Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, Turin, Italy

The Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians (Basilica di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice) is a church in Turin, northern Italy. Originally part of the home for poor boys founded by John Bosco, it now contains the remains of Don Bosco, and 6,000 relics of other saints.

Giovanni Bosco commissioned the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians in order to coordinate all activities related to the Salesians in the Valdocco suburb. The church was designed by Antonio Spezia, who drew inspiration from the facade of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. It was built in 1865-1868 by Carlo Buzzetti (one of the first boys of the Oratory). The first stone was laid on 27 April 1865, in the presence of Prince Amedeo di Savoia. The church was consecrated in 1868.

According to legend, a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to John Bosco in 1844 or 1845 and revealed the site of the martyrdom of the Turinese saints Solutor, Adventor and Octavius. The Basilica dell'Ausiliatrice was built on the site of their death. The church houses the relics of these saints.

The basilica holds the tombs of saints Don Bosco, Maria Domenica Mazzarello, and Dominic Savio.

References:

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User Reviews

THE JOURNEY By Clara Keller (12 months ago)
A dream come true, a very different and special church, beautiful building and the Salesian spirit is everywhere. Mary Helper of Christian’s beautiful place to be honor , knowing the story of the church makes it even more especial, thank you Don Bosco and Main

Bobby Sumarkho (14 months ago)
Prepare to be wowed by this beautiful church. The grandeur of its interior was breathtaking. It's the place where Don Bosco body rests. It's also situated in the same complex of Don Bosco museum, another interesting place to learn about Don Bosco's life and his tremendous works that shaped the education even until now.

Ann Lynn (15 months ago)
Coming here to pray is truly a blessing. In this church lies the relic of St John Bosco. Having read the beautiful history of the church, you can feel that Our Lady is present inside. My husband and I felt so blessed to attend a mass here while we were in Turin.

Witold Drutel (2 years ago)
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful and terrific basilica in Turin. The beauty is in every detail as outside and inside the basilica. Worth to visit. Really interesting place to visit

Damian Zapart (2 years ago)
Great place but check the mass schedule before visiting on Sunday.

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