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Contents
Why Visit the Chapel of the Holy Shroud?
- Spectacular Architecture: Enjoy the breathtaking interior architecture of the Chapel, adorned with black marble and embellishments.
- A Religious Landmark: Since its construction, people from across the globe come to venerate the Shroud of Turin at the Holy Chapel.
- A Rich History: The Shroud of Turin was in the possession of the House of Savoy for centuries. Learn about its unique history and that the of the Chapel dedicated to it.
- The Altar of the Shroud: The Shroud of Turin was once kept in the central altar of the Chapel. Visit to see its exquisite marble structure, decorations, and sculptures.
- The Dome: The six-leveled dome of the Chapel, constructed by Guarino Gaurini, is said to be of unparalleled beauty.
Plan Your Visit to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud
What are the Opening Timings of the Chapel of the Holy Shroud?
Where is Chapel of the Holy Shroud Located?
The opening hours of the Chapel of the Holy Shroud are the same as that of the Royal Palace of Turin. That is Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM
Last Admission: 6 PM
Closed: Monday
Royal Palace of Turin Opening Hours
The Chapel of the Holy Shroud is located in the museum complex of the Royal Palace of Turin, also known as the Musei Reali. You can find the Chapel of the Holy Shroud between the Cathedral of Turin and the Royal Palace building.
Architecture of The Chapel of the Holy Shroud
Baroque, as an architectural style, is known for its loud and elaborate medium of visual persuasion. A suitable medium that was possibly deployed to counter the Savoy Dynasty's failing image and power after its foreign occupation. The structure follows a geometric sequence of circles, triangles, and hexagons, neatly aligned on top of each other eliciting a combination of mysticism and dynamic engineering. Everything from the engravings and moldings is rich in symbolic motifs and with original artistic innovation in the lunettes and pilasters.
What is the Shroud of Turin?
The Shroud of Turin or La Sindone is a Christian relic that is said to be the burial cloth in which the body of Jesus Christ was wrapped and interred in a tomb. Made of linen, the cloth bears the faint impression of a face and a body, said to be that of Jesus himself. It was first presented in the new collegiate church of Lirey in northern France in 1354. It was acquired by the House of Savoy in 1453 and moved to their capital in Turin in 1578.
The Shroud fails archeological examinations like radiocarbon dating that trace it back to the medieval period, nowhere close to the death of Christ. Still, the Shroud is venerated by Catholics all over and commands international attention, although the Catholic Church has disputed its authenticity. Pope Francis in 2013 said the artifact was merely an "icon of a man scourged and crucified".
Highlights of the Chapel of the Holy Shroud
The Interior Structure
The base of the Chapel follows an ellipsoidal structure, following the initial circular foundation laid in the time of Ascanio Vitozzi. The curved walls are decorated with black Fabrosa marble that adds to the somber ambiance and features prominent arches and vertical pilasters. Guarini's pilasters have capitals of the Corinthian order that are artistically encircled with a crown of thorns and a passion flower in the center where three nails emerge like the stigmata of an actual flower. The floor is made of inlaid marble arranged in concentric circles.
The Drum
Preceding the chapel's dome is the truncated drum that sits on top of the walls of the chapels. It consists of three large arches that create lunettes and pendentives in the spaces between. Each lunette and pendentive has a circular window through which light enters and flushes the chapel in sunlight. The arches are engraved with nails of the Passion, and on the lunettes are motifs of the Greek and Jerusalem crosses and stars.
The Upper level of the Drum
The second level of the drum elongates the base of the dome, taking the total height of the structure to another level. The base is that of a ring walkway on which tall arched windows are supported. The light through the windows illuminates the drum and the dome above it. Between the arches are decorative niches. Above them are geometric motifs that are symbolic in nature.
The Dome
The dome is possibly the most impressive part of the chapel. Composed of six levels of six overlapping arches each, the dome towers upwards and culminates in a suspended golden star at the top. When looked at from below, the dome resembles an almost transcendental geometric pattern of six hexagons aligned on top of each other, with divine light pouring through the windowed crevices.
The Altar
In the center of the chapel is a platform with balustraded rails. An altar made of black marble and decorated with gilded wood is surmounted on it by Piedmontese architect and engineer Antonio Bertola. The Shroud of Turin was positioned in the center of the altar and inside a glass encasing. A golden grating, almost like a cage surrounds the casing. . The altar is placed such that it allows viewing of the relic from the sides. Much of the altar was destroyed in the fire and has seen undergone intense restorations.
Monuments
In the 19th century, monuments dedicated to the members of the Savoy family were installed in the recesses of the chapel's arched walls. The figures include those of the first Duke of Savoy, Amadeus VIII, Emmanuel Philibert, Thomas of Savoy, and Charles Emmanuel II, under whom much of the chapel was completed.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chapel of the Holy Shroud
What is the Chapel of the Holy Shroud?
The Chapel of the Holy Shroud is a chapel inside the Musei Reali or Royal Palace of Turin dedicated to holding the Shroud of Turin.
Where can I buy the Chapel of the Holy Shroud tickets?
You can purchase tickets to visit the Chapel of the Holy Shroud online or at the ticket of the Royal Palace of Turin.
Can I visit the Chapel of the Holy Shroud with Royal Palace of Turin tickets?
Yes, entry to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud is included in your Royal Palace of Turin tickets along with other museums and galleries.
Who designed the Chapel of the Holy Shroud?
Many attribute Guarino Guarini, having done significant work on the Chapel's structure and dome, as its principal architect and designer.
Where is the Chapel of the Holy Shroud located?
The Chapel of the Holy Shroud is located in the museum complex of the Royal Palace of Turin.
What are the timings of the Chapel of the Holy Shroud?
One can visit the Chapel of the Holy Shroud from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 AM and 7 PM.
Can I view the Shroud of Turin in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud?
Unfortunately, due to the fragile condition of the Shroud of Turin, it is no longer kept inside the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
