Top Things to do in Susa Valley
The 10 Best Things to do in Susa Valley, Piedmont
Discover the best top things to do in Susa Valley, Italy including Sacra di San Michele, Museo Forte Bramafam, La Strada dell'Assietta, Valle Stretta, Vialattea, Centro Storico di Avigliana, Parco Naturale dei Laghi di Avigliana, Lago Laune, Chiesa Parrocchiale San Giovanni Battista, Avigliana's castle.
Restaurants in Susa Valley
1. Sacra di San Michele
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,965 reviews
This monument is a symbol of Piedmont Region and a place that inspired the writer Umberto Eco to conceive the best-seller “Il nome della rosa” ( The name of the rose ) , the Sacra of San Michele is an ancient abbey built between 983 and 987 on the top of mount Pirchiriano, 40 km from Turin. From it’s towers you can admire Turin and a breathtaking view of the Val di Susa. Inside the main Church of the Sacra, dating from the twelfth century, are buried members of House of Savoy (one of the oldest royal family in the world). Dedicated to the cult of the Archangel Michele, defender of the Christian people, the Sacra di San Michele fits inside a ruote of pilgrimage (long over 2000 km) wich runs from Saint-Michel ( France ) to Monte Sant’Angelo (Puglia). The history, the spiritual value and the landscape that sorrounds it trasform the Sacra in a special destination for visitors from all over the world.
Reviewed By DamCar65
When travelling France <> Italy, I often go via the Montgenèvre pass (on the Briançon/Turin road) and could see this monastery from the motorway. So for once, I made time to visit and was very moved. Absolutely wonderful. But as many have said – be prepared to walk, even if you come by car! Monastery founded in the late 900’s (so, over 1,000 years ago!) and was for many years under the Benedictine rule (currently with the Rosminians). Most of the monastery is in ruins (except the chapel), but you can still get a sense of the grandeur of the place. It is one of seven monasteries dedicated to St Michael linking Skellig Michael (Ireland) to Jerusalem. Saint Michael’s Mount (Cornwall, UK) and Mont Saint Michel (Normandy, France) are also part of the series. Take time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views. Surprisingly the gift shop and the café are not overpriced. Certainly will visit again and perhaps will make it a day-trip, walking from the valley floor.
2. Museo Forte Bramafam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
3. La Strada dell'Assietta
4. Valle Stretta
5. Vialattea
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 677 reviews
Reviewed By 659jok
Huge ski area for intermediates. I wouldn't recommend for beginners because you have to take a lift to reach the ski school area. You need to be able to ski blue runs really.
6. Centro Storico di Avigliana
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 288 reviews
Do you know that just few steps form Piazza Conte Rosso, a cannonball from XVII century got stuck into a wall of one of the old buildings? That above a stone column of one of the most precious houses, a cheeky child is pulling faces to the passers-by? That in the prisons of its castle the rebel prince Amedeo d'Acaja of the house of Savoy was confined, and that his spirit is said to still wander in the mists of the lake where he drowned? Park your car in the areas indicated on the map, and set out to find those pecultiarities: you will be surprised by the beauty of the old town, with his heart in Piazza Conte Rosso and in the ruins of the castle above. The information boards along the way will familiarize you with Avigliana's history, its old places, beautiful churches, the Clock Tower, the ancient town gates. Decide for yourself where you wish to start the tour indicated on the map: whether you are arriving by train or are you coming from the lakes. After that, take your time to stroll the narrow alleys: walk slowly and discover ist hidden beauty!
7. Parco Naturale dei Laghi di Avigliana
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 311 reviews
8. Lago Laune
9. Chiesa Parrocchiale San Giovanni Battista
10. Avigliana's castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 42 reviews
It was probably built by the Marquesses Arduinici of Turin (it was probably Arduino the Hairless who built the first settlement of "Castrum Avilianae") on the top of Mount Pezzulano at the beginning of the XIth century. This castle was a seat for the royal court and as such it was used by the Counts of Savoy at least from 1137. In the XIIth century Emperor Frederick (Redbeard) destroyed the castle and burnt the town and his son Henry VI brought new destructions at the end of the same century. Thomas of Savoy rebuilt the castle in 1189 and since then it became the residence of an important lord of the Count of Savoy. In 1691, after conquering it, the French Marshal Catinat got it definitively demolished, leaving the remains we see nowadays.
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