The sanctuary is built exactly on the slope where the farmhouse of John Bosco’s birth stood, known as 'I Becchi'.
The circular architecture of the Upper Basilica was intentionally designed to reflect the unity and openness of the Salesian community.
The complex includes a dedicated ethnographic museum housing over 1,000 items related to 19th-century agricultural tools and domestic life.
St. John Bosco’s original house has been preserved in its original location as a historical monument within the complex grounds.
The interior of the Basilica features modern stained glass and mosaic work that illustrates significant moments in the life of Don Bosco.
The site hosts a permanent exhibition detailing the history of the Salesian Order and its expansion across the world.
The surrounding landscape is part of the designated UNESCO World Heritage site area of Piedmontese vineyards.
The Basilica of Don Bosco stands at the birthplace of Saint John Bosco, the 19th-century educator and founder of the Salesian Order. The site consists of a two-level sanctuary constructed between 1961 and 1984 to mark the centenary of his birth. The Upper Basilica features a circular design topped by a prominent dome visible across the Piedmontese hills. The Lower Basilica includes the 'Chapel of Mary Help of Christians' and acts as a burial site for several Salesian figures. The surrounding grounds, known as Colle Don Bosco, encompass the original cascina where Bosco was born and spent his childhood. Visitors can explore the ethnographic museum located on-site, which documents traditional rural life in the Asti region during the 1800s. The complex serves as a global pilgrimage destination for members and affiliates of the Salesian Society. It is situated in a rural landscape approximately 30 kilometers east of Turin.
The main courtyard offering an unobstructed view of the dome set against the backdrop of the Piedmont hills.
Walk the outdoor path leading to the 'Cascina Moglia' to view the restored 19th-century farmhouse where Bosco grew up.
Visit the ethnographic museum early in your stay to better understand the rural context of the saint’s early life.
Check the bulletin boards near the entrance for daily pilgrimage group activities that may affect access to specific chapels.
Assuming the site is only a single building; failing to explore the outdoor historical farmhouse area is a common oversight.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; maintain silence inside the chapels.
