Turin Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, is the city's principal church and a rare Renaissance landmark in a centre better known for its Baroque architecture. Its restrained white marble facade faces Piazza San Giovanni, while a detached bell tower rises beside it. Inside, a long nave leads past chapels and religious artworks to the cathedral's most famous association: the Shroud of Turin.
Built between 1491 and 1498 on the site of earlier churches, the cathedral is closely linked to the Savoy dynasty and the adjoining Royal Palace. The shroud, a linen cloth bearing the image of a man that many believe to be Jesus, is kept in a protective case and shown publicly only on rare, specially announced occasions. Behind the cathedral, Guarino Guarini's Chapel of the Holy Shroud is a striking work of Baroque architecture, restored after a devastating fire in 1997 and accessible through the Royal Museums.
The cathedral makes a rewarding stop on a walk through historic Turin, with the Roman theatre, Porta Palatina and Piazza Castello nearby. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience, and check opening times before you go, especially around religious holidays or ceremonies. This is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and keep your voice low; if you also want to see Guarini's chapel, allow time for a separate visit to the Royal Museums.