province - Piemonte Italia

READING GUIDE
TORINO AND PROVINCE pages 2-22
ALESSANDRIA AND PROVINCE pages 23-27
ASTI AND PROVINCE pages 28-32
BIELLA AND PROVINCE pages 33-35
CUNEO AND PROVINCE pages 36-44
NOVARA AND PROVINCE pages 45-47
VERBANIA AND PROVINCE page 48
VERCELLI AND PROVINCE pages 49-51
SACRI MONTI pages 52-53
SAINTS AND BLESSED OF PIEMONTE pages 54-55
TORINO • PIEMONTE: THE PATHS OF FAITH is a project by the City of Torino,
Cultural Department, City Communication and Promotion – Communication
Division, Public Relations and City Marketing; Regione Piemonte, Cultural Division,
Tourism and Sport; in collaboration with Provincia di Torino and Turismo Torino e
Provincia.
Graphic project: Bagarre s.r.l – Torino
Photos:
Archivio Fotografico Città di Torino, Archivio Fotografico Provincia di Torino,
Archivio Fotografico Regione Piemonte, Museo Diocesano di Torino, web editor for
www.comune.torino.it, Marco Saroldi Pho-to.it
http://www.storiaolivetti.it/ Associazione Archivio Storico Olivetti, Ivrea, Italy,
Comune di Carmagnola and Comune di Moncalieri
The aim of this publication, produced for the Exposition of the Holy Shroud (Torino,
10 April – 23 May 2010) is twofold: as a guide it can be perfectly relied on for
travelling though the Piemonte of religion. But more than this, it is also a tribute
to the spirituality of this area and to those who, over the centuries, have left
enduring works bearing witness to their belief in the Christian message.
In Piemonte there are 1,206 municipalities, every one of which showing evidence of
the centuries of Christian faith embodied in works of exceptional artistic value.
This guide to the most important places of worship is a way for viewing Piemonte
through the “lens” of faith and religion. By means of these spiritual paths, a clear
understanding can be gained of the historic context of this region whose events
through the centuries have been a consequence and outcome of its geographical
situation, a glorious blend of the plains, hills and mountains that have always
marked these terrains – so different from each other in their structure – as Italy’s
gate to the West.
We are thus offering a means for better understanding the mix of spirituality,
religion, history and art in a land that has plenty to recount.
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TORINO
Duomo
di San Giovanni Battista
Begun in 1491, this Church was
the city’s first example of
Renaissance architecture. The
inside has the form of a basilica –
a Latin cross layout with three
naves and Gothic elements. At the
end of the 17th century, there was
added the dome by Guarino
Guarini which connects the
cathedral with the Royal Palace.
The Duomo holds the cabinet
encasing the Holy Shroud, the
funerary sheet which retains the
image of the «Man of Sorrows».
Cappella della Sindone
Damaged by fire in 1997, this Chapel is a wonderful example of Baroque architecture
by Guarino Guarini, built at the end of the 17th century. Circular in form, it is
covered by black marble and features a bright conical dome. At the centre of the
Chapel is the altar which contained the silver casket holding the Holy Shroud.
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5
Reale Chiesa
di San Lorenzo
This was the first place where the Holy
Shroud was displayed in 1578 on
arriving from Chambéry: it was
positioned on the altar of the ancient
Chapel of San Lorenzo. Architectural
drawings were produced for the church
by Ascanio Vitozzi and the architects
Amedeo and Carlo di Castellamonte
between 1634 and 1680, but only
Guarino Guarini was able to complete
the building. The interior, which has an
octagonal layout, is richly decorated
with multicoloured marble, stuccoes
and gilding, over which soars a dome of
crossed ribs. The facade is 19th century,
and styled to be in keeping with the
other buildings in Piazza Castello.
Museo Diocesano
Built in the Lower Church of the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, this museum
was created not just as a place for containing historic and artistic items but also
describes the progress by the Turin church in twenty centuries of history in the
scope of worship, from evangelisation to charity, through the works of numerous
artists, sculptors and architects.
Museo della Sindone
The Museum is in the crypt of the SS. Sudario Church and provides information
about the studies and research into the Holy Shroud from the 16th century to the
present day, revealing its history, scientific background, the faith and artistic
aspects. The objects on display include the photographic plates of Giuseppe Enrie
from 1931 and the precious casket of silver and semiprecious stones in which the
Holy Shroud arrived in Torino in 1578 and where it was held until 1998.
TORINO
Santuario
della Consolata
Built on a basilica structure dedicated
to S. Andrea, over the centuries the
church
has
undergone
many
renovations. Guarino Guarini was
behind the extension (1678) while
Filippo Juvarra added an oval
presbytery (1729). The city’s devotion
to the Vergine Consolata (Blessed
Virgin Mary Comforted) can be seen in
the collection of votive offerings.
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Chiesa di San Carlo
Named after San Carlo Borromeo, construction of this church began in 1619.
The facade was completed in 1834 by Ferdinando Caronesi who based his project
on the design of that of neighbouring church of Santa Cristina by Juvarra.
7
Cappella della Pia
Congregazione dei
Banchieri e dei Mercanti
Built in 1692, this church is an
important example of community
dedication.
Some of the most significant works
are the high altar designed by Filippo
Juvarra and the frescoes in the sacristy
produced by Antonio Milocco.
Chiesa
di San Filippo Neri
This is Torino’s largest church,
designed and built by Filippo
Juvarra. The interiors are all very
fine, including the high altar, the
organ loft and the sacristy basin.
Chiesa
del Santo Sudario
Built between 1734 and 1764, this
gem of Piemonte Rococo can only
be viewed on appointment.
The inside, with a single nave,
retains on the ceiling the fresco
depicting the “Transfiguration”
by Antonio Michele Milocco. The
crypt houses the Holy Shroud
Museum.
Chiesa
del Corpus Domini
This church was built to a design by
Ascanio Vitozzi between 1603 and
1675 in memory of the “Eucharist
miracle” of 1453. The inside of the
church is decorated with black and
red marble to a design by
Benedetto Alfieri (1753). The altar
in the second chapel on the right is
the work of Filippo Juvarra.
Chiesa di Santa Cristina
Positioned next to the Church of San Carlo, these are known as the twin churches
of Piazza San Carlo. Commissioned by Cristina of France, it was designed by Carlo
di Castellamonte and built in 1639. The facade, designed and built by Filippo
Juvarra between 1715 and 1718, features double columns with statues of saints
and allegories of the virtues. Inside are precious stuccoes and the high altar in
white marble by Ferdinando Bonsignore.
TORINO
Chiesa di San Domenico
Dating back to the second half of the
13th century, this church has been
extensively altered over the centuries.
In Gothic style, it has pointed arches
and, in the Chapel of the Grazie, it has
a cycle of 14th century frescoes with
an Annunciation surrounded by the
Twelve Apostles.
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Chiesa di Santa Teresa
Dedicated to Santa Teresa d’Avila,
this church was built between
1642 and 1674 on the wishes of
Cristina of France whose ashes are
held there. The two chapels at the
ends of the transept were designed
by Filippo Juvarra.
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Chiesa di Santa Chiara
TORINO
Chiesa di Santa Croce
Adjoining the monastery of the
Clarisse, this church was built in 1745
to a design by Bernardo Vittone.
Significant features are the eight sectioned dome over the building and
the stucco decorations.
This church, built according to
designs attributed to Filippo Juvarra,
was made for the Augustinian nuns.
The facade – also designed by Juvarra
– was only finished in the second half
of the 19th century. It is currently
closed to the public for restoration.
