The Chapel of the Holy Shroud, or Cappella della Sindone, is a Baroque masterpiece tucked between Turin Cathedral and the Royal Palace, near Piazza Castello. Built to house the Shroud of Turin, the linen cloth believed by many to bear the image of Jesus, it is a place where religious devotion and architectural ambition meet.
The House of Savoy commissioned the chapel, and architect and Theatine priest Guarino Guarini took over its design in the 1660s. Completed after his death, it became closely associated with both the dynasty and the Shroud. The cloth’s authenticity remains debated: radiocarbon testing in 1988 suggested a medieval date, though it continues to inspire pilgrimage.
The chapel’s dark marble interior leads the eye towards Guarini’s extraordinary dome, where tiers of interlacing arches rise through pools of light. Badly damaged by fire in 1997, the space reopened in 2018 after more than two decades of restoration. Take time to look up from beneath the dome; its intricate geometry is the highlight of a visit. The Shroud itself is kept in Turin Cathedral and is rarely displayed, so don’t expect to see it in the chapel.
Access is generally through the Royal Museums of Turin, so check current opening times and ticket arrangements before visiting. A weekday morning is a good choice for a quieter experience, and it’s worth combining the chapel with the Royal Palace and cathedral. Dress respectfully and check the photography rules on arrival.