Sacra di San Michele Day Trip from Turin - Book online at Civitatis.com

Name: Sacra di San Michele Day Trip
Brand: Civitatis
Price: 50.45 USD
Rating: 9.2 (34 reviews)

well-organized tour, punctual departure, very skilled driver, especially on the curves. Our guide, Ileana, was truly kno...

Michela

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!

Details

Duration

5 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Italian.

Included

Transport by bus
English–speaking guide
Admission to the Sacra di San Michele

When to book

You can book up to 1 day in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

Royal Palace of Turin Tour

Free cancellation

Turin Bike Tour

Free cancellation

Turin and Piedmont Card

Free cancellation

Meeting point

Piazza Solferino

Reviews of our customers

9.2

Exceptional 265 Travelers·34 reviews

April 26, 2026
Michela
Policoro, Italy
well-organized tour, punctual departure, very skilled driver, especially on the curves. Our guide, Ileana, was truly knowledgeable and professional. E...
As a couple
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September 13, 2026
Anónimo
Valencia, Spain
Very punctual, a very friendly guide, knowledgeable about the excursion, with good explanations. The place is very beautiful, highly recommended to vi...
As a couple
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July 13, 2026
Joaquim
Figueres, Spain
Everything was perfect. Punctual departure and the guide was very professional.
Traveling solo
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July 12, 2026
Giuseppe La Mendola
Agrigento, Italy
Positive experience, I would like to book another excursion soon
As a couple
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April 5, 2026
Liliana Pazo
Capital Federal, Argentina
Excellent handling of narrative and time
With friends
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March 29, 2026
Urso Josué Ezquerra Sanz
Zaragoza, Spain
La Sacra is a truly special place. Excellent tour and guide.
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March 17, 2026
Anónimo
Madrid, Spain
Snowy! A real beauty.
As a couple
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February 23, 2026
Maria Carmen
Alicante, Spain
The guided tour was very interesting. The driver was very good, as it's difficult to get to the Sacra, and the guide was very friendly and knowledgeab...
As a couple
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October 13, 2025
Luisa
Reggio Emilia, Italy
Good morning, I'm writing this review on my first experience with you and I was very happy with it. The bus service was perfect, the guide was excelle...
Traveling solo
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April 27, 2025
Inés Eugenia
Murcia, Spain
A wonderful experience in a place straight out of a fairy tale or a gothic novel. The location is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, sur...
With friends
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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.

Types of activities in Turin

Guided tours and free tours

Other activities in Turin

Royal Palace of Turin Tour Turin Bike Tour Turin and Piedmont Card Underground Turin Tour Turin + Piedmont Royal Pass Casa Martini Tour + Tasting Juventus Museum Tickets Turin Sightseeing Bus Turin Museo Egizio Tour National Automobile Museum + Turin's Sightseeing Bus

A Historical Icon of Piedmonte

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

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

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.

Sacra di San Michele Day Trip