 This
piazza is in the old heart of the city of Turin. Although it is
only a few square kilometers in size it is a delightful space with
a special atmosphere. When you enter the square from the Via Consolata
the Consolata church is on your left and the historical café
Al Bicerin is on your right. On the other side of the piazza you
will find the Quadrilateral Romano, which is a hotspot with its
bars and wine shops.
The origins of the church may date back to the fourth century.
Saint Eusebius presented Saint Maximus with the image of the Madonna,
Maria Consoltrice that he brought from Egypt to Italy. Saint Maximus
the bishop of Turin placed the icon in a small shrine dedicated
to Mary in the northwest corner of the city.  She
became the protector of the city of Turin. The iconoclasts destroyed
various icons, crucifixes and images of saints but this icon was
not destroyed. It remained hidden in a crypt of St. Andrew’s
church in Turin till the beginning of the eleventh century. In 1014
Arduino, Marquis of Ivrea built a chapel under the title Our Lady
of Consolata in gratitude of being restored to good health. During
the construction of the chapel the idol was recovered and then enshrined
above the altar of the new chapel. And it became a “Place
of Grace” for many devotees. During the course of the next
century due to civil warfare the church was destroyed and laid in
ruins.
 In
1104 a Frenchman John Ravais had a dream where he was urged to restore
the chapel for which he would regain his eyesight. He journeyed
to Turin and as a result of his urgings excavations began. The crowd
first uncovered the remains of an old chapel and then the undamaged
painting of Our Lady the Consolata icon. Deeply moved by these occurrences
the people of Turin rebuilt the little chapel into a large shrine.
Many architects worked on building and designing this church. Some
of them included Guarini, Juvarra and Ceppi. It is decorated with
hundreds of child like paintings offered in thanks to the healing
powers of the Virgin Mary.
 Another
famous landmark in this square is the Al Bicerin café. It
is the oldest café in Turin dating from 1763. Its signature
drink the bicerin is a hot and delicious mixture of coffee, cream
and Gianduiotti chocolate. The marble steps of the café have
been climbed by many a visitor including many famous personalities.
Alexander Dumas, Cavour, Nietzsche, and Puccini are some of the
famous personalities who frequented this café.
To sit down on a table in the elegantly designed café with
low ceilings, red carpet and light wooden walls and its original
eighteenth century counter is a special experience. Do take some
time of shopping or spend some leisure time having a bicerin at
the Piazza della Consolata.
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