Architectural Highlights

Exterior Grandeur

Upon arrival at Superga, your attention will immediately be drawn to the basilica’s imposing exterior. Rising 75 meters tall, the building features a round-shaped church with a Baroque dome supported by eight Corinthian pillars, reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. Flanking the central body are two bell towers, inspired by the works of Francesco Borromini.

Interior Splendor

Step inside the basilica to explore its Greek cross plan. The interiors are adorned with Carrara marble, intricate paintings, and sculptures by artists such as Agostino Cornacchini and Bernardino Cametti. Six chapels and five altars, including a spectacular main altar, enhance the spiritual ambiance. Make sure not to miss the Vow Chapel, which houses a 17th-century wooden statue of the Madonna delle Grazie, to whom Duke Vittorio Amedeo II made a vow during a crucial battle.

Touring the Savoy Royal Tombs and Apartments

The Royal Tombs

A visit to the Savoy Royal Tombs is a must. Located in the underground of the basilica, these tombs, designed by Francesco Martinez, Juvarra’s grandson, house 62 graves of the Savoy family. The tombs are exquisitely decorated, featuring remarkable artwork and sculptures. Key figures buried here include Vittorio Amedeo II, Carlo Emanuele I, Carlo Emanuele III, Carlo Alberto, and Ferdinando di Savoia, Duke of Genoa.

The Hall of the Queens and the Hall of the Infants

Explore the Hall of the Queens, which contains the marble tombs of Maria Teresa di Toscana and Maria Adelaide D’Asburgo. The Hall of the Infants, designed for family members who died young, hosts 14 children and nine adults, offering a poignant glimpse into the royal family’s history.

The Royal Apartments

If you have enough time, extend your visit to include the Royal Apartments. Here, you can see original furniture and decorations, providing insight into the lives of the Italian crown. Although much of the original furniture was looted by Napoleon’s troops, the apartments remain a fascinating part of the tour.

Practical Tips for Tourists

• Plan Ahead: Check the official website for the latest opening hours and train schedules to ensure a smooth visit.
• Combine Tours: For a comprehensive experience, consider touring both the royal tombs and the apartments.
• Time Your Visit: Arrive early to avoid crowds and to have ample time to explore the basilica and its surroundings.
• Respect the Site: Remember that the basilica is a place of worship, so dress appropriately and maintain a respectful demeanor.
• Pack Essentials: Bring water, especially in summer, as the climb to the basilica can be taxing.

How to Get There

From Turin city center, take tram 15 from Piazza Castello or buses 68 or 61 from Porta Nuova station to Sassi. From Sassi, board the old rack railway (Tranvia a Dentiera) to Superga. Trains leave every hour starting at 10 am, with a journey time of about 20 minutes. Timetables vary seasonally, so check with the tourism office for the latest schedule.

Opening Hours:

• Basilica: Daily from 10 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 to 7 pm (until 5 pm in winter). Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm (until 6 pm in winter).
• Savoy Tombs: Daily from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm (last entrance at 1 pm) and 2:30 to 6 pm (last entrance at 5:15 pm). Closed on Wednesdays.

Ticket Prices:

• Basilica: Free entrance.
• Royal Tombs or Apartments: 5€ for adults, 4€ for seniors over 65 and students, free for children under 12 and holders of the Torino+Piemonte Card.
• Climbing the Dome (Cupola Juvarriana): 3€.