Basilica of Superga

Basilica of Superga tickets: which one to buy

The Basilica of Superga stands on a hill about ten kilometres east of Turin, Italy, at a height of about 670 metres, and entry to the basilica is free, while the Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy, the dome and the royal apartments are visited with a ticket. The views from the hill over Turin and the Alps, including Monviso, are spectacular. Visitors can reach Superga by the historic Sassi-Superga rack railway, which climbs the hill in about twenty minutes, or by car or bus.

The basilica is also a place of pilgrimage for football fans, because in 1949 a plane carrying the Grande Torino football team crashed into the hill, and a memorial commemorates the victims. Tours of Turin sometimes include Superga. The basilica is active, and visiting pauses during services. Guided tours of the Royal Tombs run at set times and last about forty-five minutes.

Visiting Basilica of Superga: what to see

In 1706, during the siege of Turin by the French, Duke Victor Amadeus II of Savoy climbed the hill to observe the battle and vowed to build a church dedicated to the Virgin if the city were saved. After the victory, he commissioned the architect Filippo Juvarra to build the basilica, which was completed in 1731, a masterpiece of the baroque. The basilica has a large dome, flanked by two bell towers, and a portico with columns. Inside, the church has a circular plan, with chapels decorated with marble and paintings. The crypt holds the Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy, where many kings, queens and princes are buried in marble sarcophagi. The dome's gallery, reached by 131 steps, offers a panoramic view.

The royal apartments, used by the Savoy family during their visits, can be seen. Behind the basilica, the memorial to the Grande Torino holds photographs and flowers. The basilica's high altar holds a marble relief of the Battle of Turin and the Virgin. The chapels are decorated with paintings by Sebastiano Conca and other artists. The Royal Tombs include the tomb of King Charles Albert, who granted Piedmont its constitution. The dome's balcony offers views of the Po plain and the Alps. The royal apartments include the Hall of Popes, with portraits of all the popes. The monastery's cloister, beside the basilica, is quiet. The basilica's portico is supported by eight columns. The memorial to the Grande Torino lists the names of the players who died.

Basilica of Superga opening hours and the best time to go

The basilica is open daily, and the Royal Tombs and dome have set opening hours, closed on some days. The views are best on clear days, especially in autumn and winter, when the Alps are visible. The rack railway runs daily, with more departures at weekends. The anniversary of the Superga air disaster on 4 May brings football fans to the memorial. Allow about an hour and a half for the basilica, tombs and dome, and take the rack railway for the journey. The Sassi-Superga rack railway starts at the Sassi station, reached by tram 15 from central Turin.