Have you noticed the eclecticism of the Santi Angeli Custodi? This church stands as a testament to faith and architectural ambition in Turin. Its story began in 1885. Archbishop Lorenzo Gastaldi wanted a new church. It was built on the former Piazza d’Armi site. Giuseppe Tonta designed the Santi Angeli Custodi. Giovanni Battista Cravesana assisted him. Three years later in 1888 the church was completed.
The Santi Angeli Custodi features a Latin cross plan. Ionic columns divide its three naves. These columns support round arches. The central nave boasts a barrel vault. The side naves have groin vaults. A semicircular apse sits at the end of the presbytery. It is topped with a hemispherical vault.
Enrico Reffo created the frescoes inside. Luigi Morgari and Giuseppe Sabbione designed the side altars. These altars honor Saint Joseph Saint Teresa and Mary. Mary is the patron saint of the dying. Cesare Zocchi crafted the bronze angels for the pulpit. The Casa Raffi of Paris created the Stations of the Cross. They also made the guardian angel near the main altar.
Look closely at the facade of Santi Angeli Custodi. Its eclectic style features a portal. Three arches surmount the portal. Ionic columns support these arches. A round rose window adorns the facade. A bell tower rises on the right. It features single-light and triple-light windows.
During World War II Turin faced heavy bombardment. The Santi Angeli Custodi was only slightly damaged. Nearby buildings suffered greatly. The parish house at Via San Quintino 37 was hit. The roof partially collapsed. Vaults and walls crumbled. Window frames shattered. The Opera Nazionale Cesarina Astesana at Via San Quintino 39 also sustained severe damage.
Inside the Santi Angeli Custodi once stood a magnificent organ. Luigi Berutti built it in 1912. This pneumatic organ had 2800 pipes and 46 stops. It featured three manuals and a pedal. Massimo Elice restored it in 2017 and 2022. The third manual is currently out of service.
The Santi Angeli Custodi represents resilience and faith. Its walls echo with history. Its art reflects devotion. It is more than just a building. It is a living testament to Turin’s spirit. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Remember the stories it holds. The Santi Angeli Custodi stands as a guardian of history.