Basilica di Superga

Beautiful basilica on the top of Superga. We got up there with the train (la tranvia Sassi) which was a lovely way to make the climb. Definitely recommend the salita alla cupola — you can’t beat the views of Torino and the mountains! It was also interesting to do the tour of the Tombe Reali (royal tombs of the Savoia family). (The ones missing are of Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I, and la Regina Margherita, who are buried in the Pantheon in Rome.) At the back of the church, there is also a memorial dedicated to the victims (among them the entire Torino soccer team) who died when their plane crashed into Superga in 1949.

Superga! This Basilica is on top of a huge hill. The bus’s can barely make it up there! What sets this Basilica apart from all the others, is the Royal Cemetary Chambers. When you go on the tour, you see where all the Kings and Queens were buried. Very interesting place! Loved it!

The Basilica di Superga towers high above Turin and is not just a landmark, but can also be a useful navigational aid.
It was built between 1717 and 1731 for Victor Amadeus II of Savoy and to this day is the last resting place for the members of the House of Savoy.
You won’t see it from amid the downtown streets but as soon as you are clear of them, it is hard to miss.
To get there by car, you need to proceed to the east end of town and drive towards it. Somewhat uncharacteristically, there are quite a few road signs. You can either follow these and enjoy a longish and steep drive up through the woods, or dump the car at Sassi and go up on the rack railway.
Despite the fact that Turin can often be hazy, on a good day you will find that you are above all that and are rewarded with a good view of the Alps and over the city, maybe even with its ‘Holy Shroud’ of clouds. I was lucky on one occasion (pic), although this year, we saw bugger all from the top. To the east, there is a good sweeping view across the plains of Lombardy and the higher you go, the better the view, assuming that you are up for ascending what is a rather taxing helical staircase (see the pic for encouragement).
Round at the back, there is a memorial to the Grande Torino football club all of whom crashed into the mountain in the Forties.
Next time you see The Italian Job (I mean the proper version of the film) you should notice it. Not many people know that. ;-)
Apart from the Mole
(the dome of which is visible from the main pic) it provides a good view indeed the ultimate view of the city, but remember to go up on a crystal-​clear day if you can.
For other details (catering, overnights stays etc.) please check the website.