 Duomo (San Giovanni Battista)Home of the Shroud
Address: Piazza San Giovanni - Via Livorno, 60
10122 - Centre
Turin
Nearest Bus or Train:15
Open Hours:Not available
San Giovanni Battista, better known as the Duomo, is a Cathedral that was constructed by the will of Cardinal Domenico Della Rovere. It was designed by Bartolomeo del Caprino da Settignano based on the plans of Baccio Pontelli. The style of the architecture is pure Renaissance, with the cathedral being made up of 3 aisles laid out like a Roman Cross. The façade is in white marble from Carrara. The entrance has three doors sculpted in wood from C.M. Ugliengo on a design by Cerutti. There is a copy of the Leonardo's 'Last Supper' on the centre door. A vault decorated with a fresco by Fea, Gonin and Vacca based on Talucchi's original designs is also on display. The large altar of the Chapel of the Crucifixion is the work of the Collino brothers. One can also see 'The Crucifixion' by Borelli, two gilded statues by Borelli and Clemente, two statues in marble by Legros represent Saint Cristina and Saint Teresa, the bust of Pius IX by Albertoni and the tomb of Cardinal Della Rovere. A large marble staircase on the far right of the aisle leads to the chapel of SS. Sindone is undergoing a restoration phase at the moment due to a terrible fire in 1997 that would have destroyed the famous Turin Shroud, but which was heroically saved by a fireman. This is one of the most important works by Guarini on the orders of Carlo Emanuele II finished in 1649 in order to house the Shroud in which the body of Christ is said to have been laid. It is one of the most important Baroque monuments for the daring architecture of the cupola and the various overlapping arches and the wonderful effects of light.
Services: Ordinary Days: 6pm Festive Days: 9am, 10.30am, midday, 6pm
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