San Francesco di Sales, Neoclassical church building in Valdocco district, Turin, Italy.
San Francesco di Sales is a neoclassical church in the Valdocco neighborhood featuring a striking colonnade of six Corinthian granite columns and a grand staircase at the entrance. The interior follows a geometric floor plan with a large circular chamber crossed by a central cross, topped by a dome that fills the main space with light.
The church was designed and built between 1843 and 1850 by architects Alfonso Dupuy and Carlo Ceppi following neoclassical principles. Queen Maria Cristina donated the land for this project, marking an important connection between the monarchy and the religious community at that time.
The church holds deep ties to the Salesian community, whose members have used this space for worship and education for generations. Walking through, you notice side chapels decorated with altars that reflect the values and artistic tastes of the 19th century religious movement.
The church sits at ground level with clear street access and the wide front staircase makes it easy to spot from the surrounding area. Visitors should dress modestly as it remains an active place of worship with regular services and community activities.
The building features a striking geometric arrangement where a large circular chamber is intersected by a cross-shaped floor plan beneath the dome. This unusual spatial composition was not typical for churches of the era and creates an interesting visual experience as you move through the building.
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