shroud of turin tour

How to See the Shroud of Turin in Italy

Visitors to the northern Italian city of Turin, or Torino, may wonder where and how they can see the Shroud of Turin, the famous linen cloth that many believe once wrapped the body of the dead Christ. The short answer is that you can visit a museum dedicated to the shroud as well as the church where the shroud is housed. But for now, you cannot actually see the original Shroud of Turin itself. 

What Is the Shroud of Turin?

The Shroud of Turin, called La Sindone in Italian, is one of the most highly worshipped and controversial religious icons in Italy and perhaps in all of Christendom. The icon is an old linen shroud with the image of a crucified man. The shroud bears a rectangular pattern from where it was folded over the centuries, as well as the discernable impressions of the face, hands, feet, and torso of a man, with what are presumably bloodstains consistent with the wounds of crucifixion. The impression on the shroud also shows a wound in the side of the man's body, consistent with the wound said to have been inflicted on Jesus Christ. Those who believe in the authenticity of the shroud worship it as an image of Jesus, and believe that this is the very cloth that was used to wrap his crucified body.

The earliest records of the shroud's existence date to the mid-1300s, though it may have been stolen from Constantinople (modern Istanbul) during the Crusades of the 1200s. It was already an object of veneration in France in the late 1300s and in the early 1400s, made its way into the hands of the Royal Savoy family. In 1583, they moved it to Turin (Torino) Italy, where they safeguarded it for four centuries. In 1983, the family officially gifted the shroud to Pope John Paul II and the Catholic Church.

Is the Shroud of Turin Authentic?

Numerous studies have been performed on the Holy Shroud. In fact, it may be the world's most studied religious artifact. The most reliable studies date the shroud to around the 11th or 12th centuries, more than 1,000 years after Jesus Christ lived and died. Skeptics contend that the Shroud of Turin is an artfully produced forgery, intentionally created to have the appearance of a burial cloth from the era of Christ. 

Those who believe in the authenticity of the shroud contend that damage over the centuries, including during a 1532 fire and various clumsy restoration attempts, have corrupted the shroud to the point that no scientific analysis can provide reliable dating of the cloth. The Catholic Church itself has refused to issue a judgment on the authenticity of the shroud but encourages its worship as a means of remembering the teachings and sufferings of Jesus Christ. For the faithful, the shroud remains a holy relic with profound spiritual importance. 

Seeing the Shroud of Turin

After all that, it's not actually possible to see the real Shroud of Turin, though replicas and displays at the Most Holy Shroud Museum do an excellent job of explaining the shroud and its mysteries. The museum is currently open daily from 9 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm (last entry one hour before closing). Current admission is €8 for adults and €3 for children 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free.

On display are artifacts related to the Holy Shroud and information about its complicated history and the various studies which have been conducted on it. There's an audio guide available in 5 languages and a bookshop. The Museum is in the crypt of Most Holy Shroud Church at Via San Domenico 28.

The actual Shroud of Turin is housed in the adjacent Cathedral, or Duomo of Torino , in a climate-controlled case in a chapel built just to hold it. Because of its extremely fragile state, the shroud is not viewable to the public except during very rare public viewings. The last time it was displayed in public was during a 2015 exhibition attended by millions of visitors—there are no current plans to display it in the near future. So while people still travel to Turin to learn about and/or venerate the Shroud, they don't actually get to lay eyes on the relic.

What to Do in Turin

The Shroud of Turin is just one reason to visit Turin (Torino), a city with a very interesting history and lots to see. Consult our Turin Travel Guide for more information about what to see and do in Turin. 

Article updated by Elizabeth Heath

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Mystery and Faith: The Shroud of Turin

February 26–July 31, 2022

Located on floor 5, free with admission, about the shroud of turin.

Few artifacts in the world have stirred the imagination, provoked controversy, raised hypotheses—and for some, fortified faith—as has the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud resides in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, as it has for over four centuries. It bears a faint, yellowed image of a naked, crucified man and is believed by millions of Christians to be the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth.

Mystery and Faith: The Shroud of Turin Exhibit

Museum of the Bible is excited to present a groundbreaking, high-tech, innovative exhibition about the Shroud of Turin! Over the course of five exhibit sections and eight cutting-edge interactives, guests will learn about how the Shroud mirrors the Gospels, its history, and its impact on millions of people. 

The Shroud’s Significance

“The exhibition takes its inspiration from the words of two popes, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI. In 1998, John Paul II greeted fellow pilgrims who had come to see the Shroud and described it as a “mirror of the Gospel.” John Paul II said further that the image on the Shroud invited all to contemplate the nature of human suffering and God’s love for humanity.”

