Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo) Tours and Activities

Get a taste of Savoy wealth and power by visiting the Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo), adjacent to the Royal Palace in Turin. Dating from the 17th century, this baroque jewel has ornate interiors covered in art, gilt, and marble—all topped by a soaring dome. The high altar is considered among the most exquisite in Italy.
The Basics
The sumptuous Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo) is included in most Turin small-group walking tours along with the Duomo, Royal Palace, and Piazza Castello. No tour of the former ruling house of Savoy’s architectural landmarks in Turin is complete without a stop at the church, located just off Piazza Castello in the heart of the formal royal district. The church was built around a pre-existing chapel, still visible near the entrance, for the Dukes of Savoy, designed by master architect Guarino Guarini. Its plain, pastel-hued facade hides stunning baroque interiors, laid out in a Greek cross plan and lined with beautiful chapels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography is permitted inside the chapel.
- Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required to enter the church.
- The sacristy contains a small museum dedicated to the Holy Shroud, housed in the adjacent Duomo.
- The church is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Royal Church of San Lorenzo is located near the entrance to the Royal Palace in the Piazza Castello district, a short walk from the Porta Nuova train station. It’s easy to take a day trip to Turin via high-speed train from the nearby city of Milan.
When to Get There
The Royal Church of San Lorenzo closes at midday, so is best visited in the morning or late afternoon. The church and the Royal Palace are especially busy with visitors on weekends and holidays; tour on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Highlights of the Royal Church of San Lorenzo
The fanciful interiors of the Royal Church of San Lorenzo are decorated floor-to-ceiling with baroque ornamentation, including the eight elaborate side chapels covered in seraphim and gilding. The central cupola is decorated with an 8-pointed star, the signature flourish of Guarini, while the extravagant high altar has an inlaid marble floor and gilt-and-marble columns and cherubs, as well as statues of the ruling Savoy family and a portrait of San Lorenzo, the patron saint of Turin.
Address: Via Palazzo di Città, 4, Torino 10122, Italy
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo)
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Unusual tour of Turin for curious people
22
The Unusual tour is the most complete and informative walking tour (up to 4 hours) through the touristic and non-touristic spots of Turin: historical cafes, noble buildings, authentic places with traditions and intriguing stories, hidden gems, private residential courtyards also off the beaten track, "unexpected" churches with their treasures. The hours will fly by and you will certainly not get bored, I promise!
- Why is there a "devil" in the Royal Church?
- Where's "Mussolini's finger"?
- Why are there 18 km of underground tunnels and arcades?
- Have you ever heard about 2017 Turin's tragedy?
My style is ironical, informal, friendly and with an interactive point of view, for curious people who want to be amazed by the city...like you! Forget about the guides with an umbrella, their list of dates and big groups, because I want to give 100% of my attention to everyone.
Consider me like your LOCAL FRIEND, with whom you can also joke and have fun, more than a guide!
I recommend this tour for those want to understand the city with a local who knows many fascinating stories and unique places that you could not otherwise find. Moreover, also loving photography, I have designed an itinerary that will allow you to take very special and always interesting photos.
Do not just expect to walk and listen: get ready to chat, discuss the past, present and future of Turin, way beyond what's on the surface, in a journey backwards from 2021 to 15 BC!
✓✓✓ Please WRITE to me BEFORE booking (to +39 33 94 60 48 85 or here in the Q&A section) since, depending on your time availability and language, another day/hour would fit you better (the tour can be in 4 languages) and I could ask you to change day. I will answer as soon as I can!
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From
$81.07
From
$81.07
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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2-Hour Private Turin Walking Tour
1
Turin’s Baroque buildings, lively piazzas, and tree-lined boulevards are best explored on foot, and this private 2-hour walking tour lets you see the city at your own pace. Admire landmarks such as San Lorenzo Church, Teatro Regio, and Palazzo Reale; browse the shops along Via Roma; and soak up the atmosphere in Piazza San Carlo.
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From
$121.00
Price varies by group size
From
$121.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Turin City Tour
1
Luisa, born and always lived in Turin, will lead you to visit with completely new eyes and experience the beauties and savor the sweetnesses of the city. Licensed Professional Tour Guide, graduated with insights in History and Archaeology, History of Art, Degree in Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage; will guide you to the most secret mysteries of the city that pulsates under your feet.
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From
$74.47
Price varies by group size
From
$74.47
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Highlights of Turin & Egyptian Museum skip the line with a private guide
Make the most of time spent in Turin with this walking tour and skip-the-line entry into the Egyptian Museum. A local guide leads the way to the city’s famous landmarks including Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo. The tour includes entry to and a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum.
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From
$181.50
From
$181.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Turin in Baroque: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Discover Turin through the eyes of an architect by exploring some of its finest examples of the Baroque style. This private two-hour tour takes in the city’s most impressive Baroque buildings including the Palazzo Carignano, Palazzo Madama, Collegio dei Nobili and the stunning San Lorenzo, as your expert guide unravels Turin’s greatest artistic achievements of the mid 17th Century.
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From
$301.30
per group
From
$301.30
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Late Afternoon Guided Walking Tour of Turin
1
Have you just arrived in the city or are you in Turin for a short time? This tour is ideal for those who want to know the essentials about the history and cultural heritage of the city.
In the company of Giulia, licensed tour guide of the city, in a couple of hours (5.30 pm 7.30 pm) you will go to visit the main highlights surrounded by the romantic atmosphere of the evening.
- Licensed tour guide
- 5.30 pm to 7.30/8 pm
- Turin highlights
- Small group.
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From
$24.20
From
$24.20
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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