Why is the Real Church of San Lorenzo in Turin special architecturally?

The Church of San Lorenzo is one of Turin's most beautiful Baroque churches, designed by the renowned architect Guarino Guarini between 1668 and 1687. Its interior features a completely harmonious and curvilinear design without straight lines, with an imposing dome dominating the square and large windows that create a striking pattern known as the 'devil's face' when viewed from inside.

When should I visit San Lorenzo to see the special sunlight effect?

The best time to visit the Church of San Lorenzo is during the two equinoxes, when a ray of sunlight strikes the oculus of the chapel and illuminates frescoes inside the oculi that are normally hidden in darkness. This rare and beautiful phenomenon occurs only twice a year, making it a truly unique experience for visitors.

What was the historical reason the Church of San Lorenzo was built?

The Savoy family commissioned the Church of San Lorenzo to celebrate their military victory against the French. This significant patronage is reflected in the church's grand Baroque design and its prominent location with its imposing dome dominating the square.

What should I expect when entering San Lorenzo's atypical facade?

Despite having a practically nonexistent facade on the outside, the Church of San Lorenzo will amaze you as soon as you cross its threshold with its stunning interior design. The atypical exterior contrasts dramatically with the elaborate and harmonious Baroque interior that awaits visitors inside.

Why did architect Guarino Guarini emphasize lighting in San Lorenzo's design?

Guarino Guarini gave special attention to lighting throughout the Church of San Lorenzo, which is evident in the strategic placement of large windows and the oculus in the chapel. This thoughtful approach to illumination not only creates visual beauty but also enables the rare equinox phenomenon where sunlight reveals hidden frescoes that are otherwise concealed in darkness.

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Religious places 📍 Torino, Italy 123 views

Real Church of St. Lawrence

Photo · kim L.

Real Church of St. Lawrence — Torino, Italy.

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Torino

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Religious places

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About Real Church of St. Lawrence

Real Church of St. Lawrence - Torino | Secret World Trip Planner

The church of San Lorenzo is a church in Turin. Also known as the Real Church of San Lorenzo.An atypical facade on the outside, practically nonexistent, the Church of San Lorenzo will amaze you as soon as you cross its threshold.Commissioned by the Savoy family to celebrate their victory against the French, the Church of San Lorenzo is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the city, built to a design by Guarino Guarini between 1668 and 1687.The imposing dome dominates the square, and seen from below, once inside, the large windows make up what is called the devil's face.Not only that, the interior plan of the Church of San Lorenzo does not involve straight and broken lines, everything is harmonious and curvilinear. Much attention on Guarino Guarini's part was given to lighting.Visit the Church during the two Equinoxes; the ray of sunlight strikes the oculus of the chapel, making visible frescoes inside the oculi, usually in darkness: an event that happens only twice a year, but one of rare beauty.