The church

The Church of Santa Maria al Monte stands on Monte dei Cappuccini, a very beautiful place with a fascinating history, located not far from the historic center of the city of Turin.

It was Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy who, at the end of the 16th century, donated this place to the Capuchin friars so that they could build a monastery there, followed a few years later by the construction of the church in the Baroque style.
With its square overlooking the Po, it may be the place that offers the best vantage point for seeing the city from above, with a view extending as far as the Alps. Its dominant position meant that this place was considered strategic during the various conflicts that involved this part of Italy over time: it was possible to find a safe refuge there and to control the river and the city from there.
When visiting Monte dei Cappuccini, the National Mountain Museum, housed in the Capuchin monastery, is well worth a visit. Founded at the end of the 19th century, it has developed over time into one of the most important museums in its field internationally.

The Eucharistic miracle

It is said that in 1640, during the siege by the French troops, an extraordinary event took place here.
It is May 16, and the French troops decide to take control of the hill. To do so, they attack the church, where, in addition to the soldiers defending it, many local residents have sought refuge. 
The French troops manage to gain the upper hand and break into the church, killing everyone inside and looting it. A French soldier shoots at the tabernacle and approaches with the intention of stealing the ciborium containing the consecrated hosts. Suddenly, a tongue of fire emerges from the tabernacle and strikes him directly, burning his face and clothes. Seeing what has happened, the French soldiers become frightened and stop the looting. The tabernacle door, decorated with agate and lapis lazuli, still bears the marks of the soldier’s tampering.
The miracle of Monte dei Cappuccini has been passed down through the centuries, and the Church of Santa Maria al Monte carefully preserves a painting depicting what happened.

Learn about the Sanctuary

Church of Santa Maria del Monte (dei Cappuccini)
Piazzale Monte dei Cappuccini 3
E-Mail: info@cappuccinipiemonte.it
Telephone: 011 6604414

How to get there the Sanctuary

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