— Excerpt from an article written by Brian Hyland, Museum of the Bible’s Associate Curator of Manuscripts, in  Sindon , the online publication of the Museo della Sindone in Turin 

Image: Left to right, the face of the Shroud man as seen on the cloth compared to the photographic negative (positive image) discovered by photography in 1898.

Additional Resources

Speaker Series :

• The Future of the Mystery
• Exhibit Grand Opening
• Mystery and Faith: The Shroud of Turin Special Preview
• Shroud of Mystery: The World's Most Analyzed Artifact

Museum of the Bible Magazine :

The Making of Mystery & Faith: The Shroud of Turin by Brian Hyland

Today at Museum of the Bible Podcast :

• Shroud of Turin: Explore the Mystery (Part 1)
• Shroud of Turin: Explore the Mystery (Part 2)
• Shroud of Turin: Explore the Mystery (Part 3)
• Shroud of Turin: Explore the Mystery (Part 4)
• Shroud of Turin: Explore the Mystery (Part 5)

You are now leaving museumoftheBible.org

• Shroud History
• The Exhibit

Larger PDF version

Welcome to Man Of The Shroud

This website introduces our exhibit on the history, significance and scientific aspects of the Shroud of Turin , widely believed to be the authentic burial cloth of Jesus. The exhibit, titled “The Man of the Shroud”, has been organized by a group of clergy and laity in Vancouver, British Columbia. Coordinated with the professional assistance of Meagan Kus, curator of the White Rock Museum, it consists of a series professionally-prepared documentary museum boards; a collection of recreated artifacts of Christ’s Passion; and an actual-size photographic reproduction of the Turin Shroud. The exhibit may be complimented with an international lecture series featuring some of the world’s leading authorities in Sindonology . Those interested in this additional option are asked vi or please visit Shroud.com for a more comprehensive list of qualified presenters.

The Shroud of Turin is a 14-foot long linen cloth which bears the mysterious image of a man who has been scourged and crucified. Since at least medieval times, it has been venerated as the cloth in which Jesus’ body was wrapped in the tomb; St. John’s Gospel describes it as having been left behind in the tomb at the Resurrection . The impressions and bloodstains, which are somewhat shadowy and unclear, revealed an incredible detail and clarity when first photographed in 1898. Since then, hundreds of scientific researchers of all faiths have studied the cloth, using the analytic tools of over 25 areas of study. Theories have now been advanced which account for the first millennium of the Shroud’s history and its influence on Christian art and liturgy. Each new study and discipline has uncovered data that had not been previously imagined, resulting in new interest not only in the Cloth itself but also in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. (Photo of the Shroud © Barrie M. Schwortz )

The organizing committee considers the Shroud to be a powerful tool for evangelization, responding to Pope John Paul II’s call to the Church in the New Millennium. Following the release of the much-discussed Mel Gibson film, “ The Passion Of The Christ ”, this exhibit will provide factual and fascinating information about the process of crucifixion and the “sign” that Jesus has left us in His burial cloth. Plans are in development to make the exhibit permanently available throughout the province of British Columbia and beyond.

One of the most dramatic elements of the exhibition is the actual-size digital photograph of the Shroud, printed on linen, and mounted in a similar fashion in which the Shroud has been displayed to pilgrims during its recent showings in Turin. This reproduction lends itself well to being placed in a setting which is conducive to prayer as well as observation.

The exhibit will be of special interest to those asking questions about Christian faith, as it focuses in bringing participants to ask the question, “Who is the Man of the Shroud?” Confronting us with the evidence of Jesus’ sufferings and death – as well as His Resurrection – the Shroud causes us to ask the further question, “And what does He mean to me?”

UPCOMING EXHIBITS

Quick links.

• Shroud University
• The Shroud Of Turin
• The Holy Shroud
• Collegamento pro Sindone
• Crucifixion and Shroud Studies
• Crucifixion Shroud

READABILITY

• Normal (14)
• Medium (16)

Copyright © 2006-2024 Vancouver Shroud Association Built by Icon Creative Works

Buy 2 DVDs Get 1 Free! Enter code “ BUY2GET1 ” at Checkout!

RUSS BREAULT

Founder of SHROUD ENCOUNTER , Author, Speaker, Educator, International Expert

Hi, I’m Russ Breault

I help people around the world to experience the phenomenal mystery of the Shroud of Turin (the linen cloth believed by millions to be the authentic burial shroud of Jesus) through several different in-person experiences, and educational resources.

