Piemonte without cars | Between Pian dell'Orso and Sacra di San Michele Stage 3: Sacra di San Michele-Sant'Ambrogio

The Sacra di San Michele is an ancient abbey built between 983 and 987 on the top of Mount Pirchiriano, in the heart of the Susa Valley, 40 km from Turin. It is one of the largest religious architectural complexes of the Romanesque era in Europe. Since 1836 the Rosminian Fathers have been its faithful custodians and in 1994 it was recognized as the symbolic monument of the Piedmont Region. Dedicated to the cult of the Archangel Michael, defender of the faith and the Christian people, the Sacra di San Michele is part of a pilgrimage route over 2000 km long that goes from Mont Saint Michel, in France, to Monte Sant’Angelo, in Puglia.

The history, the spiritual value and the landscape that surrounds it inspired the writer Umberto Eco for the best-seller “The Name of the Rose” and make the Sacra a popular destination for visitors from all over Europe.

https://sacradisanmichele.com/

The municipality of Sant'Ambrogio is closely linked to the Abbey and its position along the Via Francigena and in correspondence with a notable narrowing of the valley made it a strategic point, also marked by the historic battle of 773 AD between the army of Charlemagne and the Lombard army of King Desiderio. The historic center of the town features buildings and evidence of a clear medieval imprint and also the recent industrial past and linked to the development of the railway and the establishment of the historic Maglificio Bosio, have left valuable architecture.Worth mentioning is the Via Ferrata "Carlo Giorda" an alternative and adventurous way to reach the Sacra di San Michele and enjoy the view of the Alps of the Val di Susa.

https://ferratadellasacra.com/via-ferrata-sacra-di-san-michele/

Events include "Voci Antiche" on the last Saturday of June: a historical reenactment of the Battle of the Chiuse, and in September, "Meliga Day": a regional fair dedicated to the traditional local biscuit.