Chiesa
di San Massimo
Chiesa della SS. Trinità
Designed by Ascanio Vitozzi, this church
was built between 1598 and 1606. The
frescoes in the dome are by Francesco
Gonin and Luigi Vacca, while the marble
decoration and furniture are attributed to
Filippo Juvarra.
Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine
Built to a design by Filippo Juvarra, in the presbytery is contained a precious altar
piece showing the Madonna del Carmine painted by Claudio Francesco Beaumont.
Chiesa
della SS. Annunziata
The new church was rebuilt in the
early 20th century to replace the older
one of the 17th century. Of particular
importance
is
the
polychrome
sculptural group of Our Lady of
Sorrows. Also worth seeing, from
mid - November to mid - January is
the
mechanical
nativity
scene
consisting of 200 characters of which
over 100 in movement, all operated by
a single electric motor dating back to
the 19th century.
Built between 1844 and 1853 in
neoclassical style, inside is the
altarpiece of the Nativity of Mary by
Legnanino and the fresco by
Francesco Gonin showing San
Massimo reciting in the Cathedral
to the people of Torino.
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
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TORINO
The construction of the current church took place between 1551 and 1582 on the
floor plan of an older, 9th century church. In the early 1900s, Carlo Ceppi made
radical changes, altering the presbytery and chancel in order to put in the large
altar in an eclectic style, surmounted by an elliptical frescoed ceiling. Inside, among
the many sepulchres, there is an interesting funeral monument for Cassiano del
Pozzo (1578), made by Ludovico Vanello.
Basilica Magistrale dei
Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro
Also known as the "Mauriziana", this
basilica was built on the foundations
of an earlier temple between 1679 and
1699. The neoclassical facade by
Carlo Bernardo Mosca (1835-36) is
decorated by the statues of the saints
to which the church is dedicated.
Chiesa San Dalmazzo
This church is next to the former
monastery of the Barnabites and
has a 16th century facade which
was restored in 1702. It is in the
form of a basilica with three naves
and, at the sides, there are eight
niches with altars.
Chiesa della Visitazione
Built in the second half of the 17th
century in a Greek cross shape,
this church is attributed to the
talent of Francesco Lanfranchi.
There is a beautiful fresco in the
dome of the presbytery and the
altar in the left-hand chapel was
designed by Filippo Juvarra.
Chiesa della
Gran Madre di Dio
This church, inspired by the Pantheon
in Rome, was built between 1827 and
1831 to celebrate the return of king
Vittorio Emanuele I (1814) after the
defeat of Napoleon. A large staircase,
flanked by statues of Religion on the
right and Faith on the left, leads
through the portico to the inside
which is circular in shape. The crypt
houses the Ossuary of those killed in
the First World War.
Chiesa
della Madonna del Pilone
Commissioned by Cristina of France in 1645
to commemorate a miraculous event, this
church takes its name from a votive pillar
depicting the Annunciation of the Virgin
Mary, to whom the miracle was attributed.
Chiesa di Santa Maria
del Monte dei Cappuccini
This church began being built in
1584 to a design by Ascanio
Vitozzi, and was consecrated in
1656. The layout of the building is
in the form of a central Greek cross,
crowned by a dome with an
octagonal tambour. The high altar
is the work of Carlo and Amedeo di
Castellamonte.
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13
TORINO PROVINCE
Basilica di Superga
Sacra di San Michele
On 2 September 1706, Vittorio
Amedeo II, standing on a vantage
point on the hill of Superga, was
watching Torino under siege from the
French. He there and then took a vow:
if victory were achieved, he would
have built on that spot a grand
basilica. The Piemonte army won and,
in 1717, work began, started by the
architect from Messina, Filippo
Juvarra. The Basilica, designed to be a
mausoleum for the House of Savoy,
has a large staircase leading up to the
portico. Inside, the circular form is
topped by a tall dome.
The Sacra di San Michele, one of the best known Benedictine abbeys, is now
considered one of Europe’s top Romanesque architectural complexes.
To reach the Porta dello Zodiaco it is necessary to climb 243 steps. The architectural
structure of the abbey is very unusual: the uneven rock of the mountain blends and
becomes one with the foundations of the edifice, the stairs and the buttresses.
The Sacra is home to cultural events but, above all, it is a place that has never
ceased housing those that knock at its doors, whether pilgrims or simple
travellers. And still today it is possible to stay in the cells, experiencing for a night
the same feelings as those perceived in the past by Sant’Anselmo d’Aosta and
the monks of Cluny.
Chiesa del Santo Volto
Inaugurated in December 2006 on a
former and reclaimed industrial area,
this is Torino’s most recent religious
architecture. Inside receives plenty of
light
from
the
rays
falling
perpendicularly from the 35 metre tall
towers around the perimeter. It can
hold about 1000 people. Behind the
altar is an impressive Face of the Holy
Shroud, depicted by a stylised pixel
effect using the technique of small
blocks in relief.
Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice
This church, built in the second half of the 19th century, was modified in 1935-38
and holds the remains of its founder, San Giovanni Bosco. At the apex of the large
dome is a statue of the Madonna, while the single-nave interior has the altarpiece
representing Maria Ausiliatrice, painted by Tommaso Lorenzone.
14
Abbazia di Novalesa
Surrounded by an exceptional natural
amphitheatre, this abbey rises from a
high point of 828 metres. Founded in
726 by the Cistercian monks, the
abbey is one of the most important
historic and artistic places in the
western Alps. It was dedicated to the
saints Peter and Andrew and, for over
1000 years, it was one of the most
important
abbeys
in
Europe,
particularly around the 11th century
when the frescoes were painted in the
Chapel of Sant’Eldrado, which still
today are astonishing for the
freshness of their colours.
15
Museo diocesano
di Arte Sacra a Susa
The collections include works of art
dated between the 6th and 19th
centuries, which belonged to the
Treasure of the Cathedral of San
Giusto, the Church del Ponte and to
various parishes in the Diocese.
Unique pieces are on display in the
museum, such as the Madonna del
Ponte (12th C), the Trittico del
Rocciamelone (1358), the Cross said
to be of Charlemagne (1360/70).
Cattedrale di San Giusto a Susa
Consecrated in 1027, it became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Susa in 1772. In
the apsidal area, the building was given a Gothic finish in 1321, while the pinnacles
and the terracotta decorations of the tower date back to the 15th century. There
are many traces of pictorial decorations.
TORINO
PROVINCE
Precettoria
di Sant’Antonio
di Ranverso
Of the original ancient monastic
complex there has been retained the
church with the bell-tower and the
sacristy, one side of the cloister, the
hospital, the monastery and the
farmhouses. The church is one of the
world’s most celebrated monuments
to Gothic art and consists of three
naves with 15th century decorations.
On the high altar there is a large
polyptych by Defendente Ferrari which
portrays the Nativity scene with San
Rocco and San Bernardino da Siena to
the sides and, to the right,
Sant’Antonio and San Sebastiano. On
the left wall of the presbytery there is
“Madonna on the throne and the
Saints John the Baptist, Antonio Abate,
Marta, Margherita, Nicola and Martino
and the Prophets" by Giacomo
Jaquerio; in the sacristy there can be
seen frescoes by Jaquerio "The Four
Evangelists", the "Oration in the
Garden" and the impressive "Climb to
Calvary”.
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TORINO
PROVINCE
17
Chiesa di San Giovanni
di Avigliana
Abbazia di Santa Maria
di Casanova a Carmagnola
e Museo di Arte Sacra
Built in the 13th century, the interior
of the church has preserved its
medieval frescoes, works by the late
medieval artist Defendente Ferrari and
a splendid wooden pulpit carved in
the 16th century.
