Thursday, February 13, 2014

The Basilica of Superga, on the top of a hill, Mausoleum of the Kings of Sardinia and the best panoramic view of Turin

Superga, Turin
Basilica of Superga

















On a hill to the east of Turin, it can only be reached by car or train, is the Baroque basilica of Superga, built by Juvarra between 1717 and 1731.
It was the Duke Victor Amedeus II who ordered it to honour a vow made to the Madonna when, in 1706, the French were besieging Turin.


Dome of the Basilica de Superga, Turin
Dome of Superga

















The yellow and white facade is dominated by a wide porch, with another cupola at the back flanked by twin towers.
The interior is magnificently decorated in blue and yellow and contains numerous paintings and reliefs.
Under the basilica is the mausoleum where the Kings of Sardinia and many members of the House of Savoy rest.
This place also commemorates the Torino F.C players who died in a plane crash in 1949 while they were going to play an away match in Lisbon.


Do you want to see more fascinating places in Turin?