sacra di san michele

This is one of 7 medieval monasteries dedicated to Saint Michael, all located in an axis. To reach the church, one has to walk up a path which is somewhat elevated. After purchasing our tickets, we climbed up the Stairway of the Dead. They really used to have bodies here. The church has some lovely frescoes. There are members of the Savoy family buried here. With Gregorain Chants playing, the atmosphere was solemn and mysterious.I am sure that the views of the surrounding countryside is beautiful, but it was a rainy day when we went. The ruins behind the church were dreamlike in the mist. The monastery is not far from Turin. We did it as a half day trip and were very glad that we did.

This Sanctuary seems to have been born from the rocks , majestically sitting on top of a hill , incredible masterpiece made painfully by hand so many centuries ago . Spiritual refuge as well as unassailable fortress .

one of the most atraction on the way out of torino, this abbey stand of the top of mount pirchiriano 960m abouve the lavel sea with big panorma to the mountain on west side the way to the abby come from villages of Aviglianae

lovely day in magnificent place. lot of history and sacral art in every step. amazing views to the valley and Alps. i

The Abbazia Sacra di San Michele, sited on Monte Pirchiriano in Piemonte, is one of five ancient monasteries dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel that spread across Europe in a straight line that ends in Jerusalem. Starting from the East, Skellig Michael off the coast or Ireland; St Michael’s Mount off the coast of Cornwall in England; Mont St Michel off the coast of Normandy, France; Sacra di San Michele in Piemonte, Italy; and finally Monte Gargano, otherwise known as Monte Archangelo, in southern Italy.The sceptic in me knows there's no real meaning in that (see, for example, http://bigthink.com/strange-maps/527-the-st-michael-line-a-straight-story), but standing in this awe-inspiring building it's hard not to feel that it has some mysterious significance.The ancient monastery seems to have grown out of the rocky spur on which it was built, an could have been founded as early as 966 (but more likely about 20 years later). We visited on a morning in April 2013 - it closes at 12:30 till 14:30. After our visit, we had a light lunch at the cafe just down the road from the Abbazia, where you can sit in the sun contemplating the magnificent structure and imagining you are back in the time of the Name of the Rose.

A must-see in the area! The place is so full of history and, as you can easily guess, the view it offers is spectacular. If you have read Eco's 'The name of the rose', you can really imagine the events described in the book taking place here.

I spent a great April afternoon in this magnificent place. Everyone who visit Turin and Piemonte should include this attraction as part of their tour - although a car is needed to reach the Sacra of San Michele (I am not aware of any bus/coach options).Peculiar historical building, with a breathtaking view of the Alps. The entrance is €5 and it is open until 6pm (in winter closes earlier).

The view at around 1km above sea level is magnificent, the building is in good condition, but seems to be little renovated, has authentic feel to it.

This is an impressive monument in a most wonderful setting of forests and mountains. Visiting requires some stamina, but is totally worth it, as one walks through the forest before arriving at the monastery itself. The view from the top is breath-taking and the actual church is impressive in its size.

An absolutely fascinating place... An isolated ancient monastery, which seems to have inspired Umberto Eco for his "The Name of the Rose". Absolutely a MUST in Piedmont and in the whole north of Italy!

The view from this Abbey is amazing as is the history. Well worth the effort to visit - only the very fit should attempt to walk to the top

Take note that you will have to drive up the mountain or make a long pilgrimage on foot or bike. Great if you are up for the challenge.Also there is a park and walk element that will deter anyone not up to a short climb and stairs between car and gate. Skimpy dress is not allowed but if you want to enter you can borrow a shawl/scarf to cover your shoulders. There is a charge worth paying to enter the monastery but you can see wonderful views without entering. Dogs are not allowed inside, don't bring your dog if you want to enter.The mule trail is a great way to get up and down the mountain.

A great side-trip while in Piemonte, La Sacra is a window into the past of this region of Italy and the history of the European continent.During the Crusades, the basilica was considered a holy stop-over to and from Jerusalem.The fortification sits on a high hill above the Susa Valley and is a relatively short drive from Avigliana. The building is of religious importance still today and the architecture is impressive.

I am not religious at all and I am over "old churches on a hill", but this place was awesome. The inside of the churchy bit is the least impressive part. Its all the other stuff.Its a bit of a drive up the windy road (but nothing really if you have driven in the alps at all).The price is reasonableThe restoration work is exceptionally well doneThe views are truly amazingand when we were there, there was hardly any other people there, which made it really special. We watched a storm approach us from the other side of the valley and took a pile of photos.Don't be tempted to drive there and not pay the entry. The best views are from inside the grounds and the cost was only 5 euros.Oh yeah, and the Trip Advisor location is wrong (as at 23rd May). It is out of town on the way from Turin to France (we stopped in on our way to Briancon).

My husband and I decided to drive to the Sacra Di San Michele. I realised that the location of the Church is not as shown on the Tripadvisor Map. I plugged the following address into the GPS : Via Sacra Di San Michele, Aviliagna and that got us there. There is a 10 minute hair-raising drive up to the top of the mountain with a number of car parks very close to the church. A few keen people were bike riding up to the top!! Once at the top, there is a little cafe where you can get a brochure describing the history of the site (note, we didn't realise you could get one of these but saw other people with them). You can then buy your ticket (5 euro) and enter the church grounds and church. It is spectacular - from the stairs at the immediate entrance which reminded me of an Indiana Jones movie, to the al fresco paintings in the church, to the views from the ruins at the rear. There are many paths and routes around the church - make sure you go to every nook and cranny.