Turin Approves Major Mosque and Cultural Hub at Former Nebiolo Foundry
Turin's city officials have given the green light for the development of one of the largest mosques in Europe, set to rise in the abandoned Nebiolo foundry complex located in the Aurora district, igniting political debate. Mayor Stefano Lo Russo backs the initiative, while opposition groups are contemplating legal action. Maurizio Marrone, the regional vice-president, intends to suggest amendments to urban planning regulations to establish minimum separation distances for religious structures. Spearheaded by the Islamic Confederation of Italy and Aps Al-Waqf, the project will feature a university residence, library, and cultural facilities. Construction is slated to commence by late 2026, with a three-year timeline and a budget exceeding 15 million euros, partially financed by Morocco. The mosque will serve around 1,000 worshippers and will feature a 20-meter-high minaret.
Key facts
- The City of Turin approved the construction of a mosque in the former Nebiolo foundry in the Aurora district.
- The project includes a student residence with about 90 beds, a library, study rooms, and cultural spaces; 80% of the area will be for non-worship uses.
- Construction is expected to start by the end of 2026 and last three years, costing over 15 million euros, partly funded by Morocco.
- The mosque will occupy 1,300 of the 6,000 square meters and accommodate about 1,000 worshippers.
- The project, presented in March 2025, is designed by architect Vittorio Jacomussi, with a 20-meter minaret.
- The former Nebiolo foundry, built in 1922, was Europe's largest type foundry and was abandoned in the late 1970s.
- Political opposition includes plans to modify regional urban planning law to impose minimum distances between religious buildings.
- The Islamic Confederation of Italy and Aps Al-Waqf lead the project, with free public access to cultural spaces for at least 30 years.
Entities
Artists
- Stefano Lo Russo
- Maurizio Marrone
- Nadia Conticelli
- Mohammed VI
- Vittorio Jacomussi
- Livia Montagnoli
Institutions
- Comune di Torino
- Confederazione Islamica Italiana
- Aps Al-Waqf
- Edisu
- Fratelli d'Italia
- Regione Piemonte
- Regione Lombardia
- Politecnico di Torino
- Soprintendenza
- Il Giornale
- Artribune
- Ministero del Culto di Rabat
- Post
Locations
- Torino
- Italia
- quartiere Aurora
- via Bologna
- corso Novara
- Milano
- via Esterle
- Mestre
- Marocco
- Rabat
- La Mecca
- Piemonte
- Lombardia