Monastery of the Visitation, Turin: A Sanctuary of Faith and History
P.zza del Monastero 14, Turin
Discovering the Church of the Monastery of the Visitation
The Monastery of the Visitation in Turin, once a center of contemplative life, now welcomes visitors with its uniquely designed church. Although much of the monastic complex was demolished in 1964, the church remains a precious testament to faith and history.
The liturgical building, with its central plan, stands out for its octagonal structure crowned by a pavilion dome. Eight pavilions, divided into two identical sets of four, create a harmonious cross-shaped arrangement. The arch framing the high altar area interrupts the rear vault, lending uniqueness to the ensemble. The modest dimensions of the church reflect its original conventual purpose.
The bell tower, erected above the apse, features an octagonal belfry open on all sides, allowing the sound of the bells to resonate both outside and inside the site.
The Monastery: A Vanished Memory
The monastery, once located behind the church, was a vast quadrangular structure with porticoes, housing the nuns’ cells, a farm with stables and barns, an orchard, and gardens. The ladies of the House of Savoy had an apartment reserved for spiritual retreats.
The entire complex was surrounded by a wall with corner towers, giving it a fortified appearance. Sadly, after its demolition in the 1960s, only the church remains—the sole survivor of a rich historical past.
The church’s altar is adorned with a painting depicting the Visitation, a work by Luigi Venier, the same artist who painted another piece in the Chapel of the Merchants in Turin. This painting, dating back to 1689, embodies the deep Marian devotion of the Visitation nuns.
Construction of the church and convent began between 1871 and 1904 in a peripheral area of Turin characterized by vast green spaces. The Visitation nuns remained there until 1964, when they moved to their current monastery in Moncalieri. During World War I, the building was partially converted into barracks, limiting the space available to the nuns. In 1905, the church was reopened for worship after being blessed, and on October 28, 1938, it was reconsecrated by the Archbishop of Turin, Cardinal Fossati. After the nuns’ departure and the subsequent demolition of the monastery, only the gate in front of the church and the pathway leading to Corso Francia remain. On February 9, 1970, the Opera Torino-Chiese regained possession of the church.
Curiosities and Highlights of the Monastery of the Visitation
On October 28, 1938, during the church’s reconsecration, Cardinal Maurilio Fossati placed a parchment in the altar granting 100 days of indulgence to the faithful present and to those who would visit the church on the anniversary of its consecration. A gesture of profound spirituality that underscores the importance of this place for Turin’s Catholic community.
A Journey Through History: Although the monastery no longer exists, visiting the church offers glimpses into the lives of the Visitation nuns. Look for architectural details that hint at the site’s original function, such as the small windows that illuminated the cells. Imagine the silence broken only by the nuns’ prayers and work, guardians of a centuries-old spirituality.
The Hidden Saints: The Monastery of the Visitation is linked to the order founded by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal. Delve into the lives of these saints, models of charity and humility. Their stories may reveal hidden meanings in the symbols found in the church.
In Search of the Sacred: Look for the altarpiece depicting the Visitation. Contemplate the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth, a moment of grace and blessing. Imagine the scene and let yourself be carried away by the spirituality of the place.
Source: By Pmk58 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52028839
Piazza del Monastero, 5, 10146 Turin, Italy
