San Lorenzo Church

Turin, Italy

San Lorenzo, also known as the Royal Church of Saint Lawrence, is a Baroque-style church in Turin, adjacent to the Royal Palace of Turin. The present church was designed and built by Guarino Guarini during 1668-1687.

Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, was one of the leaders of the Habsburg armies of his cousin Philip II of Spain; they decisively defeated the French armies in the Battle of Saint-Quentin in Northern France on 10 August 1557, the Feast of St. Lawrence (San Lorenzo), which affected the outcome of the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis; in which, the Savoy, including Turin, was returned to the rule of the mercenary duke. That the Battle occurred on the Saint's feast instigated Phillip's denomination and design of the palace of El Escorial. Emmanuel Philibert, on his return to Turin in 1562, renovated the old ducal chapel of Santa Maria ad Presepae, which is still present near the entrance, and erected this church dedicated to St. Lawrence. Construction of the contemporary church began in 1634.

The architect Guarino Guarini was a great innovator in Baroque principles first developed by the great Roman Baroque architect Francesco Borromini, in particular the play with optical effects and organic 'deconstruction' of the classical orders and principles of column and entablature. However, in San Lorenzo Guarini took these further. The ground plan is a kind of square which becomes an octagon at the level of the entablatures above the columns only to change again to become a Greek cross at the level of the pendentives of the vaults. Again, the base of the dome is circular in plan yet the lantern above it octagonal. The dome itself is supported by eight ribs forming a lattice similar to those found in mosques and Romanesque churches in Spain. To this superposition of - by the standards of convention - contradictory central plans is added an elliptical choir. The high altar, separated from the nave by a convex and concave archway receives natural light from a hidden dome, devices drawn from the other key Roman Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The dome

Eight intersecting arches support the dome forming an eight-pointed star that resembles characteristics of mosques, with smaller windows adorning the areas between the arches. On the top, the lantern is surrounded by an octagonal shape.

The combination of these geometrical features and the reflection of light creates shapes that resemble faces, with the bottom window as the mouth, the smaller opening above comprising the nose, and the two upper windows as the eyes. Due to the position and shape of the eyes and mouth, these features have been called the “face of the devil” (faccia del diavolo).

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Details

Founded: 1668-1687
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Charlson C. Kim (7 months ago)
the most beautiful church i have seen. breathetaking. a true hidden gem most might miss.
Steve Turner (7 months ago)
Part of the royal palace with a rather drab exterior but with a rich baroque interior. Where the interior differs from the palace is that the baroque decoration much more subtle and less likely to make your eyes water.
Seimen Burum (15 months ago)
Large baroque church with an overwhelming interior
ilya leadership (16 months ago)
San Lorenzo church, I read in a lot of posts that rhis church is must to visit. I must say that it was beautiful and that's it. Nothing extraordinary, just beautiful church.
Pablo Morgavi (19 months ago)
The Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo is one of the most historic and beautiful churches in Turin, Italy. Located in the heart of the city's historic center, the church is an important landmark and a popular destination for visitors to the city. Built in the late 17th century, the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. Its beautiful façade features intricate carvings and sculptures, while the interior of the church is adorned with stunning frescoes, ornate altars, and beautiful marble columns. One of the most striking features of the church is its impressive dome, which is over 60 meters high and is visible from all around the city. Visitors can climb up to the top of the dome to enjoy breathtaking views of Turin and the surrounding area. In addition to its beautiful architecture, the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo is also home to a number of important religious artifacts and relics. These include the Holy Shroud of Turin, which is believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Visitors to the church can also explore its many chapels and side altars, which are filled with stunning works of art and religious icons. The church is particularly famous for its Chapel of the Holy Shroud, which houses a replica of the Shroud and is considered one of the most important religious sites in Italy. The Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo is also home to a number of important cultural events and concerts throughout the year. These range from classical music performances to art exhibits and film screenings, and offer a great opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Turin. Overall, the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Turin. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and important religious artifacts make it one of the most popular attractions in the city. Whether you're interested in art, history, or simply enjoying beautiful architecture, the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo is definitely worth a visit. However, it's worth noting that as a working church, the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo can be quite busy and crowded during peak religious periods and on weekends. Visitors should be prepared to wait in line to see the Holy Shroud and other important artifacts, and should also be respectful of the church's religious significance. In addition, visitors should be aware that the climb to the top of the dome can be quite challenging, and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or other health concerns. However, for those who are able to make the climb, the views from the top are truly breathtaking and well worth the effort. Overall, the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo is a true gem of Turin and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the city's rich cultural heritage. With its stunning architecture, important religious artifacts, and vibrant cultural events, it offers something for everyone and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
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