The Cistercian abbey (founded in
about 1150) was an important point of
reference until the 18th century. Of
the original foundations there only
remains the church, whose facade was
remodelled in the 17th century. The
inside is in Romanesque-Gothic form
with fabulous Baroque works. It is
possible to visit the “rediscovered
crypt” which contains precious 17th
century frescoes by Domenico
Guidobono and the museum of the
abbey with furnishings, vestments and
objects connected to the history of
this religious complex.
Certosa
di Monte Benedetto
Situated at 1160 metres, above the
village of Villar Focchiardo, it was built
by the Carthusian monks from the
Certosa della Losa. The church is well
conserved as a result of recent
restoration works.
Chiesa di Santa Maria
Maggiore di Avigliana
This church has very ancient origins
and, when Pope Alessandro II raised it
to the level of minster, it achieved its
maximum splendour.
In the past it was called the Chiesa
Ducale (Ducal Church) and still has
memories of the Blessed Humbert III,
Count of Savoy. Inside is housed a
permanent exhibition of sacred art.
Abbazia di Santa Maria a Cavour
Founded new by the Bishop of Torino, Landolfo, in 1037, and despite being
damaged several times, it is still possible to recognise the various levels of the
Church, the octagonal pillars, the stupendous crypt with Piemonte’s oldest altar
and, above all, the precious building materials of a previous epoch which were
reutilised, and suggest the existence of an earlier structure.
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Duomo di San Donato di Pinerolo
Cattedrale
di Santa Maria di Ivrea
This dates back to the 10th century, but was built in Gothic style in the 15th
century. In the 17th century, it acquired its Baroque lines and, in the 19th century,
the original Gothic was restored with decorations and a new facade.
Museo Diocesano
di Pinerolo
This reveals 250 years of life of the
Diocese. History, worship and beauty
sum up the content of the Museum:
three words that can be seen in the
painting and sculpture, in the fabrics
and metal of the ecclesiastical objects,
in the sacred vases, and in the archive
papers.
Santuario Madonna
delle Grazie di Pinerolo
Along the interior walls of the church
there is an endless row of votive
offerings which not only testify to
people’s faith but, in some cases, are
true works of art. The sanctuary with
its peaceful, refined interior, centrallyplanned, dates back to 1584.
TORINO
PROVINCE
19
Chiesa di San Maurizio
di Pinerolo
This is the symbol of the city and is
found at the top of the hill overlooking
the town. Built in about the year 1000,
in Gothic style with five naves, it
houses beautiful frescoes and the
tombs of the princes of Acaja. The belltower is notable with its curious clock
of just one hand showing the hours.
This is in the upper part of the city and
was rebuilt in about the 10th century
on the foundations of a previous
pagan temple. It retains the crypt, the
ambulatory and the Romanesque
towers, the dome and the richly
decorated Baroque vaults and the
neoclassic facade. Inside the Diocesan
Archive there are held precious
illuminated, autographic manuscripts,
including the Sacramentario di
Varmondo.
Santuario
di Sant’Ignazio
a Pessinetto
This is the main and best known
sanctuary in the Lanzo Valleys. The
destination of retreats and spiritual
exercises, this Sanctuary – at 931m
height – began in the 18th century as
religion for the people, but became
accredited mainly by the upper clergy
and middle-classes of Torino, as can
be seen in the rich collections of
votive offerings where the scenes are
not of naive peasant life but images of
urban and affluent society.
Chiesa di San Bernardino di Ivrea
This 14th century church, situated in the industrial area of Olivetti, is a place of
artistic interest due to the large roodscreen with frescoes of the Stories of Life and
Christ’s Passion by Giovanni Martino Spanzotti painted between about 1485
and1490.
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Duomo di San Giovanni Battista a Ciriè
The architectural layout of the building complies with the standards of the most
widespread Gothic model in 14th century of Piemonte. Only the apse, to which was
added the altar designed by Bernardo Vittone, was renovated in the 18th century.
Abbazia di Fruttuaria
a San Benigno Canavese
Abbazia di Santa Fede
a Cavagnolo
In the heart of Monferrato there is the
abbey which, at one time, was a place
of rest for pilgrims.
Built in the mid-12th century, it is
one of the most representative
Romanesque monuments in Piemonte.
Founded in 1003, this abbey is
dedicated to Santa Maria, San Benigno
and all Saints. It has three short naves,
cut across by a transept from which
open five apsidal chapels. During recent
restorations, the remains of the original
Romanesque church came to light.
21
TORINO
PROVINCE
Duomo di Santa Maria
della Scala a Chieri
Built in its present form between 1405
and 1436, this is certainly one of the
most significant Gothic buildings in
Piemonte. The main door is very
characteristic,
topped
by
a
“wimperg”
and
by
vegetal
decorations of French derivation.
Inside the church there are 15th
century frescoes and paintings of the
16th and 17th century.
Chiesa di San Giovanni
Battista di Carignano
This Baroque church was built to a
design by Benedetto Alfieri between
1757 and 1764. Within the single,
spectacular nave there are held many
precious works of art.
Duomo di Santa Maria
Assunta di Chivasso
Built in the 15th century, the facade of
this building in is transalpine Gothic style,
full of friezes and figures in terracotta.
Inside is held a Deposition by the artist
Defendente Ferrari who was born here
and worked with Martino Spanzotti in the
first half of the 16th century.
Collegiata
di Santa Maria
della Scala a Moncalieri
The church of Santa Maria was built
between 1270 and 1330, in a
Romanesque and Gothic style of
Lombard provenance. At its side is the
bell-tower.
Inside there are important works of art
and an organ considered to be one of
the best to be found in Piemonte.
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•Duomodi San Giovanni page2
•CappelladellaSindone page3
•Museo Diocesano page4
•Museo dellaSindone page4
•RealeChiesa di San Lorenzo page5
•SantuariodellaConsolata page5
•Chiesa diSan Carlo page6
•Chiesa diSanta Cristina page6
•Chiesa diSan Filippo page6
•Chiesa delSantoSudario page7
•Chiesa delCorpusDomini page7
•CappelladellaPiaCongregazione
dei Banchieriedei Mercanti page7
•Chiesa diSan Domenico page7
•Chiesa dellaSanta Trinità page8
•Chiesa dellaMadonna
delCarmine page8
•Chiesa diSanta Chiara page8
•Chiesa diSan Massimo page9
•Chiesa diSanta Teresa page9
•Chiesa diSanta Croce page9
•Chiesa dellaSS.Annunziata page9
•Chiesa diSan Dalmazzo page10
•Chiesa di Sant’Agostino page10 19
•BasilicaMagistraledei
20
Santi MaurizioeLazzaro page10 21
•Chiesa dellaVisitazione page10
•Chiesa dellaGranMadredi Diopage11
•Chiesa dellaMadonna delPilone page11
•Chiesa di Santa Maria
delMonte deiCappuccini page11
•Basilicadi Supergapage12
•Chiesa delSanto Volto page12
•Basilicadi MariaAusiliatrice page12
ALESSANDRIA
Cattedrale di San Pietro
Built following the destruction of the ancient
Duomo by Napoleon, on the remains of the
complex of San Marco, the current Cathedral
contains many works by Guglielmo Caccia
(known as Moncalvo) and the statue of
Madonna della Salve, patron saint to the
city. On the facade there is the Romanesque
statue of Gagliaudo Aulari, the Alessandria
denizen who was able to defend against
Barbarossa. Next to it is the tall bell-tower.
ALESSANDRIA PROVINCE
Abbazia di Santa Maria
di Rivalta Scrivia
Of Cistercian origin, the foundations of this
abbey date back to the mid-12th century. It
has a simple, linear shape, typical of Gothic
architecture, and a facade apparently
unfinished. The inside, in the form of a
Latin cross with three naves, is decorated
with frescoes executed between the end of
the 15th and the early 16th century.
