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Itinerary 1 - Sacra di San Michele and Abbey of Novalesa

Last update: July 11, 2024, 11:42 a.m.

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An itinerary through the Susa Valley from Sacra di San Michele to the abbey of Novalesa.

The Sacra, founded, according to tradition, on pre-existing late-ancient buildings, between 983 and 987, towers with the majesty of its millenary structure on Mount Pirchiriano, at the entrance of the Susa Valley. From here, ascending the Valley, crossing the city of Susa, you take the Cenischia Valley, witness to the ancient medieval routes towards France of pilgrims, merchants, popes, and emperors, and you climb the road that leads to the Moncenisio pass.

On a grassy slope nestled against the mountain, near the picturesque village of Novalesa, stands the complex of the Benedictine abbey of SS. Pietro and Andrea; founded in 726, it is one of the oldest abbeys in the western alpine arc and hosted Emperor Charlemagne on several occasions, who endowed it with enormous riches, making it one of the most prestigious centers for the spread of Carolingian culture.