Gran Madre di Dio, Neoclassical church by Po River, Turin, Italy
Gran Madre di Dio is a church in neoclassical style on the bank of the Po River in Turin. It has a portico with six Corinthian columns and a broad tympanum that links the building with the waterfront.
Construction started in 1818 to celebrate the return of King Victor Emmanuel I after the end of Napoleonic rule. The work was finished in 1831 after the plans had been revised by several architects.
The marble tympanum depicts the Virgin and Child receiving homage from Turin decurions, reflecting the city's religious and civic connections.
The church sits at the eastern end of the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge and you can walk here from the center. A short climb up the steps leads to the entrance under the colonnade.
Two statues frame the main staircase, one showing a figure holding a book and a chalice. These figures are sometimes linked with legends about the Grail, though their official interpretation represents Faith and Religion.
Location: Turin
Inception: 1818
Architects: Ferdinando Bonsignore
Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture
Address: Piazza Gran Madre di Dio, 4 - 10131 Torino (TO)
GPS coordinates: 45.06220,7.69910
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24
Turin sits along the Po River with hills rising on the horizon. The city combines Roman remains, baroque palaces, neoclassical churches and 20th-century buildings. Wide streets cross the center, arcades provide shade and shops line the sidewalks. Parks stretch along the riverbanks while basilicas and viewpoints occupy the hills above. The Mole Antonelliana rises above the rooftops and now houses a museum. Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello are large open squares lined with cafés and historic facades. Valentino Park follows the river with paths, gardens and Castello del Valentino. The Palatine Towers show Roman walls, while Palazzo Madama blends medieval and baroque elements. The Royal Theatre and the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista stand near the narrow lanes of the Quadrilatero Romano, where markets and small shops fill the streets. Via Roma connects shopping districts to Porta Nuova railway station. Mercato di Porta Palazzo is a large market with stalls full of food and everyday goods.
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