Baroque basilica by Filippo Juvarra, burial place of the House of Savoy, with sweeping views of the Alps over Turin.
The Basilica of Superga crowns a hill about 10 km (6 miles) east of central Turin in Piedmont, Italy, at roughly 670 metres above sea level, overlooking the Po river and the Alpine arc. Duke Victor Amadeus II vowed to build it before the 1706 siege of Turin, and Filippo Juvarra designed the baroque basilica, completed in 1731. It is the burial place of many members of the House of Savoy, and its dome is a landmark visible across the city. The Superga hill also became known for the 1949 air disaster in which the Grande Torino football team died, commemorated by a memorial at the rear of the basilica.
The most memorable way to arrive is the Sassi-Superga rack tramway (Dentiera), a historic line that climbs the hill in about 20 minutes. Visitors first take a GTT tram, such as line 15, from the centre to the Sassi terminus, then board the rack tram; fares are around EUR 4-6 (~$4.60-6.90) one way as reported, and the line operates on a limited schedule, with a replacement bus 79 on some days. Driving takes about 25 minutes via Strada della Basilica, but parking is limited.
On site, visitors can enter the basilica, descend to the Royal Tombs, climb to the dome, and tour the Royal Apartments, where guided visits are offered on set times. The terrace in front of the basilica gives wide views of Turin, the Po valley and, on clear days, the Alps including Monviso and Monte Rosa. A one-day arc works well: leave Turin in the morning for the tramway ride, visit the basilica and tombs, walk the hilltop paths, and have lunch at one of the trattorias near the basilica. The afternoon can be used for a downhill walk through the woods of the Collina di Torino or a return by tram.
The best conditions are clear spring and autumn days when the air is crisp and the Alpine views are sharp; summer haze can hide the mountains, and winter mornings can be spectacular after snowfall. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. The visit is short, so it pairs well with a lunch on the hill and a late afternoon in the centre of Turin.
| Distance | About 10 km (6 miles) east of the centre, on the hill above the Po |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 30-40 minutes including the rack tramway |
| Getting there | GTT metro/tram to Sassi station, then the Sassi-Superga rack tramway (Dentiera), about 20 minutes, around EUR 4-6 (~$4.60-6.90) one way as reported (gtt.to.it) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Strada della Basilica di Superga 73, 10132 Torino TO |
How to get there
- Sassi-Superga rack tramway (line 79 service) from Sassi terminus (Strada Comunale di Superga): about 20 minutes; roughly EUR 4 (~$4.60) one way on weekdays and EUR 6 (~$6.90) on holidays as reported; closed on some weekdays with bus 79 as replacement; verify at gtt.to.it
- GTT tram 15 from the centre to Sassi, then the rack tramway: about 20 minutes to Sassi
- Seasonal Superga Express bus on public holidays from Piazza Vittorio Veneto (see turismotorino.org)
- Driving: about 25 minutes from the centre via Strada della Basilica; limited parking
Location
Strada della Basilica di Superga 73, 10132 Torino TO
45.0807, 7.7667 View on map
Highlights
- Juvarra's baroque basilica and dome above Turin
- Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy
- Historic Sassi-Superga rack tramway ride
- Terrace views of the Po valley and the Alps
- Memorial to the Grande Torino football team
Tips for visiting
- Take tram 15 to Sassi, then the Dentiera rack tram; verify the schedule at gtt.to.it because service days vary.
- Go on a clear morning after rain for the best Alpine views.
- Check guided visit times for the Royal Apartments and tombs at basilicadisuperga.org.
- Bring a light jacket, as the hilltop is cooler and windier than the city.
- Avoid driving on busy weekends because parking is limited.
When to visit
Clear spring and autumn mornings give the sharpest Alpine views. Weekdays are quieter, and summer haze can hide the mountains.
Accessibility
The rack tramway and basilica entrance are reasonably accessible, but the dome climb and Royal Tombs involve stairs. Wheelchair users should confirm access with the basilica before visiting.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach the Basilica of Superga?
Take GTT tram 15 to Sassi and then the Sassi-Superga rack tramway, about 20 minutes. Driving is possible via Strada della Basilica, but parking is limited.
What can be seen at Superga?
The baroque basilica by Juvarra, the Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy, the dome, the Royal Apartments and a terrace with views of Turin and the Alps.
How long does the visit take?
Allow about 2-3 hours including the tramway ride, basilica, tombs and terrace; add time for lunch or a hill walk.
Does the rack tram run every day?
Service is limited and may be replaced by bus 79 on some days. Visitors should check gtt.to.it before travelling.