Church of the Great Mother of God

The Church of the Gran Madre di Dio in Turin is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture located on the right bank of the River Po. Built to celebrate the return of Vittorio Emanuele I of Savoy after the defeat of Napoleon, its construction began in 1818 and was completed in 1831. The project was entrusted to the architect Ferdinando Bonsignore, who was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, giving the church a circular plan and an imposing portico. The church stands on a majestic staircase, dominated by two statues representing Faith and Religion, created by the sculptor Carlo Chelli in 1828. These figures symbolize the fundamental values of the Catholic Church and, according to some legends, one of them could even hold the Holy Grail. This detail has helped fuel the aura of mystery surrounding the Gran Madre di Dio, making it a place of great charm and curiosity. The tympanum of the church is decorated with a marble relief by Francesco Somaini, depicting the Virgin with the Child, receiving homage from the Turin decurions. This sculptural element emphasizes the deep bond between the city of Turin and its Marian devotion. The interior of the church is simple yet solemn, with a single circular nave and a main altar located to the east, characterized by two large columns in red porphyry. Among the works of art preserved inside, the sculptures of San Carlo Borromeo and San Giovanni Battista, created by Giuseppe Bogliani, stand out, as well as the statue of the Gran Madre di Dio with the Child, a work by Andrea Galassi. The dome, decorated with five orders of octagonal coffers, is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, culminating in a circular oculus that filters the external light. The base of the church houses an ossuary dedicated to the fallen of the First World War, built between 1933 and 1940. This place of memory underlines the historical and social importance of the church, not only as a place of worship, but also as a symbol of commemoration and respect for the sacrifices of the soldiers. The Gran Madre di Dio is strategically located, overlooking the Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge and the central Piazza Vittorio Veneto. This location, together with the panoramic view of the nearby Monte dei Cappuccini, contributes to creating one of the most suggestive views of Turin. The church is easily accessible from both the city center and the Porta Nuova and Porta Susa railway stations, with tram and bus stops in the immediate vicinity. An interesting anecdote concerns the legend that the church was built on an ancient temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. This story adds an additional layer of mystery and fascination to the Gran Madre di Dio, attracting history and legend enthusiasts.