Our talk today is an interesting one, the Vatican announced the public display of the Holy Shroud in 2025 and here is everything you need to know. The city of Turin in Italy houses one of the most important relics from the Catholic Church. The Holy Shroud, also called the Jesus Shroud or Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, or at least is what the Church and many people believe to be.
I visited the Chapel of the Holy Shroud of Turin many times and want to guide you through some important information about it. Even if you are not a Catholic, the Jesus Shroud is one of the most famous attractions in Turin, and you will probably see it when visiting the city
Maybe you already heard about the Shroud of Turin but you’re not quite sure what is fact and what is fiction. You’re not alone. There is tremendous controversy surrounding this mysterious piece of cloth.
Turin Shroud Facts and Info
The burial shroud of Jesus is mentioned in ancient tales and religious writings, and the debate about its authenticity is often in the news.
I don’t blame anyone for feeling confused about it. This is one of the reasons I’m writing this post, to sift the truth from the nonsense, and give you enough info to visit the Holy Shroud in Turin, Italy.
Stick with me to find out interesting facts about the Shroud of Turin, what it is, if it’s real or not, where the Turin Should is located, photos, and how to visit it.
What is the Shroud of Turin?
The Turin Shroud is a linen cloth measuring about 4.41×1.13m.
The material has a light brownish imprint on it that resembles the body image of a naked man’s front and back, with his hands folded across his groin area. Many believe the image and blood stains are from the crucified Jesus.
The shroud image can seen more clearly in photographic negative
Some perceive it to be the Jesus Shroud – the authentic burial cloth of Jesus Christ. For others, it is more about meaning. They consider the shroud to be a religious metaphor that represents the story of Christ.
One thing is certain though, the shroud remains an important symbol for Christians worldwide. And every time I went to see it, many people were there praying, observing, and trying to grasp the importance of it.
When was the Shroud of Turin discovered?
The first historical document about the Turin Shroud is from the 1350s. A French knight, Geoffroi de Charny, was said to have approached the church’s dean in Lirey, claiming it was the shroud of Jesus.
Unfortunately, there are no records of how the knight found the shroud or where it was before the 14th century. This feeds into the mystery surrounding the cloth as many people wonder where it has been for the 1300 intervening years since Christ’s burial.
Is the Shroud of Turin authentic?
Now for the big question, is the Shroud of Turin real?
The answer is complicated.
In 1898, an amateur Italian photographer called Secondo Pia took the first photo of the shroud. He thought the picture would show a blurry negative image of a face, but instead, it showed a clear positive image. This meant the image on the Shroud itself was a clear negative, where light and dark areas were reversed.
This was the first important finding, it proved the Shroud couldn’t have been a painting. Artists before 1898 wouldn’t have known how to paint a negative image, especially one with such detail.
In 1988, some scientists carbon-dated the artifact to discover more about its origins and they found out the shroud dates back to the 13th century, between A.D. 1260 and 1390.
This suggested that the shroud was inauthentic as the burial of Jesus was meant to have occurred in A.D. 33.
However, doubt has been cast on this study a few years after the test. Researchers have found that the radiocarbon dating was unreliable due to the nature of the testing.
Those who uphold that the shroud is real, believe that the years of damage, including a 1532 fire, have corrupted the artifact. They suggest that this damage means that it is near to impossible to provide reliable dating of the cloth.
Shroud of Turin DNA test
To prove whether the shroud of Turin is fake or real, scientists have conducted DNA tests to shed some light on the mystery. These tests analyzed the human and non-human DNA on the shroud.
The results uncovered that people from many different places had touched the shroud. Regarding the shroud authenticity, the results have brought us no closer to an answer. They deepened the intrigue around the shroud, suggesting it had a colorful traveling history since its discovery in the 1350s.
The Turin Shroud X-ray dating
Although millions of people believe the human body printed on the shroud is from Jesus, the scientific analysis never stopped.
The most recent research is from 2022, led by the Italian scientist Liberato De Caro using the modern science technique called Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS). The detailed study was made on a 0.5 mm × 1 mm thread taken from the feet area of the frontal image of the shroud.
The result?
The result shows that the Shroud of Turin is much older than the carbon dating test stated. The x-ray test said the linen has 2000 years of human history, which matches the date Jesus was buried.
Now it’s up to you to believe or not in the Turin Shroud’s authenticity.
Why is it called the Shroud of Turin?
The earliest mentions of this artifact date back to the 6th century placing it in Lirey, France, so why is it called the Shroud of Turin, the name of a city in Northern Italy?
The reason for its name is actually more to do with the current location of the shroud.
Where is the Shroud of Turin located?
The Jesus Shroud has been kept at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, since the 16th century (1578, to be precise). The church is also known as Turin Cathedral, and this sacred location is the seat of the Archbishops of Turin and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. We wrote and artcile dedicated to the Turin Shroud Location and the details of the Chapel.