Ivrea
TORINO PROVINCE
Chiesa dell’Oratorio della Maddalena di Novi Ligure
Pessinetto
AVIGLIANA page 16
Castellamonte
CARIGNANOpage 21
CARMAGNOLA page 17
CAVAGNOLOpage 20
Lanzo
Torinese
Novalesa
CAVOURpage 17
San Benigno
Canavese Montanaro
Ciriè
CHIERIpage 21
CHIVASSOpage 20
Volpiano
Chivasso
Caselle Leinì
Brandizzo
Torinese
Settimo
Venaria
Torinese
Casalborgone
Reale
San Mauro
Torinese
Val della
Torre
CIRIE’page 20
IVREApage 19
MONCALIERI page 21
23
TORINO
1
4
na
log
Bo
Via
30
Piazza
Statuto
22
Via B
orga
ro
Co
rso
Sviz
zer
a
Via
Va
ld
ell
at
orr
e 29
Susa
VILLARFOCCHIARDOpage 16
NOVALESApage 14
Villar
Focchiardo
Alpignano
Sant’Ambrogio
Avigliana Sant’Antonio
di Ranverso
PESSINETTOpage 19
SAN BENIGNOCANAVESE page 20
TORINO
Beinasco
Giaveno
Volvera
PINEROLOpage 18
Rivoli
Pinerolo
SANT’AMBROGIOpage 13
SANT’ANTONIODIRANVERSO page 15
Pino
Torinese
Moncalieri
La Loggia Santena
Vinovo
Carignano
Carmagnola
SUSApage 14
Cavour
Chieri
Cavagnolo
The church was built in the 15th century and contains in the apse, behind the high altar,
a large sculptural group consisting of 23 wooden statues, and 8 terracotta figures
depicting the Lamentation over the Dead Christ, both of which date back to the second
half of the 16th century.
Collegiata di Santa Maria
Assunta di Novi Ligure
The Minster is the city’s cathedral and has
early Christian origins. However, it was
transformed in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The inside, with three naves, holds important
paintings and a sculptural group depicting
the Hill of Calvary: four statues and the
Crucifix, dating back to the 15th century.
24
ALESSANDRIA
PROVINCE
25
Cattedrale
di Santa Maria Assunta
di Acqui Terme
This began being built in the 10th
century in Romanesque forms and was
consecrated in 1067. Renovated in later
periods, it retains an interior of five naves
– originally there were three – with three
semicircular apses, the transept and the
bell-tower in terracotta. It contains
valuable wood furnishings from the
Baroque period.
Chiesa di Santa Croce di Bosco Marengo
e Casa Natale di San Pio V
This is one of the most significant Italian architectures of the second half of the
16th century. Commissioned by Pope Pius V who was born in Alessandria, in the
year in which he was elected to the papal throne, he decided to construct a large
convent and the church which was to house his remains. The home where Antonio
Ghislieri was born, who was later to become pope with the name Pius V in 1566,
has been turned into a small museum. Inside there are relics, parts of the Pope Pius
V’s vestments, books from the period and church fittings. In one of the rooms on
the upper floor there is a frescoed chapel in which the faithful join in prayer to the
Saint every year, on the anniversary of his death.
Chiesa dell’Assunta di Ovada
An imposing building of the late Baroque
period at the end of the 18th century, it is
characterised by a dome and the severe
facade between two towers. The high
altar, in polychrome marble, was
designed by the architect Antonelli.
Museo Casa Natale
di San Paolo
della Croce di Ovada
This has been a national monument
since 1918, and is on three floors with
an attic, with much of the original
structure remaining intact. The
museum houses various relics of
Paolo Danei, known as San Paolo della
Croce, the found of the religious
order, the Passionists.
Oratorio della S.S. Trinità di Ovada
Inside the oratory there is the wooden processional group representing the
Decollation of St John the Baptist, produced by Anton Maria Maragliano, an
important example of Baroque from Liguria-Genoa.
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27
ALESSANDRIA
PROVINCE
Cattedrale di Sant’Evasio
di Casale Monferrato
In addition to the outer wall of the
building, of the old church, consecrated
in 1107, there remains the large room
of the narthex, the most interesting part
of the construction, which retains in the
ceiling an exceptional and unusual
architecture resembling that of
Armenian constructions. At its sides are
galleries which, at one time, were
reserved to women, in which there open
mullioned windows with Romanesque
capitals. At the centre of the transept
there is a wooden Crucifix covered by
silver leaf which dates back to the
second half of the 17th century and was
produced by Lombard artists.
Abbazia di Santa
Giustina di Sezzadio
This abbey, founded in 722, is one of
Piemonte’s most important medieval
monuments. The church has a
Romanesque structure with Gothic
elements, and a striking facade in
terracotta separated by pilasters and
crowned by Lombard bands. The 15th
century interior has three naves over
which there is a cross vault. Beautiful
frescoes can be found in the apse, and
in the crypt there is a mosaic floor that
dates back to the 11th century.
Chiesa di San Francesco
di Cassine
Built in Lombard Gothic style, it has a
facade of terracotta, decorated with
Lombard bands. The first bell-tower
was built at the same time as the
church, while a second one was added
in 1644. The interior has three naves,
and a fourth consisting of various
chapels built at different times. Of
considerable interest is the former
monastery close by, which has frescoes
from various periods, a Gothic entrance
and a picturesque cloister of two orders
of loggias.
Chiesa di San Domenico
di Casale Monferrato
Begun in 1472 in Gothic style, the works
continued until the first years of the 16th
century when, on the facade, there was
inserted the Renaissance entrance. The inside
is a mixture of Gothic style in the three
magnificent naves with cruciform columns,
and the Baroque of the presbytery. Such is the
quantity of works of art the church contains,
it can be rightly considered a museum.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta di Tortona
Built in the second half of the 16th century on top of a previous church, the facade of this
cathedral is in neoclassical style. The raised rectangular presbytery is enclosed by a
semicircular apse. In an altar at the side, there is a fragment of the True Cross that is
celebrated by one of the most important festivals in the town, on the second Sunday of May.
Duomo di Santa Maria Maggiore di Valenza
Mentioned in a parchment of 1096, it was fully rebuilt at the beginning of the 12th
century. In the late 19th century, the facade was added together with the decorative
structure of the splendid, three nave interior.
28
ASTI
Cattedrale di Santa Maria
dell’Assunta
This is Piemonte’s largest church and
one of the most important examples
of Gothic in northern Italy. Together
with the Battesimale di San Giovanni
Church and the Chiostri dei Canonic,
these form the “episcopal complex of
the Cathedral”. Built in Lombard
Romanesque style with three naves
and covered by a spacious gallery, as
was usual for the customs of the time
it would host the meetings of the
Town Council.
Collegiata
di San Secondo
The current church, in RomanesqueGothic style, dates back to the mid18th century, while the facade in
terracotta was added later. Separated
into three naves by twelve pillars that
support arches and cross-vaults, it
contains works of significant artistic
value produced by painters of the
16th and 17th centuries. In one of the
chapels there is the Carroccio
(chariot), symbol of the town, which is
celebrated at the time of the Palio
(horse race).
Complesso di San Pietro in Consavia
Consisting of four buildings dating from between the 12th and 14th centuries, it
has a round church (early 12th century), next to which is the Valperga chapel (mid
15th century), the 15th century cloister and part of the priory church (14th century).
It is home to the Paleontological and Archaeological Museums.
