Perched atop the hill of Superga, the basilica designed by Filippo Juvarra is a Baroque masterpiece that overlooks the city of Turin. Inside, among countless artistic and historical wonders, lies a unique treasure: the Hall of the Popes, an extraordinary collection of portraits that narrates the millennia-spanning history of the papacy through art and memory. Originally intended for more practical functions, this space has assumed great symbolic importance over the centuries, evolving into a precious testament to Catholic tradition.
Origins and Transformation of the Hall of the Popes
The Hall of the Popes was born with a function very different from its current one. Initially, the space served as the summer refectory for the Fathers of the Royal Congregation of Superga. However, in 1876 the hall was transformed into an art gallery with the aim of hosting a unique collection of papal portraits.
The inspiration came from the famous collection of mosaics in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, yet the Superga collection stands out for its continuity and regular updates.
Today, the walls display 265 portraits arranged in chronological order, with the most recently elected pope placed on the main wall, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the collection, which continues to expand with every new pontiff.
Architecture and Artistic Features
Located within the convent adjoining the basilica, the Hall of the Popes is accessible via an evocative cloister, characterized by an elegant Italian garden with boxwood hedges and a central well. The space retains its original structure with wide walls ideal for displaying paintings.
The papal portraits are painted in oil on canvas, and many are reproductions of works by Cristofano dell’Altissimo, a Renaissance artist who contributed to the Medici collection in Florence. Over time, talented Piedmontese artists, including Costantino Sereno, Lorenzo Kirchmayr, and Giovanni Paolo Crida, have continued to expand the collection.
In 2005, thanks to the support of the Rotary Club Orta San Giulio, the last two portraits, those of Benedict XVI and Francis, were executed by the painter Patrizia Comand, ensuring that the Superga collection remains an important historical and artistic resource.
A Comparison with Other Papal Collections
Although the Hall of the Popes is a unique and distinctive setting, there are other similar collections such as that of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (rebuilt after the 1823 fire) and the collection at Palazzo Altieri in Oriolo Romano, which houses paintings of great value.
Nonetheless, the Superga collection stands out for its continuity, historical context, and strong link with the city of Turin, offering a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the papal office through the centuries.
A Legacy That Continues to Live
The Hall of the Popes is far more than a display of portraits. It represents a bridge between past and present, a visual narrative that allows us to comprehend the evolution of the papacy through art and memory. Each portrait is a window into the history of the Church, a tangible mark of the Christian tradition that continues to be passed on and celebrated through this collection.
A visit to the Hall of the Popes in the Basilica of Superga is a fascinating experience that unites art, history, and spirituality in one remarkable place, a treasure to be preserved and valued for future generations.