Holy Mother of God
One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to wake up early and catch a city while it’s still sleeping, particularly if I then get to catch it as it rustles awake. That contrast between the chill of the early morning, the quiet echoing steps down empty streets, and then the bustle of people filling the streets to go about their days, the sounds of cars, many feet stomping away, and voices daring to rise above a whisper… I love it.
Parrocchia della Santissima Annunziata
Located on Via Po, the church was originally built in 1648-1656 based on a design by Carlo Morello. Important works of art were added in the 18th century, including an altarpiece by Bernardo Vittone. Its façade was not completed until 1776, work which was done by Francesco Martinez, nephew of Filippo Juvarra (architect of the Chiesa di San Filippo Neri).
The city determined that the building was not in good condition in the late 19th century, so that it was completely demolished in 1913 and then rebuilt. It was completed anew in 1932 by Giuseppe Gallo.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
This square takes its name from the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, fought from October 24-November 3 1918 during WWI. Formerly, it had been known as Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I, after the Savoy king.
The square marks the end of Via Po, leading up to the Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge, which itself leads to Borgo Po (which we’ll see momentarily).
Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio
Dedicated to Mary (hence, Great Mother of God), this church was conceived in 1814 in order to celebrate the return of the throne to King Vittorio Emanuele I of Sardinia after the defeat of Napoleon.
The project was designed by Ferdinando Bonsignore in 1818 — and clearly inspired by the Pantheon in Rome — though it was paused for nearly a decade and restarted in 1827 under King Charles Felix of Sardinia. It was finally completed and inaugurated in 1831 by King Charles Albert of Sardinia.
Gold Colored Fox 