The Chapel of the Merchants in Turin
In the historical center of Turin, the exceptional Chapel of Merchants and Bankers is well preserved and worth visiting when making a tour of Turin. It was built in the 17th century for a Christian congregation made of local representatives of the business community.
It was not only a place of worship but also a venue for corporate events and meetings. On top of it, its unique choir became a leading baroque art gallery. It is for this reason that in 1910 it was declared an Italian national monument.
Its congregation was founded in 1663 in the building of the old Jesuit College, being its first stone placed on 23 April 1577 by the Grand Duke Emmanuel Filiberto (who moved the capital of Savoy from Chambery to Turin).
Visitors to the chapel are truly amazed by the variety of colors and the richness of the Piedmont Baroque of the late 17th century. The ceiling is decorated with frescoes and the walls with paintings based on biblical themes. The banks for the parishioners are made of walnut and date back to the 17th century.
According to the legend, among the numerous relics related to Christian martyrs between the 1st and 3rd centuries, there is the skull of Saint Philip.
A unique creation there displayed is the "Eternal Calendar". It was designed and created in 1832 by the mathematician and astronomer Amedeo Plana. Its cylindrical structure identifies the days and dates for more than 4.000 years starting from the 1st century.
I would advise you visit it, if possible, as part of your Turin city tour.
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