Basilica of Superga: Dome, Royal Tombs, and the Grande Torino

Climbing the hill of Superga is like escaping the city’s chaos and rediscovering a spot where history and nature blend. Juvarra’s Basilica stands proudly at 672 meters, and upon arrival you feel dwarfed by its imposing pronaos. But it’s when you climb the 131 steps of the dome that the real spectacle begins: from up there, Turin unfolds at your feet, framed by the Alps. The air is crisp, the silence broken only by the wind. This is more than just a church; it’s a symbol, a reference point for anyone seeking to understand the bond between the city and its royal heritage. And then there’s that mix of emotions: the devotion from the 1706 vow, the grandeur of the architecture, and the poignant memory of the Grande Torino. A visit that stays with you.

The Basilica was born from a vow: during the Siege of Turin in 1706, Victor Amadeus II promised the Madonna he would build her a temple if the French were defeated. The victory on September 7, 1706, set the project in motion, entrusted to Filippo Juvarra. Construction began on July 20, 1717, and the basilica was inaugurated on November 1, 1731, though it was only consecrated in 1749. Beneath the 75-meter-high dome, the crypt became the burial site of the House of Savoy, with over 60 tombs. However, on May 4, 1949, history took a tragic turn: the plane carrying the Grande Torino football team crashed into the rear wall, extinguishing 31 lives. Here are the key moments:

• 1706 – Siege of Turin and vow of Victor Amadeus II
• 1717 – Start of construction, lowering of the hill by 40 meters
• 1731 – Inauguration of the basilica
• 1749 – Consecration
• 1949 – Tragedy of Grande Torino

Climbing the Juvarra’s dome is quite a feat: 131 steep, winding steps. But every step is worth the effort. Once you reach the terrace, your gaze sweeps across all of Turin, from the Po River to the mountains. On clear days, you can even see the Western Alps, Liguria, and Lombardy. It’s the perfect spot to understand the strategic position of the basilica, commissioned by the Savoy as a symbol of power. Note: In bad weather, the climb is closed, so choose a clear day. Tickets cost €4 (€3 reduced) and entry is free for under 12s and with the Museo Card.

Descending into the crypt is like entering another dimension. Here rest over 60 members of the House of Savoy, from Victor Amadeus II to Charles Albert, in a Latin cross mausoleum rich in marble and stucco. The Hall of Kings, Queens, and Infants tell centuries of monarchy. Next door, the Royal Apartment offers five furnished rooms used by sovereigns during short stays. There are also curiosities: the Hall of Popes displays 265 portraits of pontiffs. The visit costs €6 (€5 for the second route) and takes about 45 minutes. Tip: combine it with the dome for a discounted combo ticket.

On May 4, 1949, a plane crashed into the rear wall of the basilica, killing the entire Torino team, legendary in Italian football. Today, a plaque and a memorial commemorate those 31 victims. Every year on May 4, a mass is celebrated and fans come from all over Italy. It is a moving moment, fitting into the historical path of the basilica. Even those who are not football fans are struck by the simplicity of the memorial, set in nature. A small Museo del Grande Torino in Grugliasco holds memorabilia, but here the emotion is more vivid.

Three practical reasons: first, the view from the dome is one of the most beautiful in Piedmont, almost free at minimal cost. Second, the Royal Tombs offer a dive into Savoy history that few other places can provide, with a setup that rivals the great museums. Third, the Sassi-Superga rack railway is an experience in itself: in 15 minutes the cogwheel train takes you from the Sassi district to 672 meters altitude, with panoramic views that already set the mood. If you have the Torino+Piemonte Card or the Abbonamento Musei (Museum Pass), many entries are included, and the basilica is open almost every day.

The best time? A clear day in spring or autumn, when the air is crisp and the Alps are clearly visible. Avoid peak hours: early morning or late afternoon offer warmer light and fewer crowds. If you go in summer, on Saturdays and Sundays the basilica is open until 7 p.m., perfect for an aperitivo with a view. In winter, choose a weekend with clear skies: the snowy panorama is spectacular. Always check the weather before going up to the dome, because access is forbidden in wind or rain.

Take advantage of the location to explore the Superga Hill Natural Park, a 37 km² reserve with trails through woods and vineyards. Perfect for a walk after the visit. Another must-see stop is the Venaria Reale Palace, a few kilometers away: a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its gardens and the Great Gallery. If you’re in the Sassi area, stop by Borgo Po for a snack with typical Turin breadsticks. Both places connect well with the Savoy history, completing the route started at Superga.