The Basilica of Superga: the Baroque symbol that dominates Turin
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The Basilica of Superga is one of the most famous churches in Turin and Piedmont. It stands on the hill that bears the same name, at about 670 metres above sea level, and from there much of the city can be seen. Every year many visitors make the climb to the basilica to admire the view and the Baroque architecture of the building.
The church was designed by the architect Filippo Juvarra and built between 1717 and 1731. According to tradition, King Victor Amadeus II made a vow after the victory over the French army during the siege of Turin in 1706. The façade is tall and monumental, with a large colonnade and a dome that has become one of the symbols of the city. Inside is also the royal crypt, where many members of the House of Savoy are buried.
The basilica is also linked to a dramatic moment in Italian sporting history. On 4 May 1949, a plane carrying the Torino football team crashed into the Superga hill. All the players on board died, along with other people, and the tragedy is still remembered with great feeling today. A memorial monument was built at the site of the crash, and every year ceremonies are held in memory of the victims.
Today the Basilica of Superga is a place of historical, religious and tourist interest. It can be reached by car, along a scenic road, or by the cremagliera, a rack railway that departs from Sassi and goes up to the hill. For those visiting Turin, the basilica offers an opportunity to learn about the history of the city and of Piedmont.
Sources: www.auroradesio.it
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