Sacra di San Michele

A dramatic medieval abbey perched on a rocky spur of Monte Pirchiriano, looming over the Susa Valley. Believed to have inspired Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, it is one of Piedmont's most iconic landmarks.

Things to do

• Climb the Stairway of the Dead — The abbey's famous internal staircase is lined with carved skeletal reliefs dating to the 11th century.
• Attend Sunday Mass — Benedictine monks celebrate Mass in the main church; the experience of medieval chant in this setting is unforgettable.
• Hike up from Sant'Ambrogio — A well-marked trail from Sant'Ambrogio village rises steeply through forest for dramatic views on arrival.
• Explore the Zodiac Portal — The carved Romanesque portal depicting the zodiac and mythological figures is a masterpiece of medieval stonework.
• Panoramic Valley Views — From the abbey terrace you can see Turin, the Po Plain and the Alps on a clear day.

Food to try

• Toma Piemontese cheese — A soft, semi-aged cow's milk cheese produced in the Alpine valleys below the abbey.
• Polenta concia — Rich polenta stirred with Fontina and butter, a hearty mountain staple of the Susa Valley.
• Bagna cauda — A warm dipping sauce of garlic and anchovies served with raw vegetables, the great Piedmontese communal dish.
• Chestnut bread — Local bakers in the valley use chestnut flour to make dense, slightly sweet loaves traditional to mountain Piedmont.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code Required — The abbey is an active religious site; shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the church.
• Silence in the Church — Monks request respectful silence inside the abbey; keep voices low and phones on silent.
• Arrive Early — Parking is limited at the base; arriving before 10am avoids crowds and long waits on the trail.