International lecturer and researcher Russ Breault has presented to hundreds of audiences over the past 30 years. He is recognized as a leading expert and an engaging speaker able to captivate audiences with both skillful delivery and depth of knowledge.

Shroud Encounter

Book russ breault.

Interested in bringing the Shroud Encounter experience to your church or special event?

Shroud Encounter is a fast-paced big-screen experience and in-depth exploration into the mysteries of the Shroud of Turin using over 200 dramatic images. 

Audiences are taken on a thought-provoking adventure through early church history, ancient art, modern science, and medical forensics to explore the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the nature and cause of the Shroud image.

Could the Shroud be the most important archaeological artifact ever discovered, or is it just a medieval fake?

Does the Shroud provide clues to what happened during the crucifixion and resurrection, or is it just a pious art work created to represent these events?

After thousands of hours of scientific analysis, the Shroud remains a profound mystery.

Learn more about bringing Russ to speak at your church/school or special event!

Pilgrimages to the Shroud of Turin Exhibition

It is “predicted“ that the next viewing will be in either 2025 or 2026. no dates or information is confirmed at this time. confirmations will come directly from the vatican., we recommend joining the wait list (below). if an announcement is made, those on the wait list will be the first to be contacted via email..

Join The Wait List

Sample Shroud of Turin Pilgrimages – Please check back for updates

More Information about the Shroud of Turin

The “Shroud of Turin” is a 14 foot x 4 foot linen cloth that was found to be the burial cloth of Christ. Housed at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, in Turin, the Holy Shroud has rarely been displayed publicly in order to preserve it. To date, there are only but a few times each century that it goes on display. As a relic, it is owned by whomever is the Holy Father at that time. The Holy Father can then decide when he would like to have it on display. Public Display tends to be every five (5) years, but there are Special Occasions he grants its display for a minimal amount of days.

The image on the Holy Shroud was first observed on the evening of May 28, 1898 on a negative of a photograph. An amateur photographer who was allowed to photograph it while it was being exhibited in the Turin Cathedral almost dropped and broke the photographic plate from the shock of seeing an image of a person on it. The image of the person appears to be consistent with that of crucifixion.

The exposition of the Shroud of Turin is a time to reflect and a time of prayer. It is expected to be on display to the public come 2025. Follow us on Social Media and be the first to know when it is announced, and take part in the many spiritual pilgrimages we will be arranging that incorporate visits to see it.

Shroud of Turin, Rome & Assisi

Destination

Rome (Papal Audience with the Holy Father) · Assisi (St. Francis)

Shroud of Turin & the Shrines of Italy

Rome (Papal Audience with the Holy Father) · Montecassino · San Giovanni Rotondo (St. Padre Pio) · Monte Sant’Angelo (St. Michael) · Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) · Loreto (Holy House) · Assisi (St. Francis) · Gubbio · La Verna

Shroud of Turin & All Italian Shrines

Rome (Papal Audience with the Holy Father) · Montecassino · San Giovanni Rotondo(St. Padre Pio) · Monte Sant’Angelo · (St. Michael) Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) · Loreto (Holy House) · Assisi (St. Francis) · Gubbio · La Verna · Siena · Florence · Padua (St. Anthony) · Venice

The Shroud of Turin Exhibition

But he was pierced for our transgressions,  he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.(Isaiah 53:5)

The Shroud of Turin Exhibition is a travelling exhibition which takes life sized replicas of the Shroud of Turin to different venues. The actual Shroud is housed in the Cathedral of the Italian city of Turin and because of its extraordinary nature it is the subject of many books and documentaries. The Shroud of Turin exhibition hopes to give visitors a chance to understand more about the mysteries of the Shroud.

Photo by Stuart Benton  Shroud image ©1978 Barrie M. Schwortz Collection, STERA, Inc.

The Best of Turin

The Shroud of Turin: authenticity, facts, DNA and how to visit it

Perhaps you’ve heard about the Shroud of Turin but you’re not quite sure what is fact and what is fiction. You’re not alone. There is tremendous controversy surrounding this mysterious artifact. 

From ancient tales about its religious origins to more recent news debating its authenticity, I don’t blame anyone for feeling confused. It’s one of the reasons I created this post, to sift the truth from the nonsense.

Stick with me to find out everything you should know about the Shroud of Turin. I’ll take you through the facts, how to visit, and the hype surrounding this famous material.

The Shroud of Turin facts

With so much hype surrounding the Shroud of Turin’s authenticity, it’s difficult to know what’s true or false. Let’s take a look at what is known about the artifact below. 

