Chiusa di San Michele
The Sacred Mount of San Michele: Piedmont's Treasure
If there is a place in Piedmont that is absolutely worth visiting once in a lifetime, that place is the Sacred Mount of San Michele. This architectural complex stands on the summit of Mount Pirchiriano, at the beginning of the Susa Valley, between the municipalities of Sant'Ambrogio di Torino and Chiusa di San Michele. With its 960 meters of altitude and its imposing base of 26 meters, the Sacred Mount dominates the border between the Cottian Alps and the Po Valley. It is one of the symbol monuments of Piedmont and one of the most important religious architectures of the Susa Valley. Belonging to the diocese of Susa, the Sacred Mount of San Michele was the first stop on Italian territory of the Via Francigena.
History of the Sacred Mount of San Michele
The complex of the Sacred Mount of San Michele lived its period of greatest historical splendor between the 12th and 15th centuries, becoming one of the main centers of spirituality of the Order of St. Benedict in Italy. In the 19th century, the congregation of the Institute of Charity was established here, while in 2015, the site was one of the winners of the Wiki Loves Monuments worldwide photography competition. In 2016, the museum of the monumental abbey complex was visited by over 100,000 people.
The Sacred Mount of San Michele suffered a fire in the night of January 24, 2018. The fire caused extensive damage to the Old Monastery of the Sacred Mount, but did not damage the architecturally most relevant part, which now requires significant restoration.
Origins
The Sacred Mount of San Michele has Roman origins, as shown by the presence of a military watchtower on the Cozia road to Gaul. A plaque in memory of Surio Clemente of the 1st century remains of the Roman families that lived here.
The chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael was presumably built in the sixth century in the Susa Valley, where the cult of Michael began to spread widely. Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa later transmitted the cult of Archangel Michael to his nephew Frederick II von Hohenstaufen, who further extended it throughout the kingdom and the empire.
The construction of the actual complex of the Sacred Mount of San Michele is traced back to the period between 983-987, although some identify it between 999 and 1002. The most reliable sources report that the construction was carried out during the time of Saint John Vincent, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ravenna-Cervia, who retired to a hermit’s life around these areas, towards the end of the 10th and beginning of the 11th century. It is said that the former archbishop had a vision of the Archangel Michael, who ordered him to build a sanctuary.
The Historical and Artistic Treasure of the Sacred Mount of San Michele
The Exterior of the Sacred Mount
The Sacred Mount of San Michele presents a magnificent exterior, characterized by its Romanesque-Gothic style facade. The bell tower, 75 meters tall, was built in the 18th century and is a true masterpiece that dominates the valley. The fountain in the square of the Sacred Mount, built in the 18th century, is very suggestive.
The Interior of the Sacred Mount
The interior of the Sacred Mount of San Michele consists of a basilica hall with three naves, approximately 85 meters long. Through a large staircase, one enters the crypt, where the central altar is located. This part of the Sacred Mount is of great artistic and historical interest. Here, it is possible to admire the arrangement of the graves of the abbots, the chapel of Saint Ambrose, the Chapel of the Holy Martyrs, the knights' tombs, and the imposing central pillar called "the Pillar of Life," adorned with a series of symbolic animals and flowers.
The Museum of the Sacred Mount
The Sacred Mount of San Michele also houses an important museum, where it is possible to admire a rich heritage of works of art. Among the most important works are the wooden crucifix of St. Dionysius and the reliquary of St. Andrew. The museum also collects important carriages, furniture, ancient books, and precious fabrics.
How to Reach the Sacred Mount of San Michele
The Sacred Mount of San Michele is reachable by car, train, or on foot, thanks to a path that starts from Chiusa di San Michele. The Torino-Bardonecchia railway station is about 1.5 km away from the Sacred Mount and represents the arrival and departure point of the famous rack railway that allows reaching the top of Mount Pirchiriano.
To reach the Sacred Mount by car, simply take the Torino-Bardonecchia highway and exit at the Avigliana Ovest exit. From here, take the Provincial Road 25 to Sant'Ambrogio di Torino, where the entrance to the path that leads to the Sacred Mount is located. To visit the structure, it is possible to purchase tickets directly on site or book them in advance online.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most suggestive places in Piedmont!
