Chiesa di San Tommaso

Why go

The church offers a visible answer to a city-planning problem. Rather than demolish the whole building when Via Pietro Micca was driven through the area, Carlo Ceppi redesigned its front. Compare the curved entrance with the street alignment and the older dome behind it.

What to look for

• The rounded entrance front meets the diagonal approach of Via Pietro Micca.
• Elliptical windows and a small dome animate the street view.
• Older parts of the church remain behind the nineteenth-century front.

The full story

San Tommaso has medieval roots and was rebuilt more than once before the nineteenth century. The decisive change for a visitor came when Turin planned Via Pietro Micca as a new diagonal route. The existing nave lay in its path, and demolition was proposed. Architect Carlo Ceppi instead reworked the building: part of the nave was removed and a rounded new entrance was created in the 1890s. The church’s plan changed, but the apse, transept, bell tower and altar survived from earlier phases. Stand on the street and the compromise becomes legible. The curved front addresses the new road, while the dome and surviving structure behind it speak to a much older place of worship. It is a small, concrete example of Turin adapting its past to a changing street plan.

Useful to know

• View the facade while following Via Pietro Micca toward Palazzo Bellia.
• Check present church access if you want to see the interior.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.