Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Turin

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, Duomo di Torino) is located in the center of Turin, not far from other famous landmarks such as the Egyptian Museum, Palazzo Madama, and the Royal Palace.

It is the primary religious structure in Turin and the only remaining example of Renaissance architecture in the city. St. John the Baptist is the city’s patron saint, and in the cathedral named after him, the famous Shroud of Turin, bearing the image of Christ’s face and body, is preserved.

History of the Cathedral in Turin

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin was constructed at the end of the 15th century. Its construction wasn’t entirely from scratch; there was already a bell tower on the site, to which other church buildings were added. The work began in 1491 and was completed in 1498, overseen by the renowned sculptor and architect Bartolomeo di Francesco, known as Meo del Caprino. The building’s facade was entirely made of white Carrara marble and divided into three portals, each with wooden doors adorned with intricate carvings.

The cathedral was expanded with chapels on its sides, housing altars donated to the church by noble families of Turin. The layout of the cathedral’s interior resembles a Latin cross, characteristic of religious architecture from the Renaissance era.

Historical records indicate that an ancient Roman theater once stood on the cathedral’s site. In the middle of the 1st millennium AD, a complex of three churches dedicated to early Christian saints was erected here. One of them was also named after St. John the Baptist.
Nearly two centuries later, in 1667, construction began on the chapel intended to house the Holy Shroud, which had been brought to Turin in 1578. During this work, the cathedral underwent partial reconstruction.

Chapel of the Holy Shroud

The architect Guarino Guarini was responsible for constructing the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, which became part of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin. Sometimes the building is referred to as “Capella Guarini.” The construction lasted for 27 years and was completed in 1694.

Entering the chapel is possible by ascending one of two symmetrically located staircases at the sides of the building. Each staircase leads to a small circular room from which visitors can glimpse the main chamber. From the dark marble floor adorned with bronze stars, the gaze gradually rises to the brighter dome. This architectural feature creates a sense of ascent from earth to heaven, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ.

The Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin is one of the most valuable and renowned Christian relics, particularly venerated by Catholics. It refers to a piece of cloth or shroud in which, according to biblical texts, the body of Jesus was wrapped after being taken down from the cross. His outline and the marks of the wounds, especially around the head (traditionally believed to be from the crown of thorns), are imprinted on the cloth.

In 1997, a severe fire occurred inside the chapel. While the dome suffered significant damage, the Shroud remained unharmed and was quickly moved to a safe location. Restoration of the dome continues today, and the relic is now kept in a special fireproof case.

The Shroud, displayed for public viewing in the chapel of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, is a replica of the sacred relic. The genuine relic is kept in a separate, secret chamber and is viewable only once every 25 years. The next opportunity to see the actual Shroud will be in 2025.

The Turin Cathedral Today

Today, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin is a place of pilgrimage for Christian believers and an essential stop on most tourist excursions in the city. Besides the cathedral and chapel, visitors are also interested in the Museum of Sacred Art, located on the first floor of the building.

Address & Opening Hours of Turin Cathedral

The cathedral is located at Piazza San Giovanni, Turin. It is open to visitors every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a break from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. On Sundays, the doors of the Church of St. John the Baptist open at 8:00 AM. The chapel can be visited daily from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Interesting Facts about Turin Cathedral

1. Dating back to 1491, the Turin Cathedral of John the Baptist is renowned for housing the enigmatic Shroud of Turin, a relic with a history spanning over 500 years.
2. The cathedral features an impressive dome that reaches a towering height of 74 meters (243 feet), dominating Turin’s skyline since its completion in 1468, making it one of Italy’s tallest church domes.
3. With historical ties to the House of Savoy, the cathedral has been chosen for royal weddings and burials. Notably, it serves as the final resting place of King Victor Emmanuel II, Italy’s first unified king.
4. The cathedral boasts an exceptional collection of holy relics, including the Holy Grail, presented as a gift to Turin by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in 1714, making it a unique destination for religious pilgrims.
5. An architectural marvel, the cathedral seamlessly blends elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, reflecting the evolving artistic tastes and periods of its construction, showcasing Italy’s rich cultural heritage.

Things to Know Before Visit Turin Cathedral

The Museum of the Holy Shroud

The Museum of the Holy Shroud (Museo della Sindone) in Turin is not located within the premises of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist but has a close thematic and historical connection to it.

A leisurely 10-minute walk separates the cathedral and the museum. After exploring the exhibition and listening to the guide’s explanations, visitors can delve into the history of the primary Christian relic’s presence in Turin. They can view photographs of it from different periods and study the documentary results of the research conducted by scientists. Scientific and theological debates about its authenticity continue to this day, and a consensus has yet to be reached.

Address and Opening Hours of the Museum

The Museum of the Holy Shroud is located at 28 Via San Domenico. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a break in operations from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. For any updates regarding the exhibition, operating hours, ticket prices, guided tours, and other details about the museum, you can inquire by calling 011 4365832 or visiting the museum’s official website at www.sindone.org.