Turin Shroud: what is it?

The esteemed shroud is a linen cloth, roughly 15 feet in length. The material has a light brownish imprint on it that bears resemblance to a naked man’s front and back, with his hands folded across his groin area. Many believe the image to be of the crucified man, Jesus, and see it as a Catholic symbol. 

Some perceive it to be the Jesus Shroud – the authentic burial cloth of Jesus Christ. For others, the material is more about meaning. They consider the shroud to be a religious metaphor that represents the story of Christ. One thing is certain though, the shroud remains an important symbol for Christians all around the world. 

Why is it called the Shroud of Turin?

The earliest mentions of this artifact were during the 1350s. Historical records placed it in Lirey, France. Which is interesting, considering it’s called the Shroud of Turin, which is in Italy. The reason for its name is actually more to do with its current location.

Where is the Shroud of Turin located?

The motivation behind its name is directly linked to its most recent location. Since 1578, the artifact has been kept at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin , Italy. Also known as the Turin Cathedral, this sacred location is the seat of the Archbishops of Turin and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist . 

When was the Shroud of Turin discovered?

As mentioned, the Turin Shroud first emerged in historical records in the 1350s. A French knight, Geoffroi de Charny, was said to have approached the dean of the church in Lirey, claiming it was the shroud of Jesus. 

Unfortunately, there appear to be no records of how the knight managed to find the shroud or where it was prior to the 1350s. This feeds into the mystery surrounding the cloth as many people wonder where it has been for the 1300 intervening years since Christ’s burial. 

How to visit the Turin Shroud

If you’re taking a trip to Turin, Italy, or the surrounding areas, you have to visit the Turin Cathedral where the shroud is housed. Here are some tips on where to stay and see the shroud.

Where to stay in Turin to visit the Holy Shroud?

There are many gorgeous places you can stay in Turin. You can read our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Turin here . But if you want to stay near Turin’s Cathedral and the Shroud Museum, here are three great hotels in Turin historical center that we selected for you:

• NH Torino Santo Stefano

NH Torino Santo Stefano hotel is located 150m from Turin’s Cathedral. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the heart of Quadrilatero Romano and close to all the city’s attractions. It’s one of the prestigious 4-star hotels in Turin that offer spacious rooms, delicious breakfast included in the room rate, and a rooftop terrace with fantastic panoramic views of the city.

You can book your room at NH Torino Santo Stefano by clicking here !

• Combo Torino

Combo Torino is the perfect option for people who want to socialize or save some money. The hostel offers modern private rooms and dorms (mixed and female only). The hostel location is super central, right in front of the Porta Palazzo market and a few steps from Turin’s Cathedral and Turin Royal Palace. The hostel offers spacious and super tidy rooms and bathrooms, a shared kitchen, a nice restaurant/bar, and hosts cultural events weekly .

Check the rates and book your bed at Combo Turin hostel here !

• Hotel Diplomatic

The Hotel Diplomatic offers a mean breakfast buffet and is located 51 meters from the train station. This makes it a great home base for exploring and it’s an easy 17-minute bus drive to the Turin Cathedral. It is only 19 minutes if you would like to walk!

Click here to see the rates!

How to see the Shroud?

It’s not as easy as popping to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to see the shroud. The artifact is in such a fragile state that it isn’t put on display for the general public. It is guarded by bulletproof glass and security cameras.

You can see replicas and incredible displays of the artifact at the Most Holy Shroud Museum . Here, you can learn about its fascinating history and its many many mysteries. 

You can also keep an eye on the news. Every so often, they allow members of the public to view this incredible symbol. If you time your trip alongside one of these viewings, then you’ll be able to see the real shroud in all its glory. 

Even if you’re not able to see the actual shroud itself, you can still take a historical night tour of Turin, and visit the magnificent cathedral where it is kept. 

After admiring the Cathedral you can visit the Museum of the Shroud ( Il Museo della Sidone in Italian) that is located  10 minutes walking from the Cathedral. There you can learn more about the scientific studies and history of the Holy Shroud. 

One note, the museum located next to the Turin Cathedral is not the museum on the Turin Shroud. That is the Museo Diocesano di Torino that has a collection about sacred art and where you can visit the bell tower for a magnificent view of the historical Palatine Gate ( Porta Palatina ) and the Turin Royal Palace. 

Is the Shroud of Turin authentic?

