Sacra di San Michele

About the museum

The Sacra di San Michele stands on the summit of Monte Pirchiriano, at about 960 metres above sea level, at the entrance to the Susa Valley. The abbey was founded between the late 10th and the early 11th century by Hugh of Montboissier and dedicated to the Archangel Michael; the church was consecrated in 1255. Between the 12th and the 15th century the Benedictine monastery reached its period of greatest splendour, as a stage on the Via Francigena and a centre of spirituality, thanks to rich bequests and privileges.

After centuries of decline, the complex was almost abandoned for over two centuries. In 1836 King Charles Albert of Savoy decided to revive it by entrusting it to a religious congregation, the Rosminian Fathers (Padri Rosminiani), who still look after it today. On the night of 24 January 2018 a fire damaged the roof of the Monastero Vecchio, without involving the most important architectural parts, which were later restored.

The visit route includes the belvedere, the Scalone dei Morti, the Portale dello Zodiaco, the church with its paintings, the panoramic terrace and the ruins of the Monastero Nuovo; QR codes with in-depth videos are present. The atmosphere of the place inspired the setting of Umberto Eco’s novel “Il nome della rosa” (The Name of the Rose).

Highlights

• Scalone dei Morti
• Portale dello Zodiaco
• Church with its paintings
• Ruins of the Monastero Nuovo
• Panoramic terrace over the Susa Valley and Turin
• Special visit with the library and areas of the old monastery (first weekend of the month)

Permanent exhibition

• Percorso di visita dell'abbazia – Itinerary through the belvedere, the Scalone dei Morti, the Portale dello Zodiaco, the church with its paintings, the panoramic terrace and the ruins of the Monastero Nuovo.

Founded

901

Operated by

Padri Rosminiani

Admission & discounts

Free also for holders of the Abbonamento Musei or the Torino + Piemonte Card, for clergy and for those attending the Sunday Mass. Those arriving with the combined train-and-bus ticket are entitled to a 25% discount on admission. Tickets can be bought on site or online, without booking.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

People with mobility difficulties can drive as far as the foot of the Sacra (Sepolcro dei Monaci) and follow an alternative route with gently sloping pedestrian stretches and three lifts up to the church. The accessible areas are the church and the ruins of the Monastero Nuovo (about 50% of the visit route). The lifts operate only at set times and cannot be used with strollers or wheelchairs; for information call 011 939130. The special visit is not recommended for people with mobility difficulties.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

Educational activities are planned for schools. For young children, baby carriers and child backpacks are recommended, as the lifts cannot be used with strollers.

Getting there & parking

From Piazzale Croce Nera it is about 800 metres on foot to the ticket office. Motorway A32 Torino–Bardonecchia, Avigliana Centro exit, then signs for Giaveno and Sacra di San Michele. On the satnav search for “Abbazia Sacra di San Michele” or “Colle Croce Nera”. For vehicles wider than 2 metres, one-way traffic is always compulsory (uphill from Avigliana, downhill from Giaveno); for cars, only on Sundays and public holidays.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Bar and shop Convivium at the foot of the Sacra, with a panoramic terrace, gadgets and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit