shroud continues to entice hordes of the faithful.

The shroud is kept at the Museo della Sindone (Holy Shroud Museum) around the corner at Via San Domenico 28 (tel. 011-436-5832; www.sindone.it), open daily from 9am to noon and 3 to 7pm; admission is 5.50€ ($7.15) for adults and 4.50€ ($5.85) for those under 14 or over 65. The shroud was last on view during Italy's Jubilee celebrations in 2000. Technically, it shouldn't be on display again until the next Jubilee, in 25 years, but it tends to pop up every 5 to 15 years for special occasions. Otherwise, you'll have to content yourself with a series of dramatically backlit photos of the relic near the entrance to the cathedral, and another in the church of San Lorenzo. The museum houses a plethora of information (including photos, X-rays, and history) relating to the shroud.

In front of the cathedral stand two landmarks of Roman Turin -- the remains of a theater and the Porta Palatina, a Roman-era city gate, flanked by twin 16-sided towers.

Description:

Construction on this church began in 1679 under Guarino Guarini. The foundations were laid on the site where the church of Saint Andrea previously stood with its hexagonal presbytery. After the death of Guarini, Juvarra designed the dome upon which Bortoloni's fresco was painted. The 11th century Romanesque tower belonged to the previous church and now sits on the right hand side of the Basilica's facade. The church is decorated with many valuable marbles, most of which were votive offerings. The impressive marble floor is one of the main talking points of this church. Next to the Basilica della Consolata stands a 25 meter high dedicatory column. A statue of the virgin Mary was placed on top in 1835 as a thank you to the Madonna for keeping at bay the dreaded plague which devastated Europe that year.

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Located in Turin's atmospheric quadrilatero Romano, Turin's oldest and smallest café has barely changed since it opened in 1763. Frequented by Cavour, Dumas and Puccini, this establishment soon became very popular with the aristocracy. The minute interior has only eight marbled-topped tables and the original counter still stands as solid as ever whilst three dozen multi-coloured sweet jars perch on the shelves behind. It is the original home of the 'Bicerin'. An exquisite hot drink, with three layers, one espresso, one chocolate and one fresh cream in secret amounts, served in a tall glass so you can admire the fusion of colours and the aroma. Preferably sipped after mass at the Sanctuary of the Consolata just across the piazza, this is a truly Torinese ritual and not be missed on any account.

Description:

One of Italy's most stunning and beautiful squares, known locally as Turin's drawing room. Built in the mid 17th century and designed by Carlo di Castellamonte, perfectly laid out, porticoed and elegantly proportioned. At the square's southern end lie two churches, on the left, Santa Cristina, on the right, San Carlo, whilst in the centre stands a statue of Emmanuel Filbert, sculpted by Carlo Marocchetti in 1838, known as "El Caval 'd Brons" (The Bronze Horse). The square bisects Via Roma and makes the perfect place to stop for a coffee or apertivo after all that sightseeing and shopping.

Description:

One of the city's grandest cafés and most elegant meeting places, located in the beautiful Piazza San Carlo, known locally as 'Turin's drawing room'. Caffé Torino opened in 1903 and moved to its present location in the 1930's during the rebuiding of Via Roma. A favourite haunt of actors, poets and politicians, Cesare Pavese and Alcide De Gasperi were regulars, as were Brigitte Bardot and Ava Gardener. Caffé Torino is decorated with a heady mixture of cream and pistachio, glinting mirrors and sparkling chandeliers plus a belle epoque winding staircase. Famous quotations from international literary history adorn the walls and one above the bar pays homage to coffee: "dolce come l'amore, puro come un angelo, caldo come l'inferno". The atmosphere is definitely elegant but relaxed. In fair weather sitting at one of the outdoor tables, covered by 17th century porticoes, is a must. Between 18:00 and 21:00 you can snack off a fabulous selection of dishes and platters laid out along the bar for around 7 €. Don't forget to look out for the bull embedded in the pavement just outside, standing on his balls could bring you luck!

Description:

Caffè San Carlo is one of Turin's oldest and most famous, in many ways, it is the essence of Turin's café culture, a place where you can have an espresso or prosecco in real style. Early chroniclers called it "a palace", hardly surprising as the lavish mixture of gilded mirrors, rich plasterwork and classical art is topped with a very large helping of Murano chandelier. In 1832 it became the first café in all of Italy to use gas lighting, which enhanced the interior, a favourite of Cavour and a place where the Risorgimento patriots met. Today its the perfect place to pause, reflect and people watch, whether in the morning to see the locals 'take' their heart starting espresso and enjoy a chocolate or cream pastry, or in the evenings when they return for free stuzzichini (almost all the cafés feature these evening snacks, if you pay for a drink you can help yourself to an aladdin's cave of pizzette, frittata, roated vegetables, salads, cheese, salami, olives, bread and more!) and an aperitivo. A Torinese 'must do' since 1822.

Description:

The church of Santa Cristina was built on the request of Madama Reale, Maria Cristina, in 1639 on the project of Carlo di Castellamonte. The facade erected between 1715 and 1718, is the work of Juvarra. It has one nave and is rather simple in style, but the chapel dedicated to San Giuseppe and Santa Cristina. It has been built on the side of Via Roma in front of the church of San Carlo. These two sister churches stand out on the south side of the piazza.

Description:

Although the reasons why are obscure, the city has always been symbolized by a bull, but whatever the origin of the association, it must have had a positive value. This is the case with the bull in Piazza San Carlo. It is said that to tread on its horns, or even better its genitals, will bring great fortune. The only thing is that it must be done accidentally. And for this reason, you will not be told in what part of the square the bull is to be found, hoping that you will tread on him by accident!