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Sanctuary of Our Lady of Protection at the Turchine: A Heart of Faith in Genoa

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Protection, once the heart of the Monastery of the Turchine in Genoa, holds a history of devotion, miracles, and urban transformations. Although the original structure no longer exists, its spirit lives on through the stories and faith of the Genoese people.

History and Transformations of a Monastery

Founded in the 17th century, the monastery underwent a drastic division in 1875 with the construction of Corso Carbonara. An underground corridor connected the two sections, a testament to the desire to preserve spiritual unity. In 1912, the upper part was abandoned and transformed into a municipal school, only to be demolished around 1930 to make way for the church of Our Lady of Graces and St. Jerome of Castelletto. The other part of the monastery met the same fate around 1957, with the nuns moving to the new monastery of St. Cyprian.

The Miracle that Sparked Devotion

Devotion to Our Lady of Protection originated from a miraculous event in 1605. It is said that the painting depicting the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the Infant Jesus, and Saint John the Baptist (kneeling before them) spoke to Maria Vittoria de Fornari Strata, the founder of the Turchine order, reassuring her of the protection of her order during a time of difficulty.

This painting, commissioned by Stefano Centurione and originally placed in the inner choir of the monastery, became an object of great veneration. During celebrations, a copy of the painting was displayed to the public. Unfortunately, to this day, the location of the original image remains unknown, fueling an aura of mystery and a desire for rediscovery.

The Composition of the Work

The original painting showed the Virgin Mary raising a veil with her right hand and showing the sleeping Jesus to Saint John the Baptist kneeling before them; behind Jesus is Saint Joseph.
It was placed at the head of the inner choir of the first monastery of the Upper Turchine and was painted in Naples between the late 16th and early 17th centuries on commission from Stefano Centurione. For services, a copy was displayed in the church. The current whereabouts of the image have not been traced.

Maria Vittoria de Fornari Strata: The Blessed Founder

A key figure in the sanctuary’s history is Maria Vittoria de Fornari Strata (1562-1617), founder of the Order of the Turchine, who was beatified in 1828. Her life was dedicated to prayer, penance, and assisting the needy. Her charisma and unwavering faith allowed the order to be born and grow, despite the difficulties encountered. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on September 21.

Stefano Centurione

The nobleman Stefano Centurione, who lived between the 16th and 17th centuries, was a key figure in the founding of the Monastery of the Turchine and the spread of the cult of Our Lady of Protection. His generosity, deep faith, and friendship with Maria Vittoria de Fornari Strata enabled the creation of a work that would mark the history of Genoa.
His foresight led him to suggest to Strata’s companions to join the Carmelites to ensure the future of the monastery. It was precisely through his intervention that the image of the Virgin spoke to the founder, protecting her project and ensuring its success.

Research Ideas and Spiritual Adventure

• In search of the lost painting: An investigation in the historical archives of Genoa and Naples, in private collections and museums, could lead to the rediscovery of the original painting of Our Lady of Protection.
• Exploration of the underground corridor: Although no longer accessible, the legend of the underground corridor that connected the two parts of the monastery fuels curiosity. Historical and geological research could reveal its existence and path.
• The footsteps of the Turchine: Following the traces of the nuns of the Order of the Turchine, from the original monastery to St. Cyprian, allows one to discover their life, spirituality, and contribution to the history of Genoa.

Conclusion

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Protection at the Turchine, although no longer existing in its original form, represents an important chapter in the religious and cultural history of Genoa. Its story of faith, miracles, and transformations continues to inspire the faithful and invites the discovery of a past rich in spirituality and devotion.