Chiesa di Gesù Nazareno

Did the Chiesa di Gesù Nazareno always stand so proudly here? No. The story of Chiesa di Gesù Nazareno begins with loss. The Church of San Martiniano, once a cherished landmark in another part of Turin, was demolished to make way for Via Pietro Micca. The faithful needed a new spiritual home. Out of this loss arose the idea to build a new church “beyond Piazza Statuto, along the Via Francia.” This new church would be an homage to Jesus of Nazareth. On November 24, 1904, the first stone of Chiesa di Gesù Nazareno was laid, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Construction, undertaken by Pier Vincanzo Bella, continued for years. Even before the majestic nave vaults were completed, the church was consecrated. Cardinal Agostino Richelmy, Archbishop of Turin, led the ceremony on May 24, 1913. The Chiesa di Gesù Nazareno stands as a testament to resilience. It largely survived the devastating bombings of World War II that ravaged Porta Susa station and the surrounding Cit Turin district. The church also housed the Cinema Teatro Esedra in its basement, starting in the mid-1950s. This unique space, however, faced temporary closures. First in the 1980s due to safety concerns and again in 2020. Today, the Chiesa di Gesù Nazareno continues to serve its community. The architects, Giovanni and Bartolomeo Gallo, created a unique blend of Neo-Gothic style with Art Nouveau and Liberty influences. This eclectic design sets it apart from much of Gallo’s other work, which often features elaborate ornamentation integrated into the brickwork. Inside, the Latin cross layout, three naves, cross vaults, and robust pillars create a sense of grandeur. The remarkably well-preserved interior boasts stunning wall decorations, especially in the presbytery and apse, along with original furnishings and a magnificent wooden pulpit. It’s a true masterpiece, echoing the pulpit at the Church of Santo Stefano in Priocca.