Turin Cathedral Tours

Turin Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and street scenes
The major RomanCatholic church of Turin is the current resting place of the Shroud of Turin,what many believe to be the burial cloth for Jesus.

Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the Turin Cathedral hasstood next to the Royal Palace since 1498. Taking seven years to build, thestructure was constructed on the ruins of three older basilicas. The largest ofthese was also dedicated to Saint John, the others to the Holy Savior and SaintMary of Dompno.

A blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, theCathedral has three distinct sections: the Belltower, the Chapel of the HolyShroud and the Church. The Church and Belltower date from the 1400s, while the Chapel is the newestaddition, having been completed in 1694 after taking nearly 28 years to build.

It is the Chapel, and more importantly, what lies inside theChapel, that has inspired many pilgrimages and much debate. The Shroud of Turinis believed by many to be the final burial cloth of Jesus Christ. The replicaof the Shroud is displayed for public viewing near the front of the Cathedraland is open every day except for several hours over lunch. The real Shroud islocked away and is displayed only by papal decree a special exhibition of the Shroud is scheduledfor 45 days between mid-April and mid-August 2015.

Make sure to look at the photographic display of the Shroudnear the entranceway, which includes a black-and-white negative image of thecloth. The images on the Shroud that have faded over time are much crisper inthis display, which is also available to photograph.

Although perhaps less intriguing, but beautifully crafted,are the various shrines that line the Cathedral’s sidewalls. Adorning the wallabove the entrance doors is a reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s famed Last Supper mural, this time hanging asan oil painting, well worth a photograph.

The cathedral is a few minutes’ walk from the center ofTurin in the Piazza San Giovanni. Whatever your beliefs are, the TurinCathedral is fascinating to all. Walk around to take it all in at your own leisure, or pay a local guide to give you a tour.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Turin Cathedral

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Turin Cathedral

Pacific Hotel Fortino
Pacific Hotel Fortino
4 out of 5
Strada Del Fortino, 36, Turin, TO
Pacific Hotel Fortino
Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze
Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze
5 out of 5
Via Piero Gobetti, 15, Turin, TO
Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze
Le Petit Hotel
Le Petit Hotel
3 out of 5
Via San Francesco D'assisi 21, Turin, TO
Le Petit Hotel
Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa
Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa
4 out of 5
Via Nino Costa, 4, Turin, Torino
Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa
Grand Hotel Sitea
Grand Hotel Sitea
5 out of 5
Via Carlo Alberto, 35, Turin, TO
Grand Hotel Sitea
Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano
Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano
3 out of 5
Via Cernaia 46, Turin, TO
Best Quality Hotel Dock Milano
NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano
NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano
4 out of 5
Via Porta Palatina, 19, Turin, TO
NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.