Gran Madre di Dio, located in the picturesque city of Turin, Italy, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture that has stood the test of time. Officially known as Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio, this church is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of Turin's rich history and cultural heritage. Nestled on the right bank of the Po River, the church is a prominent feature of the city's skyline, offering a striking view that includes the nearby Monte dei Cappuccini and the bustling Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
The Gran Madre di Dio was commissioned by the city’s council to celebrate the return of King Victor Emmanuel I of Savoy to Turin on May 20, 1814, after the retreat of Napoleon's troops and the end of French domination. The construction of the church was part of the fifth expansion of Turin, which also included the creation of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I, now known as Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
The project was designed by the royal architect Ferdinando Bonsignore, who drew inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome, evident in the church's neoclassical style. The first stone was laid by King Victor Emmanuel I on July 23, 1818, and the construction was completed in 1831 under the reign of King Charles Felix. The church was officially inaugurated in the same year, during the reign of Charles Albert, whose body received its final blessing here before being buried in the Basilica of Superga in 1849.
The Gran Madre di Dio rises majestically above the surrounding piazza, accessed by a grand staircase leading to its imposing portico. The portico is supported by six Corinthian columns, with two additional columns inside, flanked by three pilasters on each side. This arrangement gives the church a distinctly neoclassical appearance, reminiscent of ancient Roman temples.
The pediment of the portico features a marble relief created by Francesco Somaini in 1827, depicting the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child receiving homage from the city's decurions. Below the portico, two niches house statues of saints: Saint Mark the Evangelist, holding the Gospel and standing over a lion, sculpted by Giuseppe Chialli in 1828, and Saint Charles Borromeo, crafted by Giuseppe Bogliani in 1829.
At the base of the staircase, two statues by Carlo Chelli represent Faith and Religion. The statue of Faith, on the left, holds an open book in one hand and raises a chalice with the other, while a small angel stands beside her. The statue of Religion, on the right, holds a cross and gazes into the distance, with a young figure kneeling at her feet, offering two stone tablets. These statues are often mistaken for representations of the Madonna.
In front of the church, a colossal marble statue of Victor Emmanuel I, nearly ten meters tall, stands proudly. This statue, created by Giuseppe Gaggini and completed in 1869, was commissioned by King Victor Emmanuel II to honor his predecessor. The inscriptions on the statue's base commemorate the king's return to his people and the statue's donation to the city of Turin.
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The interior of the Gran Madre di Dio is elegantly simple, featuring a single circular nave. The main altar, located in an eastern apse, is adorned with two large red porphyry columns, mirrored by two similar columns flanking the entrance. The church's sculptural decorations are significant, with contributions from renowned artists such as Angelo Bruneri, Giuseppe Bogliani, Carlo Caniggia, and Antonio Moccia.
Behind the main altar stands a statue of the Gran Madre di Dio with the Christ Child, created by Andrea Galassi. This statue is surrounded by golden rays and crowned by a large wooden crown supported by two cherubs. The church's interior niches house statues of Saint Maurice, Blessed Margaret of Savoy, Blessed Amedeo IX of Savoy, and Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Turin.
The dome of the church is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, featuring five tiers of octagonal coffers that decrease in size as they ascend. The dome is constructed entirely of concrete and culminates in a circular oculus over three meters in diameter, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. The oculus is designed to light up the statue of Saint John the Baptist on his feast day, June 24.
Beneath the church, in a crypt designed by Giovanni Ricci, lies the War Memorial for the Fallen of the First World War, inaugurated on October 25, 1932, in the presence of Benito Mussolini.
According to an unfounded tradition, the Gran Madre di Dio was built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, also known as the Great Mother. In the 19th century, it was customary to display the bodies of beggars or unidentified individuals in front of the church for identification, a practice previously held in front of the Royal Palace.
One of the statues at the base of the staircase, representing Faith, holds a book in one hand and a chalice in the other. For enthusiasts of esotericism, this statue is believed to be the Madonna holding the Holy Grail, pointing to a location that might lead to the legendary relic, suggesting that the Holy Grail could be hidden in Turin.
Gran Madre di Dio is not just a church; it is a testament to Turin's historical and architectural legacy. Its grandeur and serene beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this enchanting Italian city.
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