Church of San Francesco da Paola

The Church of San Francesco da Paola, located on via Po in Turin, is a fascinating example of 17th-century Baroque architecture. Its construction began in 1632 according to a design attributed to Andrea Costaguta, and was completed in 1667. The church was built with the support of Christine Marie of France, Duchess of Savoy, and was intended to serve as a place of worship for the monks of the Order of the Minims of San Francesco da Paola. The architecture of the church is characterized by its rectangular single-nave plan, with six side chapels. This design gives the interior a sense of spaciousness and solemnity, accentuated by the richness of Baroque decorations. The main altar, created between 1664 and 1665, is the work of Tomaso Carlone based on a design by Amedeo di Castellamonte, and is one of the focal points of the church with its elaborate marble decorations and golden stuccoes.The interior decorations of the church include frescoes and paintings of remarkable artistic value. The facade, originally frescoed by Francesco Guatier di Saluzzo, has an imposing yet harmonious appearance. Among the notable paintings are the large altar painted by Tommaso Lorenzoni and the canvas of the Holy Trinity by Sebastiano Taricco. In the choir, one can admire the paintings of the six apostles created by Bartolomeo Guidoboni, which contribute to creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality.Over the centuries, the church has undergone various transformations and restorations, but has retained its original charm. A significant event in the history of the church is related to the adjacent convent, which was converted into a school in the last century, demonstrating the adaptability and resilience of Turin’s historic buildings.