Church of the Holy Cross

The Church of Santa Croce in Turin, located in via Giovanni Verdi, is a jewel of Piedmontese Baroque architecture, with roots dating back to the 17th century. Founded in 1631, the church was built at the request of the Confraternity of the Disciplinants, a religious order dedicated to penance and prayer. Its construction took place during a period of intense building and religious activity that characterized Turin at the time. The building has a simple yet elegant facade, adorned with a carved wooden portal and surmounted by a broken pediment, adding a touch of dynamism to the structure. The portal is flanked by two niches housing statues of saints, a typical decorative element of Baroque architecture. The interior of the church, with a single nave, is an extraordinary example of art and devotion. The nave is flanked by side chapels, each housing altars dedicated to various saints and decorated with valuable works of art. Among these, the main altar stands out, a true work of art made of marble, dominating the presbytery area. Above the altar, a large fresco depicting the Crucifixion of Christ captures the attention of visitors, thanks to the skillful use of light and color creating a sense of depth and drama. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Church of Santa Croce is its collection of artworks. Among the masterpieces preserved inside is an altarpiece attributed to Giovanni Battista Crosato, an 18th-century Venetian painter, depicting the Holy Cross exalted by angels. This work, with its lively style and bright colors, is a perfect example of Piedmontese Baroque art. The side chapels are equally rich in decorations and artworks. For example, the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel houses a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, venerated by the faithful for the numerous miracles attributed to it. The Chapel of Saint Joseph, on the other hand, is decorated with a cycle of frescoes depicting episodes from the saint’s life, created by local artists of the 18th century. An interesting anecdote concerns the church bell, known as the “Big Bell of Santa Croce.” According to tradition, this bell was cast using bronze from enemy cannons captured during one of the many wars that have marked the history of Piedmont. Today, the sound of the Big Bell accompanies the main liturgical celebrations, calling the faithful to prayer. From a historical perspective, the Church of Santa Croce has witnessed numerous significant events. During the French occupation, the church was requisitioned and turned into a military depot, suffering significant damage. Only with the Restoration and the return of the House of Savoy, the church could be returned to the religious community and restored to its original function.