Turin’s Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, at Piazza San Giovanni near the Royal Palace, is the city’s main cathedral and the home of the Shroud of Turin. Its Renaissance interior is calm and relatively restrained, with marble details and a chapel dedicated to the shroud. The original is rarely displayed, so plan to see the chapel and learn about the relic through exhibits and multimedia presentations instead. Look up as you leave for a large reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper above the entrance.
A Renaissance cathedral in Turin
The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is Turin’s main Catholic cathedral and is dedicated to St John the Baptist. It stands in Piazza San Giovanni, close to the Royal Palace. The building was commissioned by Bishop Domenico della Rovere and designed by Tuscan architect Meo del Caprina. Construction took place from 1491 to 1498 on the site of three earlier churches, dedicated to the Saviour, St John the Baptist and St Mary.
The cathedral is the only surviving Renaissance building in Turin. Its interior is relatively understated, with marble decorations and a quiet atmosphere. Take time to look at the main altar and the painted decoration. Above the entrance, a large reproduction of the Last Supper is easy to miss if you leave without looking back.
The Chapel of the Holy Shroud
The cathedral is closely associated with the Shroud of Turin, a linen cloth that many believe was used to wrap Jesus after his crucifixion. Its authenticity has long been debated. The relic is kept in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, added to the cathedral in the 17th century by architect Guarino Guarini. The chapel connects the cathedral with the Royal Palace.
The original shroud is rarely shown to the public. Visitors may instead encounter a photographic reproduction and educational material about the cloth and its history. Multimedia presentations and a video with subtitles provide context for the relic. Seeing the chapel and learning about the shroud are distinct from viewing the original, so plan your visit with that difference in mind.
What to look for during your visit
The cathedral is a place of worship as well as a historic landmark. Its calm interior suits a quiet visit: look at the main altar, the marble details and the chapel, and allow time for reflection. The design is notable for its Renaissance character, which differs from the Baroque style found in many of Turin’s other churches.
The large Last Supper reproduction above the entrance is another detail to notice. The cathedral’s setting near the Royal Palace makes it straightforward to include alongside a visit to that part of the city. Entry to the cathedral is free; separate access arrangements may apply to the Diocesan Museum or the Chapel of the Holy Shroud on the Royal Museums route.
FAQ
Is Turin Cathedral free to enter?
Entry to the cathedral is free. Separate access arrangements may apply to the Diocesan Museum or the Chapel of the Holy Shroud on the Royal Museums route.
Can you see the original Shroud of Turin?
The original shroud is rarely on public display. The cathedral has exhibits and multimedia presentations about it, and visitors may see a photographic reproduction.
How long should I allow for Turin Cathedral?
Allow around 30 to 60 minutes for a short visit to the interior, chapel and exhibits.
What should I look for inside Turin Cathedral?
Look for the main altar, marble decorations, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud and the large Last Supper reproduction above the entrance.
