Churches | Turin churches |
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Basilica of SupergaAlong corso Casale, going north-east, you reach piazza Gustavo Modena, from where it departs the Superga rack tramway; in 1935 it substituted the previous funicular tramway; the basilica is also reachable through the city street which runs along the Natural Park of the Collina di Superga. On the top of the hill (669 metres), on the highest point of the Turinese hill, form its opposite large square you can enjoy a beautiful view.  Basilica of Superga Wanted by Vittorio Amedeo II due to a vow and dedicated to the nativity of Mary, the basilica was erected by Filippo Juvarra between 1717 and 1731, in a strategic position. The outside, with a deep pronaos, is characterised by the outstanding dome with a high tambour, with two symmetrical bell towers at its side, they are put on the wings on the annex convent. Inside there is a circular plan and two main chapels and four secondary chapels. On the right of the high altar you can arrive to the sacristy, and on the left to the Cappella delle Grazie or del Voto, with the statue of the Madonna. From the left entrance of the basilica, you can go down in the crypt where are placed the tombs of the kings, from Vittorio Amedeo to Carlo Alberto, and of the princes, buried there since 1731. A tunnel leads to the central chapel (1773-1778), decorate with marbles and stuccoes, where you can admire the statues of Faith, Charity, Hope and Genius of Art, works of art by Ignazio and Filippo Collino (1778) Outside, behind the church, a tombstone marks the point where an airplane with thirty-one people on board crashed, among them, all the Turin Football Club players. Information: |