Museo Diocesano di Torino
Museum of sacred art in the lower church of the Turin Cathedral, with liturgical furnishings, paintings and the remains of three early Christian basilicas, plus the climb to the bell tower.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo Diocesano was inaugurated on 11 December 2008 by Cardinal Severino Poletto and is housed in the lower church of the Renaissance Duomo of Turin, a space originally designed to hold the tombs of the Savoy family and of the archbishops. Its purpose is to document what the Church of Turin has produced over twenty centuries of history through art, in the service of faith and charity.
Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered the remains of three early Christian churches, demolished to build the present cathedral, and traces of an ancient cemetery. The display respects the existing structures, following the idea of a “museum of itself”, with minimal interventions and reversible materials.
The route is organized by thematic areas: baptism and Eucharist, Marian devotion, liturgy of the Word, the picture gallery and an archaeological section. Among the works are the first baptismal font of the Duomo, Martino Spanzotti’s Baptism of Christ (1509–1510) and a treatise by Leon Battista Alberti. The museum also takes in, for safekeeping, works and furnishings from closed or poorly protected churches, and is connected to the climb to the Duomo’s bell tower.
Highlights
- Remains of three early Christian basilicas and an ancient cemetery
- Baptism of Christ by Martino Spanzotti (1509–1510)
- 15th-century baptismal font of the Duomo
- Furnishings, vestments and reliquaries from Turin’s churches
- Climb to the Duomo bell tower with views over the city
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Arcidiocesi di Torino
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Bell tower climb only | €4Contribution |
| Combined ticket for museum and bell tower | €10 |
Free admission for holders of the Abbonamento Musei.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The museum occasionally offers events and workshops for families.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus and tram lines 3, 4, 11, 13, 15, 33, 51, 55, 56, 59. By train to Torino Porta Nuova station, then a short trip by public transport or on foot along Via Roma or Via XX Settembre.
By car
Parking available
Numerous car parks in the city center.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups and schools are organized year-round by reservation (museodiocesano@diocesi.to.it, +39 011 578 7018). Entrance from the square, to the right of the Duomo. |
