Susa

Susa​

Latest page update: 26 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
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.

What People Ask About Susa

What is Susa known for?
Susa is known for its Roman ruins and mountain setting in the Susa Valley near the French border. It features historic landmarks such as the Arch of Augustus, the Roman amphitheatre, and medieval city walls.
Is Susa worth visiting?
Yes, Susa is worth visiting for its blend of Roman, medieval, and Alpine influences. It’s ideal for those interested in archaeology, local history, and scenic walks with views of the surrounding mountains.
What can you see in Susa?
Highlights include the Arch of Augustus, Porta Savoia, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Diocesan Museum in the Cathedral of San Giusto. The town also has Roman aqueduct ruins and scenic hiking trails nearby.
How do I get to Susa?
Susa has its own train station with regional services from Turin, taking just over an hour. It's also accessible by car via the A32 motorway, which runs through the Susa Valley towards the French border.
What is the Arch of Augustus in Susa?
The Arch of Augustus is a Roman monument built in 8 BC to commemorate the alliance between Emperor Augustus and the local ruler Cottius. It’s one of the town’s best-preserved Roman landmarks and a symbol of its ancient past.
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Overview

Overview
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. ​

Things to Do

Things to Do
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. 
Tours & Activities
Comune di Susa
Province: Metropolitan City of Turin

Region: Piedmont

Population: 5,905​ (in 2024 - source)

​​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

Where to Stay

Where to Stay
  • Hotel Napoleon Located in the heart of Susa, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving traditional Piedmontese cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the central location, friendly service, and proximity to Susa's historical sites, including the Roman Arch and the Forte di Fenestrelle. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Lira Situated just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to Susa’s main attractions and surrounding nature. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Miramonti Set in a tranquil location near Susa, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with scenic views of the surrounding mountains, a wellness area, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Guests enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, good value for money, and the short drive to Susa’s attractions and nearby hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo La Ghibellina Located a short drive from Susa, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with panoramic views, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests enjoy the rural setting, the authentic Piedmontese experience, and the short drive to Susa's historic landmarks and natural reserves. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Il Fienile Situated in a peaceful area near Susa, this charming bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with scenic mountain views, a beautiful garden, and a homemade breakfast. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality, quiet environment, and the easy access to Susa’s historical sites and the surrounding outdoor activities. €€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat
  • Ristorante La Locanda del Mulino: Located near the historic centre of Susa, La Locanda del Mulino offers a refined dining experience focused on traditional Piemontese cuisine. Known for its rich pastas like agnolotti, risotto with saffron, and grilled meats, the restaurant combines local ingredients with a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. The attentive service and charming decor make it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante Al Ponte: Situated along the river in Susa, Ristorante Al Ponte offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on regional Italian and Piemontese dishes. The menu includes options such as risotto with mushrooms, homemade pasta, and braised meats. The peaceful setting and high-quality ingredients make it a great place for a special occasion or a quiet dinner. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria Il Giardino: A family-run trattoria just outside the town centre, Trattoria Il Giardino offers a friendly and casual atmosphere with a focus on traditional Piemontese dishes. The menu includes hearty options like roast meats, local cheeses, and homemade pastas, with a selection of wines from the region. The rustic charm and generous portions make it a great choice for a laid-back meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante La Trattoria del Castello: For a more upscale experience, La Trattoria del Castello offers refined Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The menu features dishes like risotto with truffle, grilled meats, and a variety of seasonal vegetables. The elegant interior, combined with exceptional service, makes it an excellent spot for a memorable dining experience. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Il Cantuccio: Known for its traditional Italian fare, Ristorante Il Cantuccio offers a cosy and intimate atmosphere with a menu that includes local Piemontese dishes such as agnolotti, roast lamb, and risotto. The warm service and rustic decor create a relaxed environment perfect for enjoying classic Italian flavours. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)

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Close  to  Susa

​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).​

​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.

​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. 
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont

1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. ​Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. ​Barolo

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont

Susa  Travel

By Rail: 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. 
​
By Road: Susa is approximately 50 km from Turin, and the drive takes around 1 hour via the A32 motorway. The town is also about 60 km from Cesana Torinese, and the drive takes about 1 hour. There are several car parks near the town centre, though parking can be limited during peak tourist seasons.

Nearest International Airports: The nearest international airport to Susa is Turin Airport (Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle), located about 80 km away. The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Susa, or alternatively, you can take a train to Turin and then transfer to a regional train to Susa.

Another alternative is Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano Malpensa), about 180 km away. The drive takes roughly 2 hours. From Milan, you can take a train to Turin and then transfer to a local train to Susa.

Additional Transport Options: There are also local buses that connect Susa to nearby towns such as Cesana Torinese, Oulx, and Turin, offering a convenient and affordable way to travel in the region.

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