Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians

The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin's Valdocco district is the mother church of the Salesians of Don Bosco and one of Italy's most important Marian pilgrimage sites. Don Bosco himself drove its construction, consecrated in 1865, at a time when he was sheltering street youth in the same neighborhood — work that would become the founding mission of his entire religious order. Built in classical style with a prominent dome, the church holds the status of an Italian national monument. Inside lies the tomb of Don Bosco alongside relics of deep significance to Salesians worldwide, drawing Catholic pilgrims from across the globe. The adjacent rooms of the original oratory where Don Bosco lived and worked are preserved as a museum.