Crowning a hill east of the Po, the Basilica di Superga is one of the finest baroque churches in Piedmont and the best viewpoint over Turin. It was built in the early eighteenth century by Filippo Juvarra to fulfil a vow made by Duke Vittorio Amedeo II during the siege of 1706, when he climbed the hill to survey the battle and promised a church if the city was saved. The result is a domed basilica with a columned portico that looks out over the whole city, the river and, on clear days, the long white chain of the Alps. Inside, the Chapel of the Vow honours that story. Beneath the church lie the Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy, visited with a guide, and a separate route opens the Royal Apartment. You can also climb to the dome for an even wider panorama. Behind the basilica, a memorial marks the 1949 air crash that killed the Grande Torino football team.
How it works: entry to the church is free, while the Royal Tombs, the Royal Apartment and the dome climb are paid visits. From 2 November 2026 to 28 February 2027 winter opening hours apply, with shorter weekday sessions broken by a lunch pause and longer hours at weekends, so check the official page before you go. The dome climb closes in bad weather and strong wind, and the tombs are visited only in accompanied groups.
Getting there: the classic route is the Sassi to Superga rack tramway, a historic railway that climbs the hill from Piazzale Modena in Sassi in about eighteen minutes. It runs on a seasonal timetable and has had weekday closures, with bus line 79 as the alternative, so confirm the current service with GTT. A car or taxi also works, and walkers can follow wooded paths up the hill.
Making the most of it: come on a clear morning after rain, when the Alps look close enough to touch. Combine the basilica, the tombs and the dome for a half-day outing, and bring a jacket, as the hilltop is cooler than the city.
What to expect
The experience
A free visit to the basilica, with optional paid guided visits to the Savoy tombs and royal apartment and a climb to the dome.
Best time
A clear morning, ideally just after rain or a cold front, when visibility to the Alps is at its best.
How long
About an hour for the church and views, and half a day including the tramway ride, tombs and dome.
Tips
Check winter hours and the tramway timetable, and bring a warm layer for the windy hilltop.
Quick picks
- Best for
- View seekers, photographers, history buffs and football fans paying respects to the Grande Torino.
- Families
- Children love the old rack tramway ride up the hill, and the open terrace gives them space.
- Couples
- Watching the Alps turn pink from the basilica portico is one of the most romantic moments Turin offers.
- Pair with
- A walk in the hills or a return to Piazza Vittorio Veneto for an aperitivo by the river.
- Time needed
- Half a day with travel.
Good questions
Is the Basilica of Superga free to visit?+
Entry to the church is free. The Royal Tombs, the Royal Apartment and the dome climb are paid visits.
How do you get to Superga from Turin?+
The classic way is the historic rack tramway from Sassi, which climbs the hill in about eighteen minutes on a seasonal timetable. Bus 79 and taxis are alternatives.
What are the winter opening hours at Superga?+
Winter hours apply from 2 November 2026 to 28 February 2027, with shorter sessions on weekdays. Check the official page for the exact times before you go.
Who is buried at Superga?+
The crypt holds the Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy, including many kings and princes. They are visited in accompanied groups.
What is the Grande Torino memorial?+
Behind the basilica is a memorial to the Torino football team killed when their plane crashed into the hill in 1949. Fans visit it all year.