The Basilica of Superga is an iconic place in the Turin city, rich in art and history. It’s a recommended spot if you want to admire all Turin from above.
In 1706, during the War of Spanish Succession, the city was besieged by the French troops and King Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, along with Prince Eugene of Savoy, climbed the hill of Superga to observe the enemy positions. On that occasion, the King made a vow to the Madonna delle Grazie (“Lady of Graces”): if he managed to free the city, he would build a church in her honor.
And so it was.
After the victorious battle of Turin, the King commissioned architect Filippo Juvarra, the same one who designed the Galleria Grande and the Church of Saint Ubert at the Royal Residence of Venaria Reale and the Palazzina di Caccia of Stupinigi, to design the Basilica. The construction began in 1717 and was completed in 1731, creating a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The Basilica of Superga, at 672 meters above sea level, dominates the Turin skyline. From the external balcony of the Dome, accessible via a spiral staircase inside the Basilica, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, the valleys and the mountains.
The undergrounds
The most coveted tour, aside from the panoramic one, is the one to the Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy, where 62 members of the royal family rest, including kings, queens, princes and princesses.
The mausoleum, shaped like an elongated Latin cross, hosts at its center the “Sarcophagus of the Kings”, containing the tomb of the last King of Sardinia, Charles Albert of Savoy, and then branches into two lateral arms: the “Hall of the Infants” and the “Hall of the Queens”.
Visiting the crypt is only possible with a guided tour during specified hours and by purchasing tickets on-site. The tickets for the panoramic terrace and the Royal Apartment can also be purchased at the Ticket Office.
The tragedy of Superga
On May 4 1949, an airplane carrying the entire football team of Turin, known as the Grande Torino (“Great Turin”), crashed near the Basilica, causing the death of all 31 occupants of the airplane. This tragedy is remembered as one of the greatest disasters in Italian football history. In memory of this great team, a commemorative plaque has been placed on the rear part of the Basilica, still today a destination for fans and enthusiasts.
The Historic Sassi-Superga Tramway
The Basilica of Superga can be reached by car or by the historic Tramway, which offers a fascinating journey back in time aboard historic vehicles. Traveling over a route of over 3000 meters, it connects the Sassi station with Superga.
The service represents the continuation of a tradition dating back over a century, beginning in 1884 as a funicular and later converted to a cogwheel tramway in 1934.
If you decide to immerse yourself in this suggestive experience, you can purchase the tickets at the ticket office located inside the Sassi Station, where you will also find the Exhibition Hall of the Historic Tramway.
In conclusion, Superga is a great symbol of the city of Turin, offering tourists a unique experience appreciated for its rich architectural/cultural heritage, as well as the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Point of interest
Exhibition Hall of the Historic Tramway
How to reach the Basilica di Superga from Cascina 6b
By car: reachable in about 30 minutes, taking the Torino-Caselle highway section, exit Borgaro towards Municipal Road of Villaretto and Lungo Stura Lazio. Follow the signs for Superga, taking the Municpal Road of Superga until you reach the Basilica at the top of the hill.
If you want to take the Sassi-Superga Tramway
By car: follow the same indications until the Sassi Station. Adjacent to the station you will find a free car park where you can park your car. Arrived at Gustavo Modena 6 Square with access to Sassi Station.
Public transports: reachable in almost 2 hours. Departure from San Maurizio C.se station towards Turin Porta Susa. From here, walk to the Vinzaglio stop and take the tram 15 which takes to the Sassi-Superga stop. A few meters away you will find the Sassi Station where you can take the Tramway.
Clothes kit
Casual clothes and comfortable shoes
Recommended links
Visiting hours and tickets prices https://www.basilicadisuperga.com/it/visite/
I wish you to
ENJOY YOUR VISIT🙂
