A day discovering the Sacra di San Michele, one hour and twenty minutes from the Langhe and twenty minutes from Turin!
I devote the summer months to broadening my horizons, and I am convinced that you do not need to travel far from home to do so.
People always say that “locals” know their area best, but I would like to challenge that idea: is it really true? A local resident will certainly be able to recommend a good restaurant and perhaps offer useful advice on avoiding traffic, but can we be sure they have visited and explored all the unmissable places in their own area? I do not think so! Now that I am forty-something, I finally decided to visit the absolute wonder that is the Sacra di San Michele, in the province of Turin, at the entrance to the Susa Valley.
I can never thank my work enough, because it encourages—perhaps even forces—me to explore places before suggesting new destinations. Otherwise, I would have postponed far too many extraordinary visits.
About local guides
My work has also taught me that everything is better with a guide: it truly becomes a completely different experience. So I asked Valentina, a knowledgeable and friendly guide who lives at the foot of the Sacra, to show me around.
The day was spectacular, but the Sacra di San Michele is just as fascinating when it is shrouded in mist or covered in snow. I already want to return in winter, perhaps for Christmas Mass in the abbey. I can only imagine the incredible atmosphere up there.
There are many ways to reach the Sacra di San Michele, including on foot by following in the pilgrims’ footsteps. We chose to walk only the final stretch, yet even that gives a sense of the immense work and effort required to build the Sacra—and a glimpse of what pilgrims must have experienced, and still experience today, as they follow those shady paths in silence and prayer.
The Sacra di San Michele is majestic, and the view from there is spectacular: you can see almost all of Piedmont. It is impossible not to wonder how such an imposing masterpiece could have been built between 983 and 987 without the equipment available to us today.
The straight line connecting the abbeys dedicated to Saint Michael: a mystery?
Its history, art and architecture are magnificent and make us feel small. We learned that the Sacra di San Michele lies along an imaginary straight line stretching from Ireland to Jerusalem, passing through France, Italy and Greece, and connecting sanctuaries dedicated to Saint Michael.
Talking about the Sacra means talking about Julius Caesar, Italian history, the House of Savoy and relations with France: it is a true journey through history.
There is so much to learn about its foundation and history, including the period when it fell into decline and was neglected for two centuries. You can find this information in many places, but a guided tour is even better. Above all, I recommend visiting as soon as possible, whether you live in Piedmont or are just passing through. I know that we usually talk about the Langhe, wine and excellent food, but the Sacra is only twenty minutes from Turin and just over an hour from Alba. Do not miss it—and do not wait until you are forty-something, as I did!
Avigliana and its lakes as the perfect finale to the day
True to form, I decided to complete my SlowDay with another visit. After a perfect morning at the Sacra, what could be more relaxing than lunch by the water and a walk around Avigliana’s beautiful lakes, the Small Lake and the Great Lake? There are many lakeside venues that are ideal for an aperitif or a romantic dinner. Why not spend a few days in the area? I wholeheartedly recommend it. Let’s talk about it!
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