Europe
Italy
Piedmont
Province of Turin
Sant'Ambrogio di Torino
Things to Do in Sant'Ambrogio di Torino
Sacra di San Michele
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Sacra di San Michele

See all things to do
See all things to do
Sacra di San Michele
4.5
2,067 reviews
#1 of 11 things to do in Sant'Ambrogio di Torino
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:45 AM - 5:30 PM
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About
This monument is a symbol of Piedmont Region and a place that inspired the writer Umberto Eco to conceive the best-seller “Il nome della rosa” ( The name of the rose ) , the Sacra of San Michele is an ancient abbey built between 983 and 987 on the top of mount Pirchiriano, 40 km from Turin. From it’s towers you can admire Turin and a breathtaking view of the Val di Susa. Inside the main Church of the Sacra, dating from the twelfth century, are buried members of House of Savoy (one of the oldest royal family in the world). Dedicated to the cult of the Archangel Michele, defender of the Christian people, the Sacra di San Michele fits inside a ruote of pilgrimage (long over 2000 km) wich runs from Saint-Michel ( France ) to Monte Sant’Angelo (Puglia). The history, the spiritual value and the landscape that sorrounds it trasform the Sacra in a special destination for visitors from all over the world.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Sacra di San Michele and nearby attractions

The area
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,067 reviews
Excellent
1,544
Very good
420
Average
68
Poor
18
Terrible
17
Dierregi
Turin, Italy2,262 contributions
Amazing view from Turin to France
Jul 2022
This place is absolutely amazing! On the top of a mountain, you can see it from down below miles away and once you get up you have a breathtaking view of the valley below, from the city of Turin and towards the French border on the opposite side.

The building itself is gothic and majestic and you get there walking up the hill for a short while. The parking is at a certain distance (some 5/10 minutes walk) and very small so beware if you go by private car during a summer weekend. Parking is 2.50€ the first hour and 2€ any following hour.

Once you get to the building itself, the lanes get very steep so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Entrance is 8€, well worth the price.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeanne G
8 contributions
Medieval Mirage
Mar 2022 • Couples
Visiting this 11th century abbey, constructed upon a mountain not far from Turin, was an experience I shall never forget. It rose like a medieval stone mirage and within the complex are marvelous ruins to explore.. I can honestly say it was one of the most fascinating, magnificent structures I have ever set eyes on. Additionally the entry price was surprisingly inexpensive. I highly recommend it.
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff G
Charlotte, NC83 contributions
Must-do if you’re visiting Torino!
Nov 2021 • Solo
I’m not a hiker but I loved this. The hike is a workout, but incredibly rewarding, both the hike and the opportunity to visit the Abbey. The Abbey itself is cool and the views are amazing. Try to make sure it’s a clear day. Easy 30 minute train ride from Torino Porta Nuova to Sant’Ambrogio stop. Quick walk through the village then begin hike behind the town church. Trail is well marked, but there is a transition where you come up to some homes maybe 2/3’s up where it isn’t completely obvious where to go. I’ve been to Torino a number of times and this is a must-do of you have the chance.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chef K
12 contributions
Amazing !!!!! A must see in the Torino area!
Aug 2022 • Couples
Amazing!! If you are there to experience Italia’s beautiful countryside and history then you MUST visit! If you can ad are physically fit enough do the day hike. Ride the train to Ambrogio from Torino (30 min. Ride) -and hike on up to the top! You will not be disappointed. Start with a full water bottle and there are 3 tasty mountain water fill ups along the way!
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DamCar65
92 contributions
breathtaking!
Sep 2019
When travelling France <> Italy, I often go via the Montgenèvre pass (on the Briançon/Turin road) and could see this monastery from the motorway. So for once, I made time to visit and was very moved. Absolutely wonderful. But as many have said – be prepared to walk, even if you come by car! Monastery founded in the late 900’s (so, over 1,000 years ago!) and was for many years under the Benedictine rule (currently with the Rosminians). Most of the monastery is in ruins (except the chapel), but you can still get a sense of the grandeur of the place. It is one of seven monasteries dedicated to St Michael linking Skellig Michael (Ireland) to Jerusalem. Saint Michael’s Mount (Cornwall, UK) and Mont Saint Michel (Normandy, France) are also part of the series. Take time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views. Surprisingly the gift shop and the café are not overpriced. Certainly will visit again and perhaps will make it a day-trip, walking from the valley floor.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muliwe
Moscow, Russia359 contributions
You shold visit it
Jan 2020
Very ancient abbey in the center of Val di Susa is vicible from the freeway so you can't miss it. Nice place to visit in the middle of a vacation but be ready to walk along from the parking, it's very distant and placed more lower than the ground level of the abbey. Has a wonderfull view down to the valley, and just before the sunset it's perfect for selfies. Gift shop on the exit has a cheap prices so don't miss it.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Giulia O
Rio de Janeiro, RJ23 contributions
Beautiful Day Trip!
Sep 2020 • Family
Beautiful church highly elevated. You need to have a minimum level of fitness as there is a part where you must walk about 10 minutes as well as lots of stairs. Beautiful, historical church, highly recommended a visit !
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JustSomeoneWhoTravels
London, UK6 contributions
Well worth a visit
Jul 2020 • Couples
If you’re in Piedmont for a few days, and you have a car, this is something to see.

