Province TO
Susa, TO
A town of Roman origin at the foot of the Alps in the Val di Susa, on the route between Italy and France over the Moncenisio and Monginevro passes. It was the capital of the kingdom of the Cottii and keeps an unusual density of Roman structures for its size, alongside a medieval core built around the origins of the Savoy family.
Sights
- The Arco di Augusto, a marble triumphal arch of 9 to 8 BC raised by Cottius, on the old acropolis
- Porta Savoia, a 4th-century Roman gate among the best preserved of its type in Piedmont, now attached to the cathedral
- The Roman amphitheatre outside the walls, rediscovered in the 1960s
- Cattedrale di San Giusto, founded as a Benedictine abbey in the early 11th century, with the diocesan museum holding its treasury
- Castello della Contessa Adelaide, over the Roman praetorium, associated with Adelaide of Susa, whose marriage founded the Savoy line, and now the civic museum
- The Roman aqueduct and the Terme Graziane of AD 375
Things to do
- Walk the Roman circuit of arch, gate, amphitheatre and aqueduct, which is compact and mostly free standing in the town
- Climb to the castle terrace for the valley view
- Eat mountain food: local cheeses, polenta and chestnuts
- Pick up the Via Francigena, which passes through the valley, for a half-day walk
Annual events
July
Torneo storico dei borghi di Susa
Three days of reenactment for Countess Adelaide, with six town districts competing at archery, a mounted joust and tug of war, torchlit processions and a Palio on the Sunday, on the penultimate weekend of July.
August
Festival Internazionale del Folklore Castagna d'Oro
International folk dance groups performing in Piazza della Repubblica, past its 55th edition.
When to visit
July for the Torneo storico, or September to October for clear Alpine weather and chestnuts without the summer crowds.
