Sacra di San Michele — Attraction in Chiusa di San Michele

Visited on a Friday from Turin. Thankfully the church was open, as indicated on the website. I took the train to S Ambrogio (from what I could tell, they run once an hour either way from/to Porto Nuovo), and it is about a two hour hike up via the mule trail to the church, and about 1h20m down (maybe faster or slower spending on your fitness and confidence levels!). The path is fairly clearly marked from the train station, I managed without a map. The path is stoney so good for grip but imagine quite slippery when wet/icy so advise only hiking in good weather. I managed to and down in normal trainers. There is a cafe/restaurant/shop/toilets outside the church, it was open on 15/03 but is probably seasonal with the church opening times.

The church itself is hugely impressive and the views are amazing. Well worth the hike. The village also has some interesting historical details signposted as you walk though (but it was very quiet with most things closed when I visited - I arrived about 10:30am and left on...

When travelling France Italy, I often go via the Montgenèvre pass (on the Briançon/Turin road) and could see this monastery from the motorway. So for once, I made time to visit and was very moved. Absolutely wonderful. But as many have said – be prepared to walk, even if you come by car! Monastery founded in the late 900’s (so, over 1,000 years ago!) and was for many years under the Benedictine rule (currently with the Rosminians). Most of the monastery is in ruins (except the chapel), but you can still get a sense of the grandeur of the place. It is one of seven monasteries dedicated to St Michael linking Skellig Michael (Ireland) to Jerusalem. Saint Michael’s Mount (Cornwall, UK) and Mont Saint Michel (Normandy, France) are also part of the series. Take time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views. Surprisingly the gift shop and the café are not overpriced. Certainly will visit again and perhaps will make it a day-trip, walking from the...

The scenic hike up to the Sacra di San Michele monastery makes for a rewarding excursion. An excellent choice for a day trip from Turin. Get the train from Turin Porta Nuova station to S. Ambrogio di Torino, just a 33-minute train journey.

The beautiful climb winds through charming countryside villages and lush alpine meadows, offering a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's beauty while getting some exercise. As you ascend the trail, the massive Romanesque complex gradually emerges, its thick stone walls and green-marble church standing in stark contrast against the rocky pyramidal summit. At the mountaintop perch, sweeping panoramic vistas of valleys and snowcapped peaks unfold. This isolated yet accessible setting, combined with the monastery's centuries-old spiritual significance, imbues the Sacra di San Michele with a captivating aura of mystique that...