Sacra di San Michele Day Trip

On this day trip to the Sacra di San Michele from Turin, we'll visit all the spots inspiring Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose, while enjoying views of the valley and the Alps.

A Historical Icon of Piedmonte

The Sacra di San Michele is a Benedictine abbey located in the Susa Valley, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Turin. Its construction timeline is uncertain, but it dates back to between AD 983 and 987. After being inhabited by Benedictine monks for almost 600 years and two years of abandonment, it is currently managed by the Rosminian Fathers and associated organizations that promote cultural and religious initiatives. In 1994, it was declared a Symbolic Monument of Piedmonte.

What to See in the Sacra di San Michele?

Entrance and Statue of Saint Michael: impressive 5.5-metre (18 feet) tall statue, with the devil's wings at its feet.Scalone dei Morti: a steep staircase of 243 steps from the 12th century, named for the burials in its central niche.The Portal of the Zodiac: a Romanesque work depicting zodiac signs, the oldest cycle of its kind.The Church: known for its interior paintings, including the Great Fresco of the Assumption (1505) and the Fresco of the Legend (late 1600s).The Bell'Alda Tower: a 12th-century tower linked to a legend of a girl saved by angels.

The Name of the Rose

"From below, it seemed as if the rock extended towards the sky [...] and at a certain point, it transformed into a tower."

These words by Adso of Melk reference the abbey. Umberto Eco intended to film his adaptation there but faced location constraints. He likely visited during his university years in Turin, inspiring his renowned work.

Day Trip Details

We'll depart from Turin by bus to the Sacra di San Michele for a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours. The tour includes the Scalone dei Morti and views of an 18-metre-tall (59-foot) pillar supporting the church and the
Bell'Alda tower.

At the top, we'll view the marble Portal of the Zodiac and its details, while enjoying scenic panorama of the Alps and Vía Francigena. After the tour, the bus will return us to our meeting point in Turin, totaling 5 hours.