On this day trip to the Sacra di San Michele from Turin, we'll take you to visit all the spots that inspired Umberto Eco's famous novel The Name of the Rose. Get ready to see unbeatable views of the valley and the Alps!
A Historical Icon of Piedmonte
In the Susa Valley, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Turin, lies a Benedictine abbey that charms everyone who visits it. The history of its construction is surrounded by an air of mystery, as no one really knows when it began, but it is without a doubt one of the oldest temples dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, dating back to the period between AD 983 and 987.
Inhabited by Benedictine monks for almost 600 years, and after 2 years of abandonment, the abbey is now entrusted to the Rosminian Fathers. With the help of various organisations, they organise cultural and religious initiatives with the aim of enhancing the value of this magnificent monument.
As a result of this sacred spot's historical and artistic importance, in 1994, the Sacra di San Michele was declared a Symbolic Monument of Piedmonte, making it a must-visit in the Susa Valley.
What to See in the Sacra di San Michele?
- Entrance and Statue of Saint Michael: the entrance, located on the main facade, is without a doubt the most magnificent aspect of the site. Here, you'll find the impressive state of Saint Michael, 5.5 metres (18 feet) tall. At his feet are the devil's wings, that fell off from the blow inflicted by the Saint, causing his descent into the underworld.
- Scalone dei Morti: this steep staircase is made up of 243 steps, built around the 12th century. Its name comes from the fact that in the central niche of the atrium, some of the monastery's distinguished figures were buried.
- The Portal of the Zodiac: at the top of the staircase lies this highly dramatic Romanesque work, which evokes the signs and constellations of the zodiac, represented from left to right. It is the oldest Romanesque cycle built around the zodiac and the constellations.
- The Church: this Romanesque-Gothic church, made of red bricks and stones, is particularly famous for the paintings and frescoes it houses inside, like the Great Fresco of the Assumption, dating back to 1505, or the Fresco of the Legend, from the end of 1600.
- The Bell'Alda Tower: this 12th-century tower is linked to the legend of a young girl who threw herself from the highest point to escape a group of soldiers. It is said that she was saved by 2 angels who stopped her fall.
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 (the work of giants who were very familiar with both the earth and the sky)."
These are the words of the character Adso of Melk when he sees the abbey for the first time. Umberto Eco himself, in a letter to the rector, spoke of his intention to film the movie adaptation with Sean Connery and Christian Slater within the walls of the Sacra, but this was not possible due to the monastery's location and conditions.
It is clear, therefore, that a strong link exists between the writer and the abbey. He probably visited during his university years in Turin and provided the inspiration for his biggest work.
Day Trip Details
At the designated time, we'll leave Turin behind by bus and head to the Sacra di San Michele, one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Here, we'll begin a guided tour, which will take place over the course of approximately 2 hours.
We'll venture inside along the Scalone dei Morti. As we climb up, we'll admire the 18-metre-tall (59-foot) pillar located beside the staircase, which supports both the church's floor and the Bell'Alda tower, which we'll visit.
Once we reach the top, our efforts will pay off with the views of the marble Portal of the Zodiac. Here, we'll tell you all about the gate's history and characteristics, observing its details close-up. Can you see the cherubs pulling each other's hair? Additionally, from this spot, we'll have impressive scenic views of the Alps and Vía Francigena.
Lastly, after the tour, the bus will be waiting for us to return to our meeting point in Turin, where we'll arrive after a total of 5 hours.
