Filippo Juvarra's 1717-1731 votive basilica, burial place of the House of Savoy, and the site of the 1949 Torino team air disaster.
The Basilica di Superga crowns the Superga hill east of Turin, Piedmont, Italy, at about 670 metres, with views over the city and the Alps. Duke Victor Amadeus II vowed to build a church to the Virgin if the Savoyard army relieved Turin during the 1706 siege. After the victory, Filippo Juvarra designed the basilica, and construction ran from 1717 to 1731. It is considered one of Juvarra's masterpieces, combining a classical portico with a tall dome and two bell towers on a high plinth.
The interior is centred on a circular nave beneath the dome, with side altars and marble decoration. The adjoining complex includes the Royal Tombs in the crypt, where kings, queens and princes of the House of Savoy are buried, among them Victor Amadeus II, Charles Albert and several later members of the dynasty. The Royal Apartments and the dome can be visited separately, and the dome offers a panoramic view.
Superga has a second historic meaning. On 4 May 1949 an aircraft carrying the Torino football team, known as Il Grande Torino and five-time Italian champions, crashed into the retaining wall at the rear of the basilica in fog, killing all aboard. A memorial plaque and a small museum, together with an annual commemoration, mark the site, which is a pilgrimage for football fans.
The basilica is reached by the historic Superga rack tramway from Sassi station, in operation since 1884, or by road. Restoration has been carried out on the exterior stone and dome, and the Savoy tombs have been maintained as a monument. The basilica is free to enter, while the Royal Tombs cost about EUR 6 and the dome about EUR 4. Confirm hours at basilicadisuperga.com.
| Admission | Basilica free; Royal Tombs about EUR 6 (approx. $6.90); dome about EUR 4 (approx. $4.60) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Basilica open daily; Royal Tombs and dome have separate hours. Confirm at basilicadisuperga.com |
| Address | Strada della Basilica di Superga 73, 10132 Torino |
Why it matters
The basilica fulfils a vow made by Victor Amadeus II during the 1706 siege of Turin and is the burial place of the House of Savoy. In 1949 the Torino football team, the Grande Torino, died in a plane crash on its hill.
Location
Strada della Basilica di Superga 73, 10132 Torino
45.0805, 7.7670 View on map
Highlights
- Juvarra's dome and twin bell towers on Superga hill
- Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy
- Panoramic view from the dome
- Memorial to the Grande Torino team of 1949
- Historic rack tramway from Sassi
Tips for visiting
- Take the historic Sassi-Superga rack tram for the best approach.
- The Royal Tombs, about EUR 6, and the dome, about EUR 4, have separate hours.
- Visit on a clear day for views of the Alps.
- On 4 May, commemorations of the 1949 crash draw large crowds.
- Check basilicadisuperga.com for times, which vary by season.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the basilica English-language friendly?
Basic signage is in Italian and English, and guided visits may be offered. Confirm at the basilica.
How long does a visit take?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours including the tombs, dome and the tram ride.
Can children visit?
Yes, the tram ride and the views are popular with children, but the dome stairs need supervision.