The cathedral is the only Renaissance religious structure in Turin, contrasting with the city's prevailing Baroque architecture.
The bell tower, or Campanile, stands 60 meters tall and was built between 1468 and 1470.
The Shroud of Turin, often claimed to be the burial cloth of Jesus, is kept in a climate-controlled reliquary and is rarely displayed to the public.
The Chapel of the Holy Shroud was closed for 28 years for structural repairs following the 1997 fire and reopened only in 2018.
Architect Guarino Guarini designed the chapel's dome using a unique overlapping rib system that creates a star-shaped aperture.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin is the only Renaissance-style religious building in the city, constructed between 1491 and 1498. It is best known for housing the Shroud of Turin in a dedicated side chapel. The cathedral was built on the site of three pre-existing early medieval churches. Its iconic white marble facade features a Renaissance portal and a tall brick bell tower, the Campanile, which was added in the 15th century and later modified. The Chapel of the Holy Shroud, designed by architect Guarino Guarini, is a masterwork of Baroque architecture known for its complex black marble dome. The interior layout follows a Latin cross plan with three naves. Significant restoration efforts were completed following a major fire in 1997 that damaged the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. The cathedral remains the seat of the Archbishop of Turin.
The piazza fronting the cathedral provides the best perspective of the Renaissance marble facade.
Check the official diocesan website in advance to see if the Shroud or specific interior areas are accessible during your visit.
Walk around the exterior to view the brick bell tower, which is distinct from the white marble of the main cathedral body.
Do not expect to see the physical Shroud of Turin on display; it is stored securely and only shown during rare, officially announced ostensions.
The cathedral may be closed to tourists during Sunday masses and major religious holidays.
Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered. Silence is strictly observed during liturgical functions.