Now for the big question, is the Shroud of Turin real? The answer is complicated. In 1988, a number of scientists carbon-dated the artifact in order to find out more about its origins. These scientists found that the shroud dated back to between A.D. 1260 and 1390. This suggested that the shroud was inauthentic as the burial of Jesus was meant to have occurred in A.D. 33. 

However, in more recent times, doubt has been cast on this study. Researchers have since found that the radiocarbon dating that took place was unreliable due to the nature of the testing.

Those who uphold that the shroud is real, believe that the years of damage, including a 1532 fire, have corrupted the artifact. They suggest that this corruption means that it is near to impossible to provide reliable dating of the cloth. 

Shroud of Turin: DNA

In attempts to prove the shroud of Turin fake or real, scientists have conducted DNA tests to shed some light on the mystery. These tests analyzed the human and non-human DNA on the shroud. 

The results uncovered that people from many different places had touched the shroud. Regarding the authenticity, these results have brought us no closer to an answer. These results just deepened the intrigue around the shroud, suggesting that it had a colorful traveling history since its discovery in the 1350s. 

Is it worth visiting the “Cloth of Jesus”?

We took a look at some Shroud of Turin facts and dove into the controversy following the divine artifact. Between the believers, scientists, and the naysayers, there are plenty of thoughts and opinions to go around. 

Since the tests and research have proven inconclusive, it appears that the answer to whether it’s authentic or not rests with you! Despite your beliefs or religion, this is an important piece of history, and a visit to the Turin Shroud is worth it for those who want to know more. 

Watch this Web Stories about the Shroud of Turin .

MARCH 15 - JULY 31

The man in the holy shroud, church of the company of jesus caravaca de la cruz, murcia (spain).

NOW ON SALE THE BOOK

The mystery man.

In three editions: Spanish, English and Italian.

Ticket + Book

Buy your tickets online and get an immediate €5 discount on the exhibition catalogue.

OPENING EXHIBITION

“it's amazing, it's very real. it has impacted me”.

“I almost cried when I saw it. It's impossible... Speechless”

“Perfectly achieved, the Body of Christ masterfully.”

“How human, how close. That has transmitted to me: humanity”

“It is to meditate, to think, to internalize”

“Achieved, elaborate and interesting”

“Overwhelming, moving... impressive”

“Dig into the details. A serious study.”

“I felt a very big internal tremor.”

“Extraordinary...”

THE MYSTERY MAN

The exhibition all media around the world are talking about, and much more….

Five rooms that go through the details of one of history’s biggest enigmas: Who was the Man in the Holy Shroud?

Plan your visit

MARCH 15 - JULY 31 CHURCH OF THE COMPANY OF JESUS CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ, MURCIA (SPAIN)

The mystery of the Holy Shroud of Turin

An enigmatic story that has played a decisive role in the representation of jesus.

The central figure of Christianity

Jesús de nazaret.

In this room we analyse how Jesus of Nazareth has been represented in Christianity. The image of Jesus has been represented in countless ways over the course of history, always maintaining its importance as a central element of Christianity.

Historical context

His condemnation and death.

What were the last days of Jesus’ life like and what happened in the days following his death? After being flagellated and crowned with thorns, Jesus was nailed to a cross, left to die and then buried. On the third day he rose from the dead. In this room you will find archaeological items related to this transcendent moment in history, such as Judas’ 30 pieces of silver.

A Shroud appears

The holy shroud.

In 1357, a shroud appears. It is in this very year that we find the first reference to the piece of fabric that we know today as The Holy Shroud of Turin. This room will take you on a journey through the relic’s history, from its discovery through to the fire of 1997.

The research to recreate the body

Forensic studies.

The image of Jesus throughout history

Immersive room.

The Mystery Man / The Lamb of God

Antecedent images of Jesus

Hyperrealistic sculpture

Church of the company of jesus. caravaca de la cruz. murcia (españa).

If you visit The Mystery Man, you cannot miss a visit to the temple and the city where it is located.

Original Soundtrack - THE MYSTERY MAN

Listen to the original music composed for the exhibition.

Copyright © 2023 ArtiSplendore. / Performed by The Mystery Man Chorus . / Composition by Juan Marchena . / Lyrics by José Manuel Baena .

Coming soon available on major digital music platforms.

First stop: October 2022 – March 2023

Salamanca Cathedral

An unprecedented immersive experience in one of the largest cathedrals in europe.

Go, Baptize, Teach!

St. Brendan the Navigator

• Shroud Exhibit

About The Shroud of Turin: A Story of Hope

Our museum-quality exhibit tells the complete story of the Resurrection and Ascension. You’ll find historic, scientific, and scriptural evidence unfolded like a detective novel, as you decide:

• Did Jesus really die?
• Did He rise from the dead?
• Is the Shroud image really Jesus?
• What happened at the moment of the resurrection?

