The Renaissance cathedral (1491-1498) that houses the Holy Shroud, with Guarini's Baroque chapel (1668-1694) reopened in 2018.
The Duomo di San Giovanni Battista stands on Piazza San Giovanni beside the Roman remains of Turin, Piedmont, Italy. It is the city's cathedral and was built between 1491 and 1498 under Cardinal Domenico della Rovere on the site of earlier churches. The white marble facade and compact basilican plan make it the only major Renaissance church in Turin, and its detached bell tower, designed by Filippo Juvarra in the early 18th century, rises beside it. Inside, the nave and side chapels hold altarpieces and tombs, and the cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Turin.
The cathedral is chiefly known for the Holy Shroud, the linen cloth believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus. The Savoy family brought it to Turin in 1578, and it has been kept there since, belonging to the House of Savoy until the death of Umberto II in 1983 and then passing to the Holy See. It is exhibited only rarely, on special occasions, and normally remains in a protective case; a faithful replica is displayed in the cathedral for visitors.
The Chapel of the Holy Shroud, designed by Guarino Guarini between 1668 and 1694, rises above the east end and is connected to the Royal Palace. Its dome of interlocking arches and its black marble interior are among the most daring achievements of Baroque architecture. A fire in 1997 devastated the chapel, and a lengthy restoration followed. It reopened in 2018 after more than twenty years of work, and visitors now enter through the Musei Reali route.
The approach to the site is chronological and devotional: the Renaissance cathedral, the Baroque chapel and the nearby Roman theatre together trace successive layers of the city. The cathedral is free to enter during opening hours, while the chapel is covered by the Musei Reali ticket, about EUR 18. Visitors are asked to dress modestly, keep silent in prayer areas and avoid flash photography. Current exhibition arrangements for the relic should be confirmed at sindone.org.
| Admission | Cathedral free; chapel with the Musei Reali ticket, about EUR 18 (approx. $20.70) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Cathedral open daily; Chapel of the Holy Shroud through the Musei Reali route. Confirm at sindone.org |
| Address | Piazza San Giovanni, 10122 Torino |
Why it matters
The cathedral houses the Holy Shroud, one of the most venerated and debated relics in Christianity, kept in Turin since 1578 under the House of Savoy. Guarini's chapel is a landmark of Baroque architecture in Europe.
Location
Piazza San Giovanni, 10122 Torino
45.0734, 7.6862 View on map
Highlights
- Renaissance marble facade of the 1491-1498 cathedral
- Guarini's Baroque Chapel of the Holy Shroud with its interlocking-arch dome
- Replica of the Holy Shroud displayed in the cathedral
- Juvarra's bell tower beside the church
Tips for visiting
- The cathedral is free; the chapel is reached with the Musei Reali ticket of about EUR 18.
- Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and avoid visiting during services.
- Look up at the chapel dome; a small mirror or camera zoom helps with the geometry.
- Confirm access at sindone.org because relic and chapel arrangements can change.
- Combine with the Roman Theatre, which sits just outside the cathedral.
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Frequently asked questions
Can visitors see the actual Holy Shroud?
The original is exhibited only on rare special occasions and is normally kept in a protective case. A replica is displayed in the cathedral at other times.
How long does a visit take?
The cathedral takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Adding the chapel and Musei Reali route makes it a longer visit of one to two hours.
Is the cathedral suitable for children?
Children are welcome, though quiet behaviour is expected in a working church. The chapel visit is brief and suits school-age children.