Ascensione del Signore

“A church built by the community, for the community.” You might overhear someone saying about the Ascensione del Signore. It stands as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and faith that thrived in 1970s Turin. The Ascensione del Signore emerged from a unique chapter in the city’s history. As the Mirafiori district expanded westward, a new wave of residents sought a spiritual haven. The small Anselmetti chapel on Via Gaidano initially hosted the burgeoning community. However, its limited space spurred the need for a larger, more accessible sanctuary. In 1979, construction began on the Ascensione del Signore, not by a hired firm, but by the hands of the parishioners themselves. Guided by experts, they poured their time, skills, and resources into creating a shared house of worship. This spirit of “autocostruzione,” or self-building, is embodied in every aspect of the Ascensione del Signore, from the simple architectural design to the placement of each brick and tile. The result is a church that resonates with a powerful sense of communal ownership, a place where every individual’s contribution is woven into its very fabric.