Monument to John Bosco, Turin
Monument to John Bosco in Turin (Monumento a San Giovanni Bosco) is not very famous, especially to the mass tourist. But you should not miss it. It is located almost in the center of the city and is dedicated to a person of great importance for local residents. In addition, the sculptural composition is huge, detailed and made with love.
Personality and history of the monument
The monument is dedicated to the Catholic saint, who lived not so long ago, in the 19th century. As a child, Giovanni decided to become a priest. In 1841, he achieved the goal, and in 1854 founded the society of the Salesians. Giovanni Bosco earned the respect of the people of Turin, making a great contribution to spiritual and social development. He helped orphans, poor strata of the population, workers and youth, in particular students. Moreover, he did not shy away from the achievements of scientific progress. He died in 1888, having established himself as an excellent teacher and missionary. By that time the order had grown considerably not only in Europe, but also in the countries of South America. In 1934 he was canonized.
On September 10, 1911 the Congress of the Order of Salesians was held, where it was decided to create a monument to its founder. Former followers of Don Bosco donated 200,000 lira, another 20,000 lire were added by the city council of Turin. The project was carried out by a sculptor from Ravenna – Gaetano Cellini. On August 16, 1915 – the 100th anniversary of the birth of the saint, the monument was ready. But in connection with the First World War, it was seen only 5 years later. On May 23, 1920 a grand opening was held, which gathered many people.
Sculptural composition
All figures of the monument are made of bronze. The sculptural group consists of a truncated pyramid in the center and two side wings, which form a kind of altar in the background. The figure of St. Giovanni Bosco is on the pedestal, and he is surrounded by four children. At the foot, near the steps, a man kisses a cross in the hands of a woman. In the right wing there are figures of a praying woman with a child and a worker. On the left side of the composition there are figures of a savage bowing in front of the Virgin Mary, and the girls who bring her flowers. On the back of the monument there are 3 groups of reliefs. In the center there are figures of Salesian missionaries among Italian migrants in Argentina. To the right and to the left there are the schools of the Order of Salesians for workers and peasants, respectively.
How to get there
Monument to John Bosco is located almost in the center of the city, on the Piazza Maria Ausiliatrice. It perfectly complements the beautiful Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice located in the background. Just in a 20 minutes walk there is the Piazza Castello of Turin, and very near – the Holy Shroud Museum. You can get there by tram № 3, 10, 16CD, buses № 46, 49, 52, 67, 72, 91, N10, 10N, W60. You need to reach stops Forca Ovest, Ronda Forca, Principe Eugenio.