29
ASTI PROVINCE
Abbazia di Vezzolano
(Albugnano)
Nestling in a valley, between hillsides
covered in vines, there is the most
important Romanesque monument of
Piemonte. According to legend, the abbey
was founded by Charlemagne in 773 who,
struck down by an epileptic fit during a
hunt close to Albugnano, once he
recovered, ordered that an abbey be built
in honour of the Madonna. The twocoloured facade in brick and sandstone is
embellished by three orders of small
columns with, in the centre, a large
mullioned window in which there is the
figure of Christ surrounded by the
archangels Michael and Raphael. The
main doorway is richly decorated with
small square pillars of vegetal and
geometric
patterns.
Inside
it
is
Romanesque-Gothic style with French
influences. The cloister is reached from
the church and has elements from
different periods and frescoes from the
13th and 15th centuries. A door flanked
by two double pillars leads to the Sala
Capitolare.
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31
ASTI
PROVINCE
Chiesa di San Secondo
di Cortazzone
This is one of the most interesting
examples of the Romanesque in the Asti
and Monferrato areas. Built along the Via
Francigena, the route taken by the
pilgrims on their way to Rome, the
Church of San Secondo is one of the most
interesting both in esoteric terms and for
the rich symbolism of the decorations,
such as those of the upper order of the
apses, which continue along the entire
length of the side, enriched by natural
and fantastic motifs and which are also
repeated inside, in the decorations of the
capitals.
Chiesa di San Lorenzo
di Montiglio
The oldest structures belong to the
period of Romanesque architecture’s
greatest development, between the
12th and 13th centuries.
Of great interest inside the church
are the capitals with decorations of
plants,
geometric
forms,
interwoven bands, animals, and
human or mythical figures of
allegorical meaning.
Chiesa di San Nazario e
Celso di Montechiaro d’Asti
This Romanesque parish church of the
11th century has elegant friezes on the
doorway and the windows and a
semicircular apse. The alternation of
terracotta with pale stone in the tall belltower in front of the church provides an
excellent chromatic effect.
Santuario di Don Bosco
di Castelnuovo Don Bosco
Next to the birthplace of San Giovanni
Bosco there is the complex of the
Salesian Institute, with the small church
of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, the Temple of
Don Bosco, the Ethnographic Museum of
the Salesian Missions in the world and the
Museum of 19th century farm life.
The epicentre of the architectural
whole is the immense Sanctuary,
which includes the Upper and
Lower Churches. These are recent
buildings, put up in the second
half of the 20th century but built in
the
classic
style
with
a
contemporary touch. Before them
is a large square where the crowds
of faithful gather at the times of
pilgrimages. At the entrance to the
upper church is a bronze
monument
of
Don
Bosco,
dedicated to him by the Italian
teaching body in 1929.
32
Certosa di Valmanera
The monastery of San Giacomo di Valleombrosa, now deconsecrated and partly
used as a school and as a restoration workshop (Arazzeria Scassa), at one time was
home to the Vallumbrosan monks and then, later on, the Carthusian monks until
1801 when, with the arrival of Napoleon, its religious functions were suppressed.
Chiesa di San Francesco
di Moncalvo
The church retains the thirteenth century
apse, while the facade is of 1932. Inside,
apart from a fresco portraying San Rocco
coming from a country chapel, there are
precious canvases by Guglielmo Caccia,
known as “Moncalvo”, of his daughters
and of his school. In the left-hand nave
there is a beautiful sculpted confessional.
33
BIELLA
Battistero
di San Giovanni Battista
Built in the early years of the 11th
century, it was constructed of round
stones and brick.
It has a quadrilateral form with four
semicircular apses separated by
sturdy buttresses that support the
octagonal dome cladding.
The entrance has a marble bas-relief
of Roman period portraying a couple
of cherubs. Inside can be seen traces
of two frescoes, one of which by the
Maestro di Oropa (1318-1319).
Chiesa di San Sebastiano
Cattedrale
di Santo Stefano
The structure is 15th century, but
it was partly renovated in 1773 and
in the early years of the 19th
century. It is in a neo-Gothic style
of three naves separated by pillars
with a cruciform base and ogival
arches,
ribbed
vaults
and
octagonal dome. Many works of art
are found within.
The building of the San Sebastiano
monastery complex began in the first
half of the 16th century, but was only
completed in 1887. The church has
three
naves
and
an
unusual
“grotesque” decoration on all the
ceiling of the building.
Chiesa della S.S. Trinità
Built in 1626 in Baroque style, its
facade was applied in 1956 by the
architect Nicola Mosso. Inside there is
a beautiful wooden altar full of
statues, made by Giovanni Antonio
Vaglio of Pettinengo between 1682
and 1684.
34
BIELLA PROVINCE
Santuario di Oropa
e Museo dei Tesori
This is at 1200 metres above sea
level and is the most important
Marian Sanctuary of the Alps. The
majestic complex is the outcome
of designs by the greatest
Savoyard architects that helped to
design and create the ensemble of
buildings
between
mid-17th
century and the 18th century. From
the primitive sepulchral chapel to
the imposing Upper Basilica,
consecrated in 1960, the building
and architectural development has
been splendid. Structured over
three terraced squares, the
complex hinges on two major
places of worship: the Ancient
Basilica, completed in the early
17th century, where the Black
Virgin is worshiped, and the New
Church. The Museum of Treasures
has four rooms in which are
displayed gold items, jewellery, the
liturgical vestments and the
documents that bear witness to the
Sanctuary’s centuries of history.
35
BIELLA
PROVINCE
Chiesa di San Lorenzo di Andorno Micca
This church is divided into three naves and has a tall and commanding bell-tower.
Built in the 16th century, it holds the tomb of Bernardino Galliari, born in Andorno,
together with some of the paintings by the major set designer of La Scala, and a
precious 13th century stoup in marble.
Santuario di Graglia
The initial project was to have built a
hundred chapels, but only two were
completed in the end: the one
dedicated to Madonna della Neve and
the other on Colle San Carlo. The
Sanctuary, whose origins date back to
the 17th century, is surrounded by a
hospice for pilgrims, and has a Greek
cross layout crowned by an octagonal
dome 38 metres tall.
Santuario di San Giovanni
d’Andorno a Campiglia Cervo
Built at a height of just over 1000 metres, the Sanctuary consists of a parish church,
a chapel hewn out the rock, a hospice and a college that all overlook a large square.
Built between 1602 and 1606 to a design by the architect Bernardo Vittone, the
Church of San Giovanni is the heart of the entire religious complex.
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37
CUNEO
Chiesa di Santa Croce
Built in 1709 by Antonio Bertola
and Francesco Gallo, the church
has an unusual and impressive
convex facade, embellished by
stuccos and frescoes. Inside there
is held the throne of San
Bernardino and the canvas of the
Madonna with Child and Saints
painted by Moncalvo.
Cattedrale
di Santa Maria del Bosco
The design of the current cathedral, the
work of Giovenale Boetto, dates back to
1662 when it was reconstructed on the
previous medieval construction, while
the neoclassical facade - the result of a
major renovation in the 19th century –
was constructed in 1865. The large
dome was frescoed by Giuseppe Toselli
in 1835.
Chiesa
di Sant’Ambrogio
Santuario
di Santa Maria
degli Angeli
Although the origins of this church date
back to 1231, during the 18th century it
was completely rebuilt to a design by
the architect Francesco Gallo.
Chiesa
di San Sebastiano
The initial building is thirteenth century,
but it was radically altered in the 17th
century which drastically changed its
appearance, as did the facade which was
built in 1880. Inside there is the chancel,
executed by Tommaso Fontana at the end
of the 16th century.
CUNEO
The construction of this building, the
work of the architect Francesco Gallo,
was completed in 1718. The interior
of the Sanctuary has a single large
nave over which there is a dome
decorated with frescoes portraying
the Assumption.
Ex Chiesa
di San Francesco
This is one of the most important
medieval buildings in Cuneo. The church
and bell-tower are in Gothic style with a
15th century facade of terracotta.
