Culture and Beauty Guardian, since 1572.
Discover the Artistic Heritage of the Fondazione Ordine Mauriziano
Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi
A Monumental Treasure
Precettoria di Sant’Antonio di Ranverso
Precious Gothic Art
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Staffarda
Cistercian Laboriousness
The artistic and real estate heritage of the ancient Order of the Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Maurizio and Lazzaro) – today merged into the Fondazione Ordine Mauriziano (Mauritian Order Foundation) – including the Historical Archive, the Mauritian Basilica in Turin, some masterpieces such as the Preceptory of Sant’ Antonio di Ranverso, a triumph of Gothic art on the via Francigena, and Santa Maria di Staffarda Abbey, founded by Cistercian monks between 1122 and 1138.
The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, a Savoy Hunting Lodge of the 18th century, is the flagship of the Foundation’s architectural heritage and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three buildings, owned by the Foundation, host exhibitions, events, and cultural initiatives of various kinds, with a constantly evolving calendar of proposals designed for history buffs, art lovers, families, and schools. In addition, they are places of great artistic and historical interest.
The history of the Foundation
The Fondazione Ordine Mauriziano (Mauritian Order Foundation) was established by law in November 2004 to manage the priceless artistic properties of the Ordine dei Santi Mauriziano and Lazzaro, an ancient prestigious institution founded by Duke Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia in 1572, in Italy. Its history finds its origin even further back in time. In 1090, the St. Lazzaro Order of Knights was born in Jerusalem, a hospital order for assisting the lepers and sick people. Then, in 1434, Amedeo VIII of Savoy founded a Religious Order, the St. Maurice Knightly Order, in Ripaille–Chablais, comprised of hermit knights who were to advise the prince in his decisions.
Through centuries, the two Orders’ history and unification intertwine with the Italian one. The Mauritian Order Foundation’s primary function today is to be a repository of a thousand-year-old institution’s values, culture, and traditions—a job carried on with significant involvement and passion.
