Chiesa di Nostra Signora del Suffragio

The church of Nostra Signora del Suffragio in Turin was built on the initiative of Blessed Francesco Faà di Bruno as part of his charitable work among the city's working people.

Why it matters

Construction began in 1866 as part of the Opera di Santa Zita, the charitable institution Faà di Bruno founded to support disadvantaged women. The church became the spiritual centre of this work and is associated with the congregation of the Suore Minime di Nostra Signora del Suffragio. Its tall campanile was designed to make a public clock visible to workers.

What to notice

The church's neo-Romanesque exterior uses brick and stone, with blind arcading. Inside, a three-aisled space includes a gallery and a dome over the transept. A white marble pulpit belongs to the founding period, and the statue of Our Lady of Suffrage at the head of the nave is signed by sculptor Antonio Tortona. The founder's remains are preserved in a chapel.

Context and history

Faà di Bruno (1825–1888) was an officer, mathematician and priest whose charitable institutions served domestic workers, orphans and elderly women. The church was begun in 1866 to serve the Opera di Santa Zita. Its campanile was built between 1876 and 1881 and incorporated a public clock, reflecting Faà di Bruno's concern that workers could check the hours recorded by employers. The congregation continued his work after his death.