Via Francigena in Val di Susa

Susa's thousand-year history is traced through important vestiges such as the Arch of Augustus, the Roman arena, the city walls, the Savoy Gate, the archaeological excavations and the Castle, the residence of Countess Adelaide of Turin, wife of Odox of Savoy-Moriana. The Cathedral of St. Just and the imposing bell tower with its soaring octagonal spire are the result of an architectural complex stratified over time, from 1029 - the year the Benedictine abbey was founded - to the Gothic and neo-Gothic interventions between the 13th and 19th centuries: layered decorative campaigns are revealed on the exterior, such as The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem (15th cent, attributed to the Serras of Pinerolo) and the Medallions of Saints and Prophets; precious paintings, rich altars and the 14th-century wooden choir enrich the interior.

Having crossed the Colle del Moncenisio and left behind the lake, the hairpin bends of the Gran Scala and the Piana di San Nicolao, after the remains of the Fell railroad tunnel, at shelter 4 we take the centuries-old Strada Reale, mule track leading to the characteristic alpine village of Moncenisio. Known in the past as Ferrera, it developed thanks to its strategic role as an obligatory stop along the route.The ecomuseum trail and the parish church of San Giorgio allow visitors to learn more about its history in the service of the hill.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +135, -1071 m

Leaving the Roman and medieval remains of Susa behind, from the train station proceed in the direction of Urbiano, a hamlet of Mompantero: an ancient settlement as testified by the remains of a Roman aqueduct, it is known for the folkloristic January 31 rite known as Fora l'ours!, during which the imminent exit from winter is celebrated with the capture of the bear that has awakened from hibernation.

Continuing along the same route the path leads to Vaie, known for the typical production of canestrello, a fragrant cookie baked on special pincer irons. An interesting archaeological and nature trail leads to the Sanctuary of San Pancrazio (11th cent.) and ends at the Museum of Experimental Archaeology. 

Distance: 20 km

Elevation gain: +306 / -427 m

The imposing Sacra di San Michele (983-987 A.D. C), a symbolic monument of Piedmont, is one of Europe's most important Romanesque architectures, a center of monastic culture and a centuries-old destination of international pilgrimage: the Loggia dei Viretti, the Staircase of the Dead, the Portal of the Zodiac, thefresco of the Assumption of the Virgin, the sixteenth-century triptych panels by Defendente Ferrari, and the altarpieces by Antonio Maria Viani of Cremona are among the elements that distinguish the sacred building, the result of centuries of interventions and decorative campaigns that culminated in 1889 with Alfredo D'Andrade's great restoration. Past the Dynamite Factory the road leads to the historic center of Avigliana. The medieval heart of the town is Conte Rosso Square, characterized by the ancient well, terracotta and porticoed buildings and dominated from above by the Arduinic Castle (10th cent.): dowry of Comitissa Adelaide of Susa to the Savoy family, it became an outpost of the dynasty's ambitions on the Turin area and was finally dismantled by the French in 1690.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +561 / -597 m

The path continues in the direction of Rosta, passing the railway station and skirting it until the turn for Rivoli: built in Roman times along the Via ad Galliam from Turin to Monginevro, in the Middle Ages it became partly dependent on Rivoli and partly subject to the Preceptory of St. Anthony of Ranverso, until it acquired its own autonomy in the 17th century.

At the end of the route a short train ride will take you to Turin.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +50 / - 90 m

Crossing the Po at the Gran Madre di Dio, we walk along the right bank of the river, through Michelotti Park and the Meisino Nature Reserve, and continue to San Mauro Torinese, formerly known in Roman times as Pulchra Rada because of its favorable location on a navigable stretch of the Po. After passing the town in the direction of Chivasso and crossing the Bosco del Vaj, protected by the Parco Naturale della Collina Torinese, we arrive at the Church of San Genesio, rebuilt in Romanesque style from the chapel of the same name attested to 1156: the current layout is a remake from the early 20th century, but the central apse, the left apse and the splendid masonry bell tower with single, double and triple lancet windows decorated with hanging arches remain from the original factory.

A train will take you back to Turin, for the last night of your trip.

Distance: 29 km

Elevation gain: +50 / -106 m

Last day is included. Service ends after breakfast.

We work with 3* hotels, B&Bs and farmhouses that reflect our way of experiencing travel: they are comfortable and characterful structures, which we choose one by one, managed by passionate and welcoming people.

Unless otherwise specified in the travel listing, all provide private en-suite rooms with breakfast included.

Below you see some examples of the facilities used for this trip, but keep in mind that they may vary based on availability in the period. We could therefore book for you structures different from those you see listed here, but of the same category and carefully chosen according to SloWays criteria.