Church of San Tommaso

The Church of San Tommaso in Turin is an important testimony of the history and religious architecture of the city. Located in via Pietro Micca, the church has medieval origins and has undergone numerous restoration and renovation interventions over the centuries, which have modified and enriched its appearance. The foundation of the church dates back to 1250, by the Augustinian monks, who built a Gothic-style building. However, the original structure was almost completely replaced during the renovation works in the 17th century, when the church was rebuilt in a Baroque style, giving it its current appearance. This renovation was commissioned by the Company of San Paolo, an ancient Turin confraternity, which intended to give new splendor to the building. The facade of the church, simple but elegant, is characterized by a central portal surmounted by a tympanum and a series of rectangular windows. The interior, on the other hand, surprises with the richness of decorations and works of art. The church has a Latin cross plan, with a single nave and side chapels, each of which houses altars and paintings of great artistic value. Among the most significant works in the church is the main altar, made of marble and decorated with a golden tabernacle. The altar is surmounted by a painting depicting Saint Thomas Aquinas, the work of a local artist from the 17th century. This painting celebrates the titular saint of the church, known for his theological and philosophical depth, and represents one of the focal points of the building. The side chapels are enriched with numerous paintings and sculptures. Of particular interest is the chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph, which houses a statue of the saint created by Carlo Giuseppe Plura in the 18th century. This finely crafted statue depicts Saint Joseph with the Baby Jesus in his arms, in a gesture of protection and affection. Another element of great artistic value is the cycle of frescoes decorating the vault of the nave. These frescoes, the work of various local artists, depict scenes from the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas and other Augustinian saints. The skillful use of color and light gives the scenes a liveliness and depth that capture the attention of visitors. An interesting anecdote concerns the presence of a relic of Saint Thomas Aquinas, preserved in a silver reliquary near the main altar. This relic, a bone fragment of the saint, is the object of great devotion by the faithful, who go on pilgrimage to ask for intercessions and graces. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several restoration interventions, necessary to preserve its integrity and beauty. Among the most recent restorations is that of the bell tower, dating back to the 20th century. This intervention has allowed to consolidate the structure and restore the bell chamber, from which one can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city.