The Basilica of Superga crowns a hill east of Turin, its great dome and columned portico visible from across the city. Designed by Filippo Juvarra and completed in 1731, the Baroque church was built to fulfil a vow made by Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy during the 1706 siege of Turin. Its lofty position makes it both a landmark on the skyline and one of the best places to look back over the city.
Superga is also the royal pantheon of the House of Savoy. The crypt contains the tombs of many members of the dynasty, linking the basilica to Turin’s role in the unification of Italy. At the rear of the complex, a memorial marks the 1949 plane crash that killed the Grande Torino football team and everyone else on board. Fans still gather here each year on 4 May.
Inside the basilica, the circular plan and soaring dome give the church a sense of lightness. When access is available, the climb towards the dome offers another perspective on Juvarra’s architecture. Outside, the hilltop terrace looks across Turin and the Po towards the Alps; on a clear day, the panorama is reason enough to make the trip.
The historic Sassi–Superga rack railway is a memorable way to reach the basilica, though it is worth checking its current operating days and times before travelling. Check access to the church, royal tombs and dome separately, as hours and tours can vary. For the clearest Alpine views, choose a crisp day after rain, and bring a layer for the cooler, windier hilltop.