The Shroud of Turin
The highlight of any pilgrimage to Turin is, of course, the Shroud. Called Sacra Sindone in Italian, is located at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista). As you enter, the image of Christ’s face welcomes you, and marks the chapel dedicated to the shroud. It is enclosed in a protective vault that is visible through a window, with kneelers in front and this prayer in several languages.
Our visit came shortly after recent news of scientific collaboration lending even more credibility to the authenticity of the shroud, including:
- The material that makes up the shroud places it in Jerusalem, including pollen from that region.
- Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) dating dates the shroud to 2000 years ago. (Carbon dating in 1988 was done on a 1694 repair “patch” to the Shroud and therefore showed a much more recent date; not of the Shroud itself but of that patch.)
- The image shows the front and back of a man with wounds matching the Passion as described in the Gospels, including marks from nails in the hands and feet, a spear wound on the side, and signs of scourging. Blood compounds are consistent with severe physical trauma.
When visiting, one can expect to see the Shroud itself only during rare public showings, as it is typically kept in a climate-controlled case for preservation. However, the chapel’s art and architecture, along with the story of the Shroud, are always accessible.
The Cathedral also contains a relic of Saint John the Baptist.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, known for his deep faith, love for the poor, and charismatic personality, lies in repose in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin. Born into a wealthy family in 1901, he dedicated much of his life to serving the underprivileged, often giving away his own possessions. His tomb has become a place of pilgrimage for those inspired by his life of joyful sanctity and his motto, “Verso l’alto” (“To the heights”), symbolizing his spiritual aspirations. Visitors to his tomb can seek his intercession, particularly for those in need of spiritual upliftment or facing personal hardships, as he has been attributed with numerous miracles post-mortem, leading to his beatification in 1990 and planned canonization on August 3, 2025.
Saint John Bosco
Our visit to the Basilica of Maria Ausilatrice introduced us to the resting place of Saint John Bosco, a pivotal figure in Catholic education and youth ministry. Born in 1815 in Turin, Bosco founded the Salesian Society (after St. Francis de Sales), dedicated to the education and spiritual formation of young people, especially the underprivileged. His tomb, located within the basilica, serves as a beacon for those who admire his commitment to youth, his preventive system of education, which emphasized love rather than punishment, and his profound devotion to Mary Help of Christians. Visitors can experience a sense of peace and inspiration, reflecting on Bosco’s life, where his influence continues through the global network of Salesian schools and youth centers.
Eucharistic Miracle of Turin
At the Basilica of Corpus Domini in Turin, we encountered the location of a Eucharistic Miracle that took place in 1453. According to tradition, during the French occupation of the town of Exilles, not far from Turin, soldiers stole a monstrance holding a consecrated Host. On their way to Turin, a donkey hauling the plunder stopped in its tracks, the Host emitted a brilliant light, and rose in the air. We arrived just as the congregation was preparing for Mass.
Basilica di Superga
The Basilica di Superga, perched on a hill overlooking Turin, was built as a offering by Vittorio Amedeo II, Duke of Savoy, in gratitude for his victory over the French in the Battle of Turin in 1706. This decisive battle during the War of the Spanish Succession freed Turin from siege and secured the duchy’s independence. The basilica not only serves as a magnificent church but also as a mausoleum for the House of Savoy, with many royal family members interred there. Its location offers one of the best panoramic views of Turin and the surrounding Alps.
Sacra di San Michele
The Sacra di San Michele, perched atop Mount Pirchiriano in Turin, Italy, is a pivotal point along the mystical “Sword of Saint Michael,” a line that connects seven sanctuaries dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel across Europe and the Holy Land. This imaginary line, stretching from Skellig Michael in Ireland to the Stella Maris Monastery in Israel, is amazing considering that each of these sights were created well before accurate maps.
Sacra di San Michele is also the inspiration for The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. Founded by Saint Giovanni Vincenzo in the late 10th century, this abbey was built on the site where, legend says, Saint Michael the Archangel appeared in order to guide the construction.
Earthly Delights of Turin
Luigi Lavazza opened a small grocery store on Via San Tommaso in 1895, in Turin. Luigi was among the first to experiment with blending different coffee varieties from around the world, setting the foundation for what would become one of Italy’s premier coffee brands. The morning espresso (or two) has become our Italian tradition, and we loved the tour. The tour is self-guided and covers the history of the family, Lavazza brand, process of making coffee, its cultural impact in Italy and beyond, and concludes with a tasting. We chose a Bicerin as our vehicle to enjoy Lavazza.
Bicerin, is a decadent blend of espresso, rich hot chocolate, and cream, served in layers in a small, clear glass. Originating in the 18th century at Caffè al Bicerin, this beverage is a testament to Turin’s deep-rooted coffee and chocolate culture. The name “Bicerin” comes from the Piedmontese word for “small glass,” reflecting how this drink is traditionally served. The line at Caffè Bicerin was literally out the door, so we opted to indulge in Bicerin at a nearby book/coffee shop.
Gianduja is a delightful chocolate-hazelnut confection originating from Turin, Italy, dating back to the early 19th century. During Napoleon’s blockade, which limited access to cocoa, inventive chocolatiers in Turin began mixing locally abundant hazelnuts with chocolate to stretch their supplies. This creation, named after a local carnival character, Gianduja, became known as gianduja paste, initially sold in block form to be sliced and spread on bread. We thoroughly enjoy the mini gold bar candies when we can find them.
In 1964, Ferrero created a spread that captures the flavor of Gianduja: Nutella. It is said that 25% of the world’s hazelnut supply goes into satisifying the world-wide demand for Nutella. We believe it.
These earthly delights only add to all the heavenly ones, making a Turin a memorable pilgrimage indeed.