Santa Cristina, Turin, Baroque Catholic church in Piazza San Carlo, Turin, Italy
Santa Cristina is a baroque church with a spacious central nave framed by ornate architectural details and decorated ceilings. The interior contains multiple altars, arched windows with saintly figures, and layered stucco work that enhances the sense of vertical space.
Construction began in 1639 when Maria Christiana of France commissioned the work under architect Carlo di Castellamonte. The facade received its final baroque form when Filippo Juvarra completed the design in the early 18th century.
The church is one of two matching structures that face each other across Piazza San Carlo, creating a symmetrical urban design that defines the square's character. The pairing reflects a deliberate architectural philosophy that made Turin a showcase of coordinated baroque planning.
The church sits in the middle of a major public square and is easily reached on foot from the city center. Visiting in early morning hours allows you to see the interior details more clearly and enjoy a quieter experience.
Between 1802 and the restoration of its religious role, the building briefly served as a stock exchange during the Napoleonic period. This temporary repurposing reveals how political upheaval reshaped the uses of even sacred buildings.
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