Church of the Great Mother of God

The Church of Our Lady is one of the most important churches in Turin, Italy. Located at the foot of the Turin hill and not far from the right bank of the river Po, on the piazza Vittorio Veneto. The church is located somewhat away from the historical center of the city, to the nearest metro station "Porta Nuova", located on the left bank of the Po - more than 1.5 km.

The construction of the church began in 1818 in honor of the return to power in Piedmont of Sardinia King Victor Emmanuel I after the defeat of Napoleon (1814). The inscription on the tympanum of the cathedral in Latin reads: "ORDO POPULUSQUE TAURINUS OB ADVENTUM REGIS" ("To know and the people of Turin - to the return of the king"). Construction was generally completed in 1831 - as the last touch before the entrance appeared portico.

The church is somewhat elevated above the square level - to go inside, you need to climb the main staircase. On the pedestals on the sides of the main staircase are sculptures symbolizing the Faith - a statue with a bowl in hand and a statue with a cross. In front of the entrance to the church, a portico is built, supported by eight massive columns of the Corinthian order. The facade of the church is neoclassical. The model for the architect Ferdinando Boncenore was undoubtedly the building of the Pantheon in Rome. At the foot of the church is a monument to Victor Emmanuel I.