Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, Turin Church

Address: Piazza Maria Ausiliatrice 32, Turin, Piedmont, Italy

Website: http://www.santuariomadredellri.it/

Hours: Daily 7:30am-6pm (mass and confessional times vary).

Admission: Free (entry to the church); some side chapels or museum spaces may have small fees.

The Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians is a Roman Catholic basilica in the Valdocco district of Turin and a principal devotional site for the Salesian movement. It dates to the mid-19th century and is closely associated with Saint John Bosco.

The basilica functions both as an active parish church and a pilgrimage shrine. Key highlights include the main nave and altars, a crypt that holds the tomb of Saint John Bosco and other Salesian burials, and displays related to the Salesian congregation and its founder.

Construction and decoration were undertaken under the direction of John Bosco and his associates in the 19th century to serve the growing Salesian community. Since then the complex has remained a centre for Salesian education and devotion and has been adapted for liturgical use and pilgrim access.

The basilica sits in the Valdocco quarter north of Turin city centre, within the historic urban fabric of the city and close to other Salesian institutions and museums.

• Feast day: Many pilgrims visit on the feast of Mary Help of Christians, observed on May 24.
• Salesian centre: The site serves as the central devotional church for the Salesian family and preserves the tomb of Saint John Bosco in its crypt.

What to See#

• Main basilica: Main church with a traditional basilica plan featuring a nave and side aisles; interior houses devotional altars and displays related to the Salesian congregation.
• Crypt and tomb: Crypt containing the tomb of Saint John Bosco and other Salesian burials, a focal point for pilgrimages and votive visits.
• Salesian complex and museum: Adjoining Salesian complex that includes the oratory and museum documenting the life and work of Don Bosco and the development of the Salesian order.

The basilica stands in Turin’s city grid and is reachable by the city’s tram network and buses; the nearest metro stop is a short walk away.

• Climb to the terrace during late afternoon for views over Turin's grid and the Mole Antonelliana.
• Check mass times before visiting - the basilica still functions as an active parish and some areas may be closed during services.
• Look for votive ex-votos and the 19th-century decorative program that reflects Turin's devotion to the Virgin.