Church of Sant’Egidio

The Church of Saint Egidio, situated in a key location near the bridge over the River Po, is one of the oldest places of worship in Moncalieri. Its origins date back to 1113, when it was entrusted to the Order of the Knights Templar, who ran a hospice for pilgrims travelling along the Via Francigena. After the suppression of the Templar Order and various periods of decline, the ancient church was demolished, leaving only the Romanesque brick bell tower, which can still be seen today. The new church was rebuilt between the end of the 17^th century and the beginning of the 19^th century, with a simple and intimate layout in keeping with the spirituality of the place. The simple but harmonious façade blends Baroque elements with Renaissance influences. Inside, the single nave features paintings from the 18^th and 20^th centuries illustrating episodes from the life of the saint and monastic tradition. A particularly significant moment occurred in 1950, when the future Pope John XXIII, Monsignor Roncalli, celebrated Mass there. Today, the church is a quiet place for prayer and reflection, as well as a tangible testimony to Moncalieri's connection with the great medieval European itineraries.