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Basilica of Superga Tickets Overview
Why visit the Basilica of Superga?
The Basilica of Superga is a fascinating historical and religious monument that inspires curiosity as well as fascination. The Basilica is located on top of a hill giving a sweeping view of the city and on clear days you can even see the important peaks of the Alpine ranges.
The Basilica's structure and style is a mix of Baroque and neoclassical. The Basilica of Superga tickets takes you on a tour of the Royal Crypt where you also get to marvel at the beautiful white sculptures. Visit the Royal Apartment and learn about the lifestyle of the Turinese royals then.
Take a look at the wooden structure of Our Lady of Grace which is kept in the Vow Chapel. This is the same structure in front of which Vittorio Amedeo II had prayed.
Another major attraction here is the balcony by the Dome that offers a truly breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Last, but not the least, is the memorial built for the disastrous air crash of the Grande Torino Football team in 1949.
Discover the Basilica of Superga
The Basilica of Superga is a Baruch style church in Superga which is located in the outskirts of Turin. The basilica has two main chapels and 4 smaller chapels; there is a long porch at the entrance with 8 Corinthian columns. On either side of the church there are bell towers and inside there is a stairway that takes you up to the cupola from where you can catch amazing views of Turin and the alpine mountains far away.
Originally the Hall of Popes used to be the summer dining hall for the 12 priests of Supergas Royal Congregation order. In 1876 it was turned into a gallery showcasing the portraits of all the Popes including the portrait of the current Pope Francesco. There are 265 paintings showcased in the Hall of Popes.
The Royal Crypt houses the tombs of the Savoia Family and it was built in the Vaults of the Basilica of Superga. The crypt is designed in the shape of a lengthened Latin cross and there are altogether 62 burial grounds for the Sevoia family. Architect Francesco Martinez was given the project which started in 1774 and completed in 1778.
King Vittorio Amedeo Roman the Second had commissioned the Basilica of Superga and building the Royal Apartment was part of the original project as he had intended the Royal Apartment as a retirement home for himself. The construction however was not completed and some rooms on the first floor of the convent were assigned for the use of the Royal Family of Savoia whenever they visited the basilica.
A set of spiral staircase leads to the external balcony of the dome. From here you can get a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding valleys and mountains that surround the city of Turin. The construction of the dome was completed in 1726 and features several elements of the dome at St Peter's Basilica Dome by Michelangelo.
The Chapel of the Queens is decorated with several beautiful white marble sculptures and it holds the remains of the Queens of the Savoia Family. The most interesting monument belongs to Maria Teresa Di Toscana-Asburgo which features an artwork by Santo Varni, a famous Italian sculptor.
History of Basilica of Superga
The Basilica of Superga was built between 1717 to 1731 and commissioned by King Vittorio Amedeo the Second of Savoia and designed by architect Filoppo Juvarra. The king commissioned the construction of the basilica to fulfill a vow he made to the Madonna during the Battle of Turin after their army defeated the plundering French army during the War of Spanish Succesion. To build the Basilica the tip of the hill had to be leveled and was reduced to 40 metres to create a flat area. The Baruch style structure was inaugurated in 1731 and is 75 metres tall and located at 672 metres above sea level. Inside the Basilica there is a Main Altar, 4 other Altars and 6 Chapels. The wooden structure of Our Lady of Grace in front of which Vittorio Amedeo had kneeled and prayed for protection and defeat of the French army, is kept in the Vow Chapel.
Plan Your Visit To Basilica of Superga
- Location:
Strada Basilica di Superga, 73, 10132 Torino TO, Italy
- Timings:
Basilica Di Superga is open daily from 10 am to 1:30 pm and in the afternoon from 2:30 pm to 7pm. And during winters it stays open till 5pm. On Sundays it is open from 10am to 7pm and during winters it stays open till 6pm
- Best Time to Visit:
For the most picturesque sight and pictures it is best if you visit the Basilica of Superga during early mornings and late afternoons. Another benefit of visiting the Basilica during this time is the lower number of people giving you a lot of time to peacefully see the Basilica.
The best season to visit the Basilica is in September and October when the weather is pleasant and the autumnal glow cloaks the Basilica in a golden hue.
- By car:
The drive to the Basilica of Superga from the city will take about half an hour to 45 minutes depending on your speed. You can park at the parking lot in Sassi Station if you want.
- By tram and rack railway:
To get to the Basilica of Superga by tramway, board the 15 number city tram from the Piazza Castillo which will take you approximately 30 minutes to get To stop 471, get off at 589 Sassi Superga Station. From here take the rack railway to get to the Basilica of Superga.
- Hike to Superga:
As hiking is one of the best outdoor activities in Turin, the route to visit the Basilica of Superga is a fun hike. The best path out of the many paths to get to the Basilica is the Croce that starts near Sassi. To get here take bus number 61 from the Piazza Vittorio Venetto and stop at Croce Stop, from here take the Sentiero 29 which begins at Corso Castle which is west of the bus stop via the Croce.
- The Dome at the Basilica of Superga is not wheelchair accessible.
- As it is a Basilica it is best to wear modest clothing that doesn't reveal shoulders and knees.
- Tickets are required for you to be able to visit the Dome and climb the stairs at the Basilica.
- It is best if you bring a camera as the Basilica provides a lot of picture perfect views and it is best if you don't miss them.
- The Basilica can be entered for free.
- To view the Royal Crypt and the Royal Apartment you will need to book a guided tour in advance or you won't be allowed in the vault.
- The guided tours are in Italian unless arranged differently in advance.
- A cafe and a restaurant are available within the Basilica for a little snack or a meal after a long and satisfying trip to the Basilica.
FAQs About Basilica Di Superga
How to get to Basilica Di Superga?
The best way to get to the Basilica is by taking a city tram from Piazza Castelo then get off at Sassi Superga from here take the rack tramway to the top.
Is Basilica Di Superga worth visiting?
Yes, Basilica Di Superga is really worth visiting for its beautiful Baruch mixed with neoclassical style of architecture, the view from the balcony on top and its fantastic location.
How much time do you need at the Basilica Di Superga?
The guided tours to the Royal tomb and Royal Apartment take about 45 minutes and exploring the rest of the basilica and its ground can take about an hour. Hence ideally you should spare about 1.5 to 2 hrs for it.
Do you need to book the Basilica Di Superga tour in advance to visit?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you book your Basilica Di Superga tickets in advance as this will ensure the guided tour of the Royal Crypts and the Royal Apartment.
What's the best way to see Basilica Di Superga?
The Superga Basilica is located on top of a hill and it is a great place to enjoy a have day trip from the city and take in the sweeping views of the city and the surrounding valleys and hills.
Where can I book tickets for Basilica Di Superga?
Basilica Di Superga tickets are easily available online on our website. By booking online in advance you can grab various deals and discounts that will make your trip budget friendly.
What is the best time to visit Basilica Di Superga?
The best time to visit the Basilica is in the morning when the guided tours begin or in the evening. Season wise best time is in autumn between September and October.