We can't even count the number of churches we've visited across Europe over the past five decades, but they certainly number in the thousands. Offering religious inspiration, historic relevance, and sophisticated architecture, the greatest houses of worship are essentially free museums! Known locally as La Consolata and Italian for Sanctuary of the Consoled, this must be one of the 20 most stunning churches we've ever visited on the European continent. It was even better that the cathedral seemed a bit of a hidden gem, as few visitors were present at the height of tourist season. While the original structure was rebuilt in the 1600s, the bell tower dates to around AD 930. The rather basic exterior belies a jaw-dropping interior! Priceless paintings and gorgeous baroque architecture will leave you speechless, so much so that pictures simply do not do this facility justice. read more

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This beautiful church was designed by both the amazing architect Guarini and his successor Juvarri in a combination of high Baroque and Italian Roccoco. It is absolutely splendid - so over the top and yet so perfect. One thing visitors might want to note is that mass is said almost continually so it is a bit hard to photograph the main altar without disrupting a mass. The church also has a medieval style bell tower and next to it is the foundation of one of the corner turrets of the old Roman fort which later became Turin. Much more beautiful than the portion of the cathedral which is currently open. read more