Throughout the exhibit are four historically accurate artifacts of instruments used in His Passion. At its conclusion you can study an exact copy of the burial cloth originating from the Commission on the Shroud of Turin. In this quiet space you’ll discover His story doesn’t end at the Ascension. Instead evaluate eye witness accounts of life after death and the hope it delivers, including surprising little known analogies.

Visit today and decide for yourself

• Is there hope for life after death?
• Is there hope for eternal happiness?

The Christian Heritage Centre

Theodore House

Shroud of Turin Exhibition

Monday 6th - wednesday 22nd march 2023, featuring a full-sized replica of the shroud of turin.

The original Shroud of Turin is rarely shown to the public. This exhibition offers visitors an important chance to engage with what is arguably the most enigmatic artefact known to man.

Accompanying the replica will be a historical and scientific commentary, looking at both its authenticity and its importance for Christians. 

Originally called “The Shroud of Christ”, it was owned by the House of Savoy, who moved it from  Chambéry to Turin in the late 15th century. Devotion to the shroud spread across the world after the first photograph was taken of it 1898, with the negative returning a clear image of the face of Jesus.

Numerous scientific investigations into the Shroud have been unable to suggest a viable explanation for the production of the image, and evidence of its origins at the start of the first millenium remains otherwise unexplained. Today, the actual Shroud is only on public view on rare occasions, the last being in 2012.

Carbon-dating tests conducted in 2014, which seemed to date the Shroud to the 14th century, have been acknowledged to be invalid due to the failure to follow standard protocols.

It is for this reason that exhibition is so important, as it offers ordinary people that chance to catch a glimpse of the Shroud. This replica was constructed from the original photography undertaken by Barrie Schwortz. It unveils some of the mysteries and the research done on the Shroud, besides providing an in-depth historical and Scriptural engagement with the Passion undertaken by Our Lord. 

Details about the exhibition can be found here.

Opening Lecture

- now also on wednesday 22nd march, thursday 9th march 2023 @ 7:30pm wednesday 22nd march 2023 @ 7:30pm.

Curator of the exhibition and Shroud expert, Pam Moon, will open the exhibition with a talk.

Hear about the history of the Shroud, its hidden features revealed by scientific investigation, and the information it contains that correspond to ancient Roman forms of torture and execution.

£10 per head, £7 with discount. Includes exclusive viewing of the exhibition from 5:30pm onwards, talk, Q&A and refreshments

Exhibition Open Days

The exhibition will be open to the public for viewing on the following days with no booking required:

Friday 10th March 2023, 9am - 5:30pm

Saturday 11th march 2023, 10am - 5pm, sunday 12th march 2023, 10am - 5pm.

Come and discover the secrets of the Shroud and its profound significance for the Christian faith.

Free. Donations welcome

Overnight Package

Travelling from further afield? Make the most of a visit with exclusive access to the exhibition all evening, a delicious dinner, comfortable accommodation and breakfast, available on the following nights:

Friday 10th March 2023

Saturday 11th march 2023.

£85 per person, single en-suite room

£135 per two people, twin en-suite room

Includes refreshments on arrival, 2-course hot dinner, a glass of prosecco or similar, bed and breakfast

See more information about Theodore House here .

Group Bookings

Schools, parishes and other groups may request to view the exhibition on the following days, subject to availability:

Monday 13th March 2023 through to

Wednesday 22nd march 2023.

Catering, from refreshments to hot lunches, is available upon request.

Please complete the form below to request a group visit.

A recommended donation of £3 per person is requested.

Shroud of Turin Exhibition, Jerusalem

Titled “Who is the man in the shroud?”, the permanent exhibition about the Shroud of Turin is in Jerusalem’s Notre Dame center. It presents a detailed account of one of the holiest relics in Christendom and the most recent scientific research on it.

History of the Shroud of Turin

The shroud surfaced in 1353 in France. It was said to be used to wrap the body of Jesus, and shortly after taken to Constantinople, later to Greece, and eventually to France. Once presented to the public, it drew much attention. In 1578, the House of Savoy purchased it and transferred to the Cathedral of Turin, where it is on display to this day.

Modern study of the shround proved it contained micro remains of flowers typical only to Jerusalem’s area. However, carbon 14 tests dated the shroud to the 14 th century, when it first surfaced in France. Yet, some scholars claim that being on display for so many centuries, the shroud was contaminated with modern isotopes, distorted the carbon 14 results. One thing seems to be specific. The shroud was used to wrap a person who was flogged and pierced in his hands and legs.

