Turin Cathedral

Turin Cathedral

The patron saint of Turin Cathedral is Saint John the Baptist. It is the main church in Turin, Italy, and the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Turin. Built between 1491 and 1498, it stands next to the bell tower (1470). The Chapel of the Holy Shroud houses the famous Shroud of Turin and was constructed between 1668 and 1694.

Although not very large, Turin Cathedral is world-famous for housing one of Christianity’s most closely guarded and controversial relics—the “Shroud of Jesus.” The Shroud is a linen cloth that bears the astonishing image of a full human body, believed by many to be Jesus. Although the Vatican has never officially declared the shroud to be authentic, it is still revered and preserved as a unique Christian artifact. The Shroud of Turin is publicly displayed only about four times every century, and each time, thousands of pilgrims from near and far flock to see it. They believe they are gazing upon the true likeness of Jesus Christ.

The Shroud of Turin was first discovered by the French. Around 1356, the shroud was publicly displayed for the first time, causing a sensation throughout the Christian world, as the image on the cloth not only bore a striking resemblance to the legendary Christ but also showed signs of bloodstains. Later, through research by religious scholars, it was concluded that this cloth had been used to wrap the body of Jesus after his crucifixion, thus preserving his image. The shroud originally appeared in the Middle East and was transferred through various hands before finally arriving in Italy. As a sacred Christian relic, Italy considers it a national treasure.

Turin Cathedral

Must-visit reason: Christianity’s most closely guarded relic in the world

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Piedmont Region [Piemonte Region]

City where the attraction is located: Turin [Turin]