The cathedral was elevated to its current status in 1748 by Pope Benedict XIV.
The original medieval structure was significantly altered during 19th-century renovations to reflect the Neo-Gothic architectural trends of the era.
The bell tower contains a carillon of bells that are historically significant to the local Pinerolo community.
The interior contains works by notable Piedmontese artists from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The cathedral layout features a three-nave plan with a central apse, a common configuration for regional cathedrals in the Piedmont area.
The Cathedral of Saint Donatus, or Cattedrale di San Donato, serves as the seat of the Bishop of Pinerolo. The current structure is primarily the result of a significant 19th-century restoration that modernized the building's medieval foundations. It features a notable brick facade and a tall bell tower that dominates the historic town square. Inside, the cathedral houses several 17th-century paintings and a marble high altar. The site historically evolved from a parish church into a cathedral when the Diocese of Pinerolo was established in 1748. It is constructed in the Piedmontese Gothic style, typical of the region's ecclesiastical architecture. The cathedral remains an active place of worship and the focal point of the Piazza San Donato.
From the center of Piazza San Donato looking upward toward the bell tower and the main entrance.
Visit during the weekday mornings to appreciate the architectural details without crowds.
Walk around the exterior perimeter to observe the original brickwork contrast against the 19th-century facade additions.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic Pinerolo streets, as the cathedral is the geographic heart of the old town.
Avoid visiting during Sunday morning mass services if you wish to walk around and inspect the artwork, as the cathedral is reserved for worshipers.
Maintain a quiet demeanor and adhere to a modest dress code that covers shoulders and knees.