38
CUNEO PROVINCE
Abbazia
di Staffarda a Revello
Founded by the Cistercian monks
in the first half of the 12th century,
this abbey complex includes the
church with the cloister of small
twin columns (only preserved on
the north and western sides), the
monastery buildings (the guest
room, refectory and the capitular
room are of considerable interest)
and nine farmhouses. The church,
in Romanesque-Gothic style, has
three naves. The interior is austere:
the cross vault and the pillars, all
differing from each other, are
decorated in alternating colours
going from red to grey. Above the
high altar is a sixteenth century
polyptych by Pascale Oddone in
painted, gilded wood. The Life of
the Virgin is on an open panel,
while St Benedict, the Archangel
Gabriel, St Bernard of Clairvaux
and the Annunciation are in the
closed panels.
CUNEO
PROVINCE
39
Cattedrale
dell’Assunzione
di Maria Vergine
di Saluzzo
Built between 1491 and 1501 in
Lombard Gothic style, this large
construction is strongly characterised
by the facade of exposed brickwork
with a central section in white render on
which there are the frescoes by Hans
Clemer, an artist from Picardy working
in the service of the Marquises of
Saluzzo. The interior has three naves
and the altar of S. Sepolcro or the
Deposition
with
a
polychrome
terracotta group sculpture from the
16th century.
Chiesa di
San Giovanni di Saluzzo
Prior to the Cathedral’s construction,
this was the town’s most important
church. Home to the Dominicans from
1325, its structure was extensively
altered over the centuries: from the
modifying of the direction of the
entrance with a simple, projecting
facade, to its extending to enclose
three naves, richly decorated in
subsequent centuries, and the
founding of the monastery complex
and subsequent building of the side
chapels. In the apse there is the
funerary chapel of the Marquises of
Saluzzo, made in grey stone with
inserts of green stone.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena
di Costigliole di Saluzzo
Founded in the early part of the fifteenth century, it was destroyed and restructured
several times. Inside it retains a cycle of early sixteenth century frescoes in the
“grisailles” technique. In a below-ground room no longer used for worship, there
is a fresco known as “Cristo di Pietà” or “Cristo della Messa di San Gregorio”
attributed to Hans Clemer, a Flemish artist known as Maestro di Elva.
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41
Santuario
di Sant’Anna di Vinadio
This is Europe’s highest Sanctuary:
positioned at over 2000 metres above sea
level, it is surrounded by beautiful natural
scenery. It started out as a mountain
refuge offering assistance to wayfarers as
they crossed the Alps, and even now
performs
this
mission,
providing
hospitality to those who wish to devote
themselves to prayer in peace.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria e San Giovenale di Fossano
Designed by Mario Ludovico Quarini and built at the end of the 17th century on the
foundations of a previous minster dating back to the 13th century, it has an
imposing facade in neoclassic style with exposed brick. Inside there are 19th
century frescoes and a precious reliquary of San Giovenale, the town’s patron
saint. The bell-tower, of 15th century origin, was modified in the 17th century by
the addition of an octagonal spire.
Museo Diocesano
di Fossano
The museum is housed inside the
Bishop’s curia building, close to the
Cathedral, and holds precious
treasures of icons and sacred art,
reconstructing the local history of the
diocese between the 17th and 18th
centuries.
CUNEO
PROVINCE
Certosa di Pesio
di Chiusa Pesio
The deed for founding the Certosa is
dated 1173, but it was considerably
enlarged over the centuries by
building a large cloister on the upper
floor and a church which, over the
years, became a treasury of precious
works of art. In 1802, the Certosa was
abolished
by
the
Napoleon
Government which seized all the art
works and, in 1840, it became a
hydrotherapy
establishment
of
considerable renown.
n the early years of the 20th century
this establishment closed down, and
the building was semi-derelict until
1934 when, with the arrival of the
Consolata Missionary Fathers, it once
again became an important centre of
religion.
Santuario di Vicoforte
This monumental church, commissioned by Charles Emmanuel, Duke
of Savoy in 1596 and designed by
the court architect Ascanio Vitozzi,
has the world’s largest elliptical
dome, designed and built in the
first half of the 18th century by
Francesco Gallo, in Baroque style.
Inside there is a single central nave
and a marble shrine that holds the
historical pillar with the 15th
century fresco portraying the
image of Madonna with Child,
which gave rise to the constructing
of the sacred complex in the
medieval period.
42
Santuario di Santa Lucia
di Villanova Mondovì
The complex of the Sanctuary is
divided into two parts: a nineteenth
century building called Opera Pia
Bernardi with triple arches, and another
dating back to the early 16th century
which projects out over the cliff of the
mountain and is characterised by
arches that act as the hallway to the
cavern of the Sanctuary. In addition
there is an elegant, small Baroque
bell-tower in triangular shape.
Cattedrale di San Donato di Mondovì
This was to be the last architectural work designed by Francesco Gallo and was built
between 1743 and 1753: it is a classic example of Baroque architecture.
The monumental facade is in sandstone with a tall doorway embellished with
statues. The inside, with numerous works of art, frescoes, paintings and sculptures,
has three naves with a large chapel dedicated to the Holy Sacrament, under which
there is the burial crypt for the bishops.
Santuario di San Magno a Castelmagno
The initial constructing of the Sanctuary dates back to the end of the 15th century,
with further additions in the Baroque period which concluded in 1716. It consists
of two chapels: the Old one, frescoed by Giovanni Botoneri di Cherasco in 1514 and
the Allemandi one, with frescoes from the latter half of the 15th century attributed
to Pietro da Saluzzo.
43
CUNEO
PROVINCE
Cattedrale
di San Lorenzo di Alba
Built in Romanesque style in about
the
tenth
century,
it
was
considerably modified in the late
Gothic
period
until
the
constructing of its current facade
in 1878. Inside, of great value, are
the chancel in carved wood and
inlaid by Bernardino Fossati
between 1512 and 1517, the large
Baroque closets in the sacristy
made in the 18th century, and the
elegant, polychrome bas-relief of
the “Madonna with Child, St John
the Baptist and St John the
Evangelist” produced in 1507 by
the Como artist Giovanni Lorenzo
Sormani. The bell-tower with twolight windows in Romanesque style
dates back to the early decades of
the 13th century, and inside has
the original ancient belfry.
Chiesa
della Maddalena di Alba
This church is one of most interesting
examples of Baroque architecture in
the town, as well as one of the most
significant by Antonio Bernardo
Vittone. It has recently been restored
and forms part of the complex known
as “della Maddalena”, an ancient,
18th century convent of the
Dominican nuns. In the dome there
are frescoes attributed to the Torino
artist Michele Antonio Milocco.
Chiesa
di San Domenico di Alba
Built towards the end of the 19th century
beside the convent of the Dominicans,
this is a rare example of primitive Gothic
architecture in Piemonte. The facade is
divided into three sections by pilasters.
On the inside, three naves are formed by
columns topped with Romanesque
capitals and covered by cross vaults.
During the Baroque period, the side
chapels were added. The polygonal apse
is from the 13th century.
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista di Alba
This building in Baroque style has a valuable coffer ceiling and holds many
paintings including one by Barnaba da Modena (1377) of “Madonna of the Graces”
and an “Adoration of the Madonna and Saints” by Macrino d’Alba (1508).
44
Cappella delle Brunate
a La Morra
Basilica
di San Gaudenzio
Also known as Chapel of Barolo, this was
the ancient chapel of Santa Maria delle
Grazie, a small church just outside the
village of La Morra that was abandoned
even before being consecrated.
The building was purchased in 1976 by
a family of wine producers who engaged
the artists Sol Lewitt and David Tremlett
for its renovation: the result was highly
coloured decorations on the outside
walls.