Touring the Shroud of Turin Exhibition

The Shroud of Turin exhibition is permanently displayed in Jerusalem’s Notre Dame center and is free of charge. It features a replica of the shroud, a suggested position of the person it wrapped, and other items relating to the crucifixion of Jesus. It is well organized, with detailed explanations, yet lacks the shroud itself.

A visit to the exhibition can be combined with a day tour of Jerusalem .

Contact us to inquire more about a private tour of Jerusalem:

Keep exploring.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Chapel of the Ascension, Mount of Olives

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Galileo's Manuscript Was Forged, Along With 2 Other False Archeological Finds

From the lost colony of roanoke to the shroud of turin, these historic momentos are actually fabricated..

In 1869, swindler George Hull pitched a tent in upstate New York and charged people 50 cents to step right up and view the remains of a petrified giant.

The Cardiff Giant was supposedly the skeleton of an extinct human species. In reality, Hull had two sculptors carve a 10-foot-tall, realistic giant from stone. He made $56,000 (more than $1 million in today’s money) before his scam was debunked.

For decades, Hull boasted he had tricked the public into believing his giant was real. But he actually defrauded the public by taking their admissions fees.

Although the word “hoax” is often used to describe forgeries or frauds, swindlers’ scams can be serious. In many cases, these frauds are not only criminal but also misleading for scientists.  

1. Forged Galileo Manuscript

For historian Nick Wilding , the word “hoax” is too mild and implies a forgery was a silly prank, not a criminal activity. He’s identified forged copies of texts like Galileo Galilei’s Sidereus Nuncius and says historians and scientists need authentic historical documentation.

“Otherwise, it would be saying that falsifying scientific data is acceptable,” says Wilding, a professor of history at Georgia State University.

Among science historians, Galileo’s Sidereus Nuncius is considered one of the most important books. When a copy emerged in New York (known as the Martayan Lan copy), Wilding was skeptical that a document from the early 1600s could appear suddenly.

“I thought this was too good to be true,” he says. “Where has it been? Why is it emerging now?”

Wilding launched an investigation. He identified the stamp as a newer version, which initially made him think the book itself was authentic but altered to enhance its value. But the further he scrutinized the text, the more he saw discrepancies.

“I looked at Galileo’s signature, and it didn’t match. All the superficial features seemed to be fake,” Wilding says.

In his research, Wilding learned an entire book can be forged by taking images of each page and then creating a three-dimensional printing plate that “bites” into the page like an archaic printer.

“It makes something that feels very much like an old-fashioned book,” Wilding says.

The images, however, also capture every smear or ink smudge and bite those into the page as well. For Wilding, that was a key piece of evidence the book was actually a forgery.

The forgery was traced to Marino Massimo De Caro, an Italian library director who was later convicted for his part in a crime ring that stole and sold rare books. He also created forgeries, including the Martayan Lan copy, that sold for millions of dollars. De Caro claimed his actions were a hoax, meant as a prank. A criminal court disagreed and sentenced him to seven years. Wilding also disagreed. 

“He stole thousands of thousands of books. He ripped out library stamps; he destroyed them,” Wilding says.   

The Martayan Lan copy was a forgery that was sold to a collector who believed in Galileo’s contributions to science .

Read More: 12 Fascinating Facts About Galileo Galilei You May Not Know

2. The Shroud of Turin

Forgeries have also been used to take money from people who have deep spiritual beliefs. The New Testament makes no mention that Jesus of Nazareth was wrapped in a burial shroud. But in the 1300s, a French knight claimed he found it during his battles abroad. He presented it to the dean of a church located in northern France.

The shroud appeared to have the faint likeness of a man in a reddish color, which many took as blood stains. The knight and the dean couldn’t explain where the shroud had been for 1,300-plus years, and the Catholic church did not consider it authentic. People, however, were curious, and the dean charged the faithful to see it.

The church took possession of the shroud until the early 1400s when the knight’s granddaughter offered to take it for safekeeping during The Hundred Years’ War. She then took the shroud on tour and charged people to view it. Eventually, the shroud made its way to a chapel in Torino, Italy, and was dubbed The Shroud of Turin.

As the centuries passed, various authorities with credibility stated they believed in the authenticity of the shroud, which prompted many to believe it was indeed real.

Although some people still believe it is authentic, scientists have determined it was forged in the 1300s after analysis dated the linen fibers to that time period.   

