Basilica of Superga

The Basilica of Superga it's a very turistic place which is in the surroundings of Torino City, in Italy. I recommend to go there because of the beauty of the architecture and the beauty of the nature that surrounds the place. Also, from the top of the Basilica of Superga you can see Torino and take great pictures (which is why you should go on a sunny day).

To get there, it's necessary to take a train from Sassi Station. And to get to the Station:

1. Take the metro to the station Porta Nuova.
2. Get out of the Station and take the bus 68 or 61. The bus stop is just near the exit of the Metro.
3. In 20 minutes approximately, get down at the Sassi stop. Ask the driver so you won't get lost.

When you get to the Station, you will definiteley be impressed. It's a vintage colorful small tranvia that takes you up to the Basilica of Superga. Even the people that works there are dressed up vintagely. It makes a very unique atmosphere. At least for me, who live in a city where there are no trains.

(Useful fact: The ticket costs 9€ and it includes both the travel to get there and to come back. Don't worry if you don´t find the train at the station because it arrives each half an hour).

The trip on the tran takes another half an hour and as you get higher you can start to see the forest and if you're lucky, some animals. It's an amazing view, everything is green red and brown. From there you can also see big beautiful houses and envy the people who live there.

When you arrive, you can find a coffee place where to eat if you get hungry. You have to walk a little upper to finally see the Basilica of Superga in it's glory. Just that view impressed me. I'm not very fond of churches but I really value art and this kind of construction have so much art that my eyes don't know where to look first.

At the inside, there are paintings, the main altar and also a small one inside where you can find some prayers in different languages, meditate, take pictures and admire sculptures masterfully made.

The entrance is free to see the inside of the church, but if you want to go to the top it cost 2€ (I strongly suggest you do, some of my friends didn't want to at first but ended up feeling happy with their decision). I can't honestly tell you how many floors there are to go up, just that I got tired since I'm not used to do much exercise.

When you are finally up, you can take a walk around to choose the best spot to take pictures and enjoy the amazing view of Torino and the nature around. For me, it was also a good place to sit and talk a while with my friends while eating a sandwich.

After you get out of the Basilica, you can take a walk around and find a place in the middle of the woods where are camping tables. There you can eat, have a talk, play a board game if you have one, or sleep in the grass if you're tired. As for me, I had lunch with my friends and then took a nap, after taking lots of pictures of course.

When you feel like walking again, you will find another interesting spot. Another reason why Superga is unfortunately known is because years ago a plane with a soccer team on it crashed near the woods that surround the church. There it was the complete team, the directors, and some journalists.

Now at that place there is a small altar, with pictures of the victims, presents from fans, flowers and lots of renditions like flags from other soccer teams, as a display of respect. There is also a message written by the mother of one of the deceased who was specially young.

At the time I passed by, there was a family that was related to one of the players. The parents were explaining what happened to their small kids, and eventhough they were only 3 or 4 years old they were serious.

After passing the altar, you can see there are paths that people can take to get into the forest or to ride a bike. Many people there were riding one or running. Seems to be a good place for jogging and doing exercise.

It may seem like a simple trip but I can tell you that at the end of it I was really tired. All the way back, I slept on the the tranvia. But as I said before, it was all worthy.