The road leading there offers a great landscape and the complex built by monks is incredible, it really makes you wonder what a huge endeavour it must have been (you’ll understand once there, teaching the location and transport all the necessary materials was a arduous task).

We really liked the complex, greats views from there and enjoyable terracing outside to chill and maybe have a snack/ice cream while lying on the grass.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vrtw
Amsterdam, The Netherlands432 contributions
Day trip from Turin by train
Jul 2015 • Couples
This place is stunning and definitely worth the visit. This review is more for the visitors making (half)day train trip from Turin. You can get the train from Porto Nuevo station. They leave every 30mins and you can get your tickets from the machines. You get a ticket to Avigliana. The end station is Susa. The tickets cost €3,50 per way. When you get to the station at Avigliana after around 15mins a shuttle comes by. It cost €2 for a round trip and drops you at the parking lot. The pick up point is the same parking lot.
Written July 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deborah M
Kent, OH42 contributions
A must-see when in the Turin/Piemonte area
May 2012 • Solo
Basically this is a church set way up on a mountain just to give you the idea. It offers one of the most breathtaking views and experiences I've had in Italy and I've had a-plenty. Unfortunately the church itself was bombed or something so inside it's not thrilling but the whole place IS thrilling and well worth your effort to get here. You can go home and brag to all your friends about this experience that many tourists miss. You can get there by car or by foot, that's it. On Sundays I believe there is some kind of bus--ask in Turin at the Info point across from Porta Nuova-- otherwise if you don't want to hoof it you have to take a cab. If you are youngish like me (I'm 46 and plan to grow up any time now) I really do advise walking up the mountain. What you do is take a train to Sant'Ambrogio (on the Susa and Bardonecchia lines), get off, walk down the main street, buy yourself a sandwich and something to drink because believe me, you will get hungry and thirsty on the way up, then take a right and a quick left behind a little cute church which is also worth a 2 minute glance. The path up is not difficult I suppose by mountain-climbing standards. I mean it's just a zig-zag partially cobbled path, but it's a pain when wet or even damp because those darn cobblestones can get slick. So DO wear appropriate shoes, DO wear layers you can peel off when you start sweating. It took me an hour to do the whole thing even allowing for a brief sandwich and beer stop on a bench along the way but I wasn't really hanging out at the stations of the cross either. I am spiritual but not Catholic. I have to say that by the time I got to the top I was ready to get to the top. Luckily there is a cafe there so you can stop and have a coffee and use the bathroom (be civil, the Signora was pretty irritated with a group of students who hadn't seemed to try very hard to aim for the toilet). And I don't know if it's pc to say this but the Signora has a very dreamy 30-something son so if you're lucky he will make an appearance and you can stare and wish you didn't have mascara dripping down your cheeks and little bugs stuck to your forehead. Spend some time just hanging out in the ruins, then steel yourself for the stairs, I think they are called Angel Stairs or something and they are not for the faint of heart. If you suffer from vertigo I believe there is an elevator. I made an embarrassing spectacle of myself by basically crawling up the stairs clutching the handrail while a few little old ladies raced by me with pitying looks. I tried to pray in the church but everyone was making such a racket I gave it up. I mean it's part religious part touristy. Do go here if you get a chance.
Written January 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Sacra di San Michele (Sant'Ambrogio di Torino) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Sacra di San Michele
Sacra di San Michele is open:
  • Sun - Sun 10:45 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Mon - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Sacra di San Michele tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Sacra di San Michele tours on Tripadvisor