Church of St. Francis of Paola, Baroque church in Via Po, Turin, Italy

The Church of St. Francis of Paola is a baroque structure on Via Po in Turin featuring an ornate facade and elegant interior with soaring arches and domes. The space is divided by columns and organized symmetrically, with the main altar in polychrome marble positioned as the focal point.

Construction began in 1634 under the patronage of Christine Marie of France, Duchess of Savoy, with architectural designs by Pellegrino Pellegrini. The work extended over several decades and reflects the stylistic ideals of high baroque design.

The church is the seat of a parish and houses the tomb of sculptor Tommaso Carlone, who asked in his will to be buried here; his sons Giovanni Domenico and Giuseppe Maria carved the monument on the counter-facade, probably by 1667. The third chapel on the left, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Help, was commissioned from 1654 by Cardinal Maurice of Savoy and holds Tommaso Carlone's statue of the Madonna (1655).

Visitors should check opening hours ahead of time, as the church serves an active congregation and may close for services. It is best to wear respectful clothing and maintain quiet behavior during any religious ceremonies you may encounter.

The sculptor Tommaso Carlone, who worked on the church's entire sculptural apparatus, was buried here at his own testamentary request; his funeral monument on the counter-facade was made by his sons Giovanni Domenico and Giuseppe Maria, probably already in 1667. The pulpit and the holy water stoup are also his work.