Chiesa di San Pietro
di Cherasco
This is the oldest building of the period
when Cherasco was founded. Constructed in Romanesque style in the 12th and
13th centuries, making use of material
from the church of S. Pietro di Manzano, it
was variously remodelled between the
18th
and
19th
centuries.
The
Romanesque facade, divided into three
sections by pilasters, is decorated by an
open gallery with blind arches
embellished with majolica and sculpted
head of Roman era. The middle doorway
(the only original one) has a marble frieze.
45
Chiesa
di Santa Chiara di Bra
This church was built in Baroque style
between 1742 and 1748 to a design by
Bernardo Antonio Vittone. It has a
harmonious curving facade in rococo
style, with a neoclassical door. Inside it
has a quadrilateral layout with four large
columns rising to support a double
pierced dome and lantern. The side
branches have balcony openings and are
covered by four smaller domes.
Chiesa di Santa Maria
degli Angeli di Bra
This building, which began construction
in 1752, has an elliptical layout with six
side altars. Inside it has frescoes by the
Bra painter, Pietro Paolo Operti. In 1795 it
was requisitioned by the Savoyard State
and granted for use as military quarters,
arsenal and warehouse for storing salt.
After a long period of being abandoned,
in 1906 it was acquired by the Capuchin
Fathers who, after careful restoration,
reopened it for worship.
NOVARA
Built between 1577 and 1690 to a
design by Pellegrino Tibaldi, following
the destruction of the ancient basilica
existing since the 9th century, it has
become the city’s symbol as a result
of the imposing 122 metre dome built
by Alessandro Antonelli between 1844
and 1878.
Inside, above a richly decorated altar,
there is a large silver and glass urn
containing
the
body
of
San
Gaudenzio, first bishop of the city.
The
chapels
house
important
paintings by Gaudenzio Ferrari,
Tanzio
da
Varallo,
Moncalvo,
Morazzone, and Fiammenghino. The
bell-tower, standing separate from
the church, is the work of the architect
Benedetto Alfieri.
Duomo Cattedrale
di Santa Maria Assunta
This striking building in neoclassical
style was constructed in the second
half of the 19th century to a design by
the architect Alessandro Antonelli.
Inside there are three naves with
powerful marbled stucco columns in
ochre yellow colours, together with
valuable works of art such as the
“Marriage of St Catherine” by
Gaudenzio Ferrari.
Battistero
This is the town’s oldest building and
one of the most ancient early Christian
architectures of Piemonte. Inside are
the remains of the primitive octagonal
baptismal font and the frescoes
showing scenes from the Apocalypse
painted at the end of the 10th century,
and of the Last Judgement.
46
NOVARA
PROVINCE
47
NOVARA PROVINCE
Chiesa di San Michele
a Oleggio
Abbazia dei
Santi Nazario e Celso
a San Nazzaro Sesia
This is within the cemetery and is
in Romanesque style with three
naves, the central one being the
largest, which end in three
semicircular apses. The facade is in
projecting steps with pilasters.
Inside, the presbytery is raised,
and beneath there is the crypt.
There are beautiful pictorial cycles
to be found within, some of the
few examples of Romanesque
painting still in existence in
northern Italy.
This is one of the most important
fortified abbey complexes in northern
Italy, founded in the 11th century by
Bishop Riprando. The complex is
surrounded by high defence walls. The
bell-tower with a square base was made
of river stones from the Sesia River laid in
a herringbone fashion. The 15th century
church is an example of Lombard Gothic
architecture. Both inside the church and
the cloister are decorated with frescoes
contemporary to the building.
Basilica
di San Giulio a Orta
Tradition has it that this is the
hundredth church built by San Giulio
in around 350 AD, on his namesake
island on Lake Orta. The inside of the
basilica, decorated with frescoes
showing the Saints, has a perfectly
preserved pulpit, in serpentino d’Oira
marble. This pulpit, considered one of
the highest examples of Romanesque
sculpture, has rails embellished by a
dense array of sculptures that portray
images of Christian symbology, the
symbols of the evangelists and a
probable depiction of the Benedictine
abbot Guglielmo da Volpiano.
Badia di Dulzago
a Bellinzago Novarese
Founded in the first years of the 12th
century by the canons of the Rule of St
Augustine on the remains of a very
ancient Roman centre, this started out as
a place of prayer and farming. The church
dedicated to San Giulio of Orta is the
same age as the abbey complex.
Santuario della Bocciola ad Ameno
This has an elegant neoclassical facade built by the architect Giovanni Molli in
1840. The large dome dominates the apse which houses the white marble altar,
also neoclassical, as is the portico of four columns in Baveno granite. Frescoed in
the early 19th century, the Sanctuary has a cycle of 36 “paintings” that illustrate
episodes from the Old Testament.
48
VERBANIA PROVINCE
Collegiata dei S.S. Gervasio
e Protasio a Domodossola
49
VERCELLI
Basilica di Sant’Andrea
Built between 1219 and 1227, this is one
of Italy’s architectural pieces that is
closest in spirit and form to the French
style of Gothic.
The facade, striking for its balance
of colour, blends Lombard-Emiliano
patterns (saddle roof, round arched
doorways, cornices, double orders of
galleries). The inside is in the form of the
Latin cross, divided into three naves, and
holds valuable works of art including the
16th century marquetry of the chancel.
The current building is the result of
the renovations during the 15th and
18th centuries on the structure of
an earlier Romanesque church of
which remain the central door
and, inside, an architrave decorated
with a bas-relief of “The Dream of
Charlemagne”.
The facade is embellished by the 17th
century vestibule with frescoes of
musical angels painted by Carlo
Mellerio, an artist from nearby Val
Vigezzo.
Cattedrale di Sant’Eusebio
Santuario della Madonna
del Sangue di Re
Dedicated to the Madonna del Sangue
(Madonna of blood), it was built in the
1950s. The Sanctuary was built next
to the place in which a miracle took
place: in 1494, a small fresco of the
Nursing Madonna, struck by a stone,
began to bleed. The sacred relic was
kept in a tabernacle behind the altar.
Revealing the great general devotion
are the hundreds of votive offerings
covering the walls of the Sanctuary.
Museo
del Tesoro del Duomo
The museum is in the Bishop’s Palace
and contains pieces unique in
the world such as the “Vercelli Book”,
a famed codex written in ancient
English; the “Medieval World Map”, an
ancient 12th century parchment in oval
form showing the globe in medieval
times; the “Codex Vercellensis
Evangelorum”, a manuscript dating
back to the 4th century, which contains
the first translation of the Gospel from
Greek to Latin.
Built in the second half of the 16th
century to a design by Pellegrino
Tibaldi on the foundations of an
ancient early Christian basilica, it was
modified in the 17th and 18th
centuries with work in the side
chapels. Inside there is a Romanesque
crucifix in silver leaf of the 11th
century. The walls were frescoed by
Carlo Costa to show episodes in the
life of Sant’Eusebio, the town’s
patron saint, while his bones are held
in an urn.
Chiesa di San Paolo
The most ancient part of the church is
dated 1253, but it was only completed
in the following century. The
characteristic tower was built in the
early 15th century, while the Baroque
modifications are the work of the
architect
Giacomo
Vincenzo
Canavasso in 1792. It houses
important frescoes and some of the
oldest documents of Vercelli wall
painting.
Chiesa di Santa Chiara
Designed by Bernardo Vittone, this is
a brilliant example of Baroque of
Piemonte. The building formed part of
the convent of Clarisse nuns, and was
restored and turned into a cultural
centre.
