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:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

THE JOURNEY By Clara Keller (5 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 (7 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 (8 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 (15 months 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 (17 months ago)
Great place but check the mass schedule before visiting on Sunday.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright stahli36

Historic Site of the week

Celje Castle

Celje Castle was once the largest fortification on Slovenian territory. The first fortified building on the site (a Romanesque palace) was built in the first half of the 13th century by the Counts of Heunburg from Carinthia on the stony outcrop on the western side of the ridge where the castle stands. It had five sides, or four plus the southern side, which was a natural defence. The first written records of the castle date back to between 1125 and 1137; it was probably built by Count Gunter. In the western section of the castle, there was a building with several floors. Remains of the walls of this palatium have survived. In the eastern section, there was an enclosed courtyard with large water reservoirs. The eastern wall, which protects the castle from its most exposed side, was around three metres thicker than the rest of the curtain wall. The wall was topped with a parapet and protected walkway.

Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Celje Castle