Susa
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The historic town of Susa is situated within the Metropolitan City of Turin province and has a population of around 6,000 residents.
Standing at an elevation of 503 metres above sea level, it's located a distance of 57 kilometres west of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont. Lying on the River Dora Riparia, Susa's highlights include the Porta Savoia, Susa Cathedral and the Arch of Augustus. |
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Ancient trading post
In the first century BC Susa was an important trading post in the region of Gaul before ceding control to the empirical Romans. This transfer of power is marked by one of the town's leading monuments: the Arch of Augustus which was inaugurated by the emperor himself.
The monumental archway lies to the west of the city centre, just outside the city walls and next to an archaeological area of Roman artefacts. You can perform the not so notable task of breaching the city walls via the Porta Savoia. The iconic structure with its circular turrets leads into Piazza San Giusto which in turn provides the entrance to Susa Cathedral. This is one of the prettiest areas of the town and the 11th century Cattedrale di San Giusto merits its own exploration.
The monumental archway lies to the west of the city centre, just outside the city walls and next to an archaeological area of Roman artefacts. You can perform the not so notable task of breaching the city walls via the Porta Savoia. The iconic structure with its circular turrets leads into Piazza San Giusto which in turn provides the entrance to Susa Cathedral. This is one of the prettiest areas of the town and the 11th century Cattedrale di San Giusto merits its own exploration.
Exploring the historic centre
Heading east of Piazza San Giusto along Via Francesco Rolando shortly brings you to the bustling town centre where the views of Piazza IV Novembre are given extra lustre by the sight of the church museum (Museo Diocesano) on the opposite bank of the river. The museum apart, the sense of historic splendour gradually thins out north of the river with further monuments back on the southern side including the Castello Contessa Adelaide and another bell tower: the Campanile Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore.
The area around Susa is colloquially-known as the Via Lattea - the Milky Way. This terminology relates to two valley regions: the Valle di Chisone and the Val di Susa. The town of Susa is directly to the west of Turin, no more than a 50 minute dart along the A32 motorway (called the E70 on Google Maps).
The area around Susa is colloquially-known as the Via Lattea - the Milky Way. This terminology relates to two valley regions: the Valle di Chisone and the Val di Susa. The town of Susa is directly to the west of Turin, no more than a 50 minute dart along the A32 motorway (called the E70 on Google Maps).
Close to Susa
Directly to the south of the town is the Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, a mountainous parkland that for all the world looks as though it provides easy access to the pretty cluster of towns to the south around Usseaux. However, don't be fooled by the map overview as this is a really difficult road to drive along. The views at the top of the road are spectacular on a clear day but liable to fog which makes the onward descent quite hazardous.
That being the case, the points of interest directly to the east and west of Susa are the easiest to reach. Among those are the imposing Sacra di San Michele on the road to Turin, while heading in the opposite direction, west towards the French border are a umber of ski resorts including Bardonecchia and Sauze d'Oulx.
That being the case, the points of interest directly to the east and west of Susa are the easiest to reach. Among those are the imposing Sacra di San Michele on the road to Turin, while heading in the opposite direction, west towards the French border are a umber of ski resorts including Bardonecchia and Sauze d'Oulx.
Scenic mountain drive
If you have time for a scenic drive, you can follow the road round, south of Oulx towards the ski resort of Sestriere. This section of the road affords some spectacular mountain scenery including the smaller resort of Pragelato. You can continue east towards Pinerolo with a recommended stop at the mural town of Usseaux and the little village of Laux just off the opposite side of the road. Also worthy of some exploration along this route is the imposing mountain fortress: Forte di Fenestrelle.
The train service in operation from Susa is effective and worthwhile: it's a one hour and 8 minute journey from here to Turin Porta Nuova Station from where you can take faster trains to the major cities of Italy.
The train service in operation from Susa is effective and worthwhile: it's a one hour and 8 minute journey from here to Turin Porta Nuova Station from where you can take faster trains to the major cities of Italy.
Comune di Susa
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Province: Metropolitan City of Turin
Region: Piedmont Population: 5,940 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Total size: 11 km² Elevation: 503 metres Highlights: Porta Savoia, Arch of Augustus, Susa Cathedral Close by: Val di Susa, Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, Avigliana Recommended accommodation: Hotel Napoleon Susa |