50
51
VERCELLI
PROVINCE
Chiesa di Santa Maria
delle Grazie a Varallo Sesia
This church, which was built at almost
the same time as the huge
architectural complex of Sacro Monte,
started life in 1486. On the wall
dividing the presbytery from the apse,
it has an impressive cycle of frescoes
painted between 1512 and 1513 by
Gaudenzio Ferrari, representing the
life of Christ in 21 panels.
Chiesa di San Cristoforo
Of the original 16th century structure
there remain the apse and the dome
cladding, while the rest of the original
building was modified in the 18th
century. The interior has a precious
cycle of frescoes by Gaudenzio Ferrari.
VERCELLI PROVINCE
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Lucedio di Trino Vercellese
This is a large abbey complex founded in the 12th century by some Cistercian
monks, on land needing reclaiming given by the Marquis Ranieri I of Monferrato.
The abbey was built as a fortified structure: between the 12th and 14th centuries,
its fame and riches constantly grew due to the abbots that were able to combine
spirituality with zeal for works.
Santuario di Sant’Anna
a Borgosesia
For the faithful, this is the “Piccolo
Sacro Monte”. Along the climb to the
Sanctuary there are 14 shrines in
niches, or stations, painted in 1753 by
Lorenzo Peracino, originally from
Valsesia. Although the true fame of
the Sanctuary lies in the six chapels
dedicated to episodes in the Life of
the Virgin Mary, there are also 150
multicoloured terracotta statues by
the architect Giovanni d’Enrico who
was also active in Varallo.
52
Sacri Monti
SACRI MONTI
The Sacred Mounts of northern Italy are a
complex of chapels, shrines and sanctuaries
made between the end of the 15th century
and the end of the 17th dedicated to various
aspects of Christian faith, evidence of the
people’s religiousness, together with
composite works of art. Apart from their
symbolic significance they are of great
importance and beauty since they cleverly
blend architectural elements into the natural
surrounding landscapes of hills, forests and
lakes. They also contain particularly
important works of art: cycles of frescoes,
paintings, sculptures, wooden chancels,
which make them a truly unique artistic
heritage. And this is the reason why, in 2003,
UNESCO registered the “Cultural landscape
of the Sacred Mounts of Piemonte and
Lombardia” in the List of World Heritage
Sites. The Sacred Mounts of Belmonte in the
province of Torino, Crea in Alessandria
province, Domodossola and Ghiffa in
Verbania province, Oropa in Biella province,
Orta in Novara province and Varallo – the
most ancient – in Vercelli province, have
been included in the network of Protected
Areas of the Regione Piemonte, which
ensures the conservation of items of artistic
and architectural interest, and the
maintenance and protection of the
surrounding environment.
Sacro Monte Calvario
a Domodossola
Sacro Monte di Crea
53
Sacro Monte
della S.S. Trinità
a Ghiffa
I SACRI MONTI
Sacro Monte di Oropa
Sacro Monte
di Belmonte
Sacro Monte Orta
Sacro Monte di Varallo
54
SAINTS AND BLESSED OF PIEMONTE
In Torino and the Piemonte area lived some of the best loved saints and blessed for
their great commitment to educational actions or for having founded important
works of charity. An important role was held by the “Social Saints” who lived
among the people whose needs they met in the practical ways typical to the
subalpine character, finding in God’s love an inexhaustible source for their
ceaseless dedication to their fellow man.
San Giovanni Bosco
1815 - 1888, founder of the Salesian congregation and of the Daughters of Mary,
Help of Christians
San Giuseppe Cafasso
1811 – 1860, he dedicated himself to instructing and training new clergy and
conducted an intense mission among prisoners. He is buried in the Sanctuary of the
Consolata
San Giuseppe Benedetto Cottolengo
1786 – 1842, founded the religious community that is still today dedicated to
welcoming and caring for the underprivileged. His birth home can now be visited and
has been turned into a Museum
San Pio V
1504 – 1572, he was the 225th Pope of the Catholic church from 1566 to 1572
San Domenico Savio
1842 – 1857, founder of the Compagnia dell'Immacolata – Society of the
Immaculate Conception
San Leonardo Murialdo
1828 - 1900, founder of the Congregation of San Giuseppe, he is buried in the
church of Salute di Borgo Vittoria in Torino
San Luigi Orione
1872 – 1940, founder of the Piccola Opera della Divina Provvidenza- Little Work of
the Divine Providence - known also as the Piccolo Cottolengo, and of the Church of
Madonna della Guardia in Tortona
55
Blessed Piergiorgio Frassati
1901 - 1925, committed to Catholic political activism and help to the needy, his
coffin rests in the Cathedral of Torino
Blessed Giacomo Alberione
1884 - 1971, founder of the Society of San Paolo
Blessed Michele Rua
1837 – 1910, successor to Don Bosco, to whom he acted for many years as
secretary and then vicar
Blessed Secondo Pollo
1908 - 1941, educator and army chaplain
Blessed Teresa Tracco
1924 – 1944, vergine e martire
Blessed Luigi Boccardo
1861 – 1936, founder of the Suore Figlie di Gesù Re – Daughters of the Lord King
– forming part of the Congregazione delle Povere Figlie – Congregation of Poor
Daughters – of San Gaetano
Blessed Giovanni Maria Boccardo
1848 – 1913, founder of the Congregation of Poor Daughters of San Gaetano
Blessed Teresa Grillo Michel
1855 - 1944, founder of the Little Sisters of Divine Providence
Blessed Anna Michelotti
1843 – 1888, founder of the Little Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Blessed Enrichetta Dominici
1829 – 1894, committed to the Congregation of the Sisters of Sant’Anna and of
Providence
Blessed Caterina Mattei Ricci
1486 – 1547, proclaimed Blessed in 1808 by Pope Pius VII
Blessed Francesco Faà di Bruno
1825 – 1888, officer in the Savoyard army, architect and mathematician, advisor to
the Royal Household
56
ALESSANDRIA page 23
ALESSANDRIA PROVINCE pages 23-27
ASTI page 28
ASTIPROVINCE pages 29-32
BIELLA page 33
BIELLA PROVINCE pages 34-35
CUNEO pages 36-37
CUNEO PROVINCE pages 38-44
Domodossola
NOVARA page 45
Re
NOVARA PROVINCE pages 46-47
VERBANIA
VERBANIA
Ghiffa
VERBANIA PROVINCE page 48
Varallo
Borgosesia
VERCELLI pages 49-50
VERCELLI PROVINCE pages 50-51
Ameno
Oropa
Graglia Campiglia
Cervo
SACRI MONTI pages 52-53
SAINTS pages 54-55
Bellinzago
Novarese
BIELLA
Belmonte
(Valperga)
Cuorgnè
VERCELLI
Lucedio
Ciriè
Chivasso
TORINO
Susa
Bardonecchia
NOVARA
Santhià
Rivarolo Canavese
Lanzo
Torinese
Orta
Nazzaro Sesia
Oleggio
Andorno
Micca
Ivrea
Rivoli
Crea
Vezzolano
Cortazzone
Montiglio
Moncalieri
Castelnuovo Montechiaro
d’Asti
Don Bosco
Pinerolo
Moncalvo
Carmagnola
Valmanera
Torre Pellice
Casale
Monferrato
Chieri
ASTI
Nizza
Monferrato
Savigliano
Saluzzo
Alba
Ravello
Castelmagno
Fossano
Bra
Cherasco
La Morra
Busca
Vinadio
Dronero
CUNEO
Pesio
Mondovì
Borgo
San Dalmazzo
Vicoforte
Ceva
Bosco
Marengo
Spinetta
Marengo
Valenza
Tortona
ALESSANDRIA
Sezzadio
Cassine
Acqui
Terme
Novi Ligure
Ovada
Rivalta
Scrivia