The cathedral is located beside the Turin Royal Palace. It’s right in the city center, and you will probably pass in front of it and would never notice that the Holy Shroud is kept inside the church.
Is it worth visiting the Cloth of Jesus?
The Shroud of Turin facts and the controversy about this divine artifact are already good reasons to visit, at least in my opinion.
Since the tests and research have been contradictory, it appears that the answer to whether it’s authentic, or not, rests with you!
Despite your beliefs or religion, this is an important piece of history, and a visit to the Turin Shroud is worth it for those who want to know more.
Also, watch this Web Stories about the Shroud of Turin.
How to visit the Turin Shroud?
If you’re traveling to Turin or the surrounding areas, you must visit the Turin Cathedral where the Holy Shroud is kept.
But bear in mind the original cloth is not on public display. The shroud is in such a fragile state that it isn’t put on display for the general public. It is guarded by bulletproof glass and security cameras. You can visit the chapel where it’s safely kept and you will see a replica of the shroud.
I get asked frequently if people can see the shroud of Turin on any special occasion. The good news is that you might be able to see the real shroud in all its glory if you travel to Turin in 2025.
The Pope announced that the Shroud of Turin might be displayed to the public in 2025, coinciding with the Jubilee Year. Specific dates are not confirmed yet, but the Vatican will announce them soon. Hopefully.
The rare display of the Turin Shroud already happened in 2000, 2010, and 2015. If it happens in 2025 (or maybe 2026) it will be a big event for the Christian community and Turin. So if you plan to visit the city, you better plan it as soon as the Vatican announces the dates.
How to see the Holy Shroud Museum
If you can’t make it to the 2025 Holy Shroud public display, and if only admiring the Shroud Chapel is not enough for you, there is a place where you can get more info and be a bit closer to it.
The Most Holy Shroud Museum, in Italian, Il Museo de La Sindone, is where you need to go. At the museum, you can learn details about the shroud’s fascinating history and its many mysteries, replicas, and incredible displays of the artifact.
After admiring the Cathedral go to the museum which is 10 minutes walking from the church.
One note, the museum located next to the Turin Cathedral is not the museum about the Turin Shroud. This is the Museo Diocesano di Torino which has a collection of sacred art and where you can visit the bell tower for a magnificent view of the historical Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina) and the Turin Royal Palace. For those who have time, it’s a nice experience.
Another option is to join a private tour that will guide you through the history of the Turin Shroud, and visit the museum and the cathedral. It’s definitely a unique experience. You can book the Private Tour on The Path of The Holy Shroud in Turin here.
Where to stay in Turin to visit the Holy Shroud?
If the focus of your trip to Turin is the shroud, then you must book a hotel near the cathedral and the museum so that you can be involved in the historical and religious atmosphere of the city.
There are many gorgeous places you can stay in Turin. You can read our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Turin here, but to help you, I’ve selected the best places to stay in Turin for seeing the Holy Shroud:
NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano
NH Torino Santo Stefano Hotel is located 150m from Turin’s Cathedral. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the heart of Quadrilatero Romano and close to all the city’s attractions. It’s one of the prestigious 4-star hotels in Turin that offers spacious rooms, delicious breakfast included in the room rate, and a rooftop terrace with fantastic panoramic views of the city.
Combo Torino
Combo Torino is the perfect option for people who want to socialize or save some money. The hostel offers modern private rooms and dorms (mixed and female only). The hostel location is super central, right in front of the Porta Palazzo market and a few steps from Turin’s Cathedral and Turin Royal Palace. The hostel offers spacious and super tidy rooms and bathrooms, a shared kitchen, a nice restaurant/bar, and hosts cultural events weekly.
Hotel Diplomatic
The Hotel Diplomatic offers a mean breakfast buffet and is located 10 10-minute walk to the Porta Susa train station, perfect if you travel to Turin by high-speed train. This makes it a great home base for exploring the city and it’s an easy 13-minute tram ride to the Turin Cathedral. Or only 21 minutes if you would like to walk!
Turin Travel Tips
Now that you already know the location of the shroud of Turin, how to visit, and where to stay, let me share some other tips about Turin.
The city of Turin is a real Italian gem. As the capital of the Piedmont region, it has a royal history that you can see at the Turin Royal Palace and Royal Armory, and at the 7 Royal Palaces and Residences that are UNESCO Heritage Sites. It is also the Italian Capital of Chocolate and it has one of the biggest Egyptian Museums in the world.
I love Turin so much that I wrote two big articles dedicated to what makes Turin such a great travel destination. Here are 11 Reasons to Visit Turin this year, and here is a comprehensive guide with 27 Things to do in Turin, a list written by a local, so you know you can trust.
It doesn’t matter if you come to Turin because of your Christian faith, for curiosity to see the Holy Shroud or a combination of both. I’m sure you will love this incredible city as much as I do.