Skip to main content Skip to footer
Logo Avvolti

Discover the Shroud

The Shroud is a linen woven in a herringbone pattern, measuring approximately 4.41 metres by 1.13 metres, showing the front and back image of a man who died after being tortured and crucified.

How was the image imprinted on the Cloth?

Despite advances in scientific research, this question remains open. According to tradition, this would be the Sheet mentioned in the Gospels, used to wrap Jesus' body in the tomb.

Pope Saint John Paul II defined it as a "mirror of the Gospel", the Shroud thus represents and helps us understand the Passion of Jesus.

The History

  • The first fire
    The Shroud today has two black lines and several gaps caused by the 1532 fire in Chambéry. Flames enveloped the Cathedral on the night between 3rd and 4th December, damaging the Cloth.
  • The Shroud and science
    Since the Shroud was first photographed in 1898, extensive studies have been conducted with increasingly advanced technology. This has significantly expanded our knowledge on the Shroud, but some aspects still remain unresolved.
  • The second fire
    One more fire broke out on the night between Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April 1997 in the Chapel of the Shroud, between Turin Cathedral and the Royal Palace. The Shroud, however, was not damaged.
  • Where it is kept today
    The Shroud today is in the Cathedral of Turin, in a special case built in 2000 under the Royal Tribune. It is only displayed during public exhibitions.
  • The Custodian of the Shroud
    The Shroud was donated to the Holy See by Umberto II of Savoy. The current Papal Custodian of the Shroud is the Archbishop of Turin Card. Roberto Repole, who succeeded Mgr. Cesare Nosiglia in 2022.
  • Delve deeper into the essence
    Through today's technology you can enter an unexpected cultural and religious dimension. Delve into every detail of the Shroud with the Turin immersive experience, or relive it online starting May 5.