Read More: Is the Shroud of Turin Real?

3. The Roanoke Dare Stone

The Lost Colony of Roanoke has puzzled scholars for centuries. They aren’t sure what happened to the 115 English colonists last seen in 1587 on the outer banks of North Carolina. Few clues exist, which has allowed fraudsters to supply false artifacts.

After the colonists arrived, their governor realized they were dangerously low on supplies. He returned to England, but the war and weather prevented him from voyaging until 1590. When he returned, all the colonists were gone.

For centuries, historians have wondered if the colonists perished or if they assimilated with the Algonquin.

In the late 1930s, a man brought a large stone to Emory University for analysis. It appeared to be inscribed by Eleanor Dare, the governor’s daughter. In the coming years, researchers offered rewards for the discovery of any more inscribed stones.

Forty-seven more stones were “discovered” hundreds of miles away.  The stones were inscribed with an ongoing saga of the colonists’ demise. These stones were initially considered authentic but quickly discredited as a fabrication by locals who wanted reward money.

The first stone, however, has never been fully confirmed or discredited . In recent years, researchers cut into the dark-hued stone and found it is lighter internally. This supports the theory that stone was carved in the 1500s and has darkened over the centuries.

Given the other stones’ reputation, scholars hesitate to take a firm stance. The stone describes years of disease and war with the locals, resulting in the quick demise of all the colonists. Few scholars are willing to risk being associated with a forged relic, and research has been stonewalled.

Read More: 5 Interesting Archeological Discoveries Within the Last Decade

Article Sources

Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:

Nick Wilding . Professor of history at Georgia State University

Hoax: Hitler's Diaries, Lincoln's Assassins, and Other Famous Frauds. Chapter Four. The Shroud of Turin

Nature. Radiocarbon dating of the Shroud of Turin

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Mystery of the Dare Stones 

Britannica. The Lost Colony of Roanoke

Emilie Lucchesi has written for some of the country's largest newspapers, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an MA from DePaul University. She also holds a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Illinois-Chicago with an emphasis on media framing, message construction and stigma communication. Emilie has authored three nonfiction books. Her third, "A Light in the Dark: Surviving More Than Ted Bundy," was co-authored with survivor Kathy Kleiner Rubin.

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Did you know May 4 is the feast of the Shroud of Turin?

Wikipedia Public Domain

Over the centuries the Church instituted a few different feasts surrounding elements of Jesus’ Passion.

For example, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14 is often connected to the finding of the true cross by St. Helena. This event also once had a separate feast on May 3 called the “Invention of the Holy Cross,” now celebrated only in a few local areas and by communities using the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Missal,

While some still debate whether the Shroud of Turin is a real artifact from Jesus’ tomb, the Church has instituted a few different feasts surrounding the “ Holy Winding Sheet of Christ .”

The Catholic Encyclopedia explains the history of these various feasts with the different relics associated with Jesus’ Passion:

In 1206 one of the (supposed) Winding Sheets used at the burial of Christ was brought to Besançon by Otto de La Roche, and the feast of its arrival (Susceptio) was ordered to be kept on 11 July…Another feast originated about 1495 at Chambéry, in Savoy, to honor the so-called sudario of Christ which came there in 1432 from Lirey in Burgundy, and which since 1578 is venerated in the royal chapel of the cathedral of Turin. This feast is celebrated on 4 May, the day after the Invention of the Cross, and was approved in 1506 by Julius II ; it is now kept in Savoy, Piedmont, and Sardinia as the patronal feast of the royal House of Savoy (4 May, double of the first class, with octave).

May 4 is not a universal feast, and so it does not appear on any calendar in the United States.

Belief in the Shroud

Belief in the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin is not required by the Church, though many have had their faith bolstered by its existence.

Mark Armstrong wrote for Catholic Exchange an article in which he quotes both St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI and their views of the Shroud:

Skeptics claim the cloth is a clever medieval forgery and yet it was lovingly referred to by the late Holy Father John Paul II, “ as an image of God’s love as well as of human sin. ”  Although Pope Benedict, as Cardinal Ratzinger, was very cautious about giving Church approval to apparitions or private revelations, he placed the Shroud in a different category when he wrote about it his book,  The Spirit of the Liturgy .  Pope Benedict wrote that the Shroud was “a truly mysterious image, which no human artistry was capable of producing. In some inexplicable way, it appeared imprinted upon cloth and claimed to show the true face of Christ, the crucified and risen Lord.”

The Shroud continues to captivate the world and May 4 is a special day to recall its mysterious history.

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