{"id":717,"slug":"basilica-di-superga-tramway","title":"Basilica di Superga Turin: Rack Tramway, Views & Royal Tombs","excerpt":" Basilica di Superga guide: historic rack tramway, tombs, and views.","content":"Crowning a hill east of the city, the Basilica di Superga is one of Turin's most breathtaking sights, a Baroque masterpiece with royal tombs, a climbable dome, and sweeping views to the Alps. Half the joy is getting there, and the historic Basilica di Superga tramway, a vintage cog railway, is the perfect way to arrive. Here is your guide to the ride, the church, and the practical details.\n \n## How do you get to the Basilica di Superga?\n>The classic way is the historic Sassi-Superga rack tramway, an 18-minute cog-railway climb from Sassi station, reached on tram line 15 from central Turin. The basilica is free to enter, with small fees for the dome climb and royal tombs. Allow around half a day, and go on a clear day for the views.\n \n## The Historic Rack Tramway\nOpened in 1884, the Basilica di Superga tramway is a genuine piece of living history, a rack-and-pinion railway hauling beautifully restored 1930s carriages up the forested hillside in about 18 minutes. It departs from Sassi station in the city's east, home to a little tramway museum and café, and you reach Sassi directly on tram line 15 from the centre without changing. The ride is slow and scenic by design, the city dropping away beneath your window on the upper stretch. It runs at weekends year-round and daily in summer, so always check the current timetable, as services are periodic and occasional maintenance closures put a replacement bus, line 79, in its place. Torino+Piemonte cardholders get a discounted fare, and it is one of the city's most charming [hidden gems](https://torinocitypass.tripnly.com/blog/hidden-gems-turin-local-secrets-unique-experiences/).\n \n## The Basilica, Royal Tombs, and Grande Torino\nThe basilica was designed by Filippo Juvarra and built between 1717 and 1731, fulfilling a vow made by Duke Victor Amadeus II during the 1706 Siege of Turin. Its soaring dome and elegant Baroque lines are magnificent, and you can climb the 131-step spiral staircase to the outer balcony for a panorama over Turin, its valleys, and the mountains. Downstairs lies the solemn Royal Crypt, resting place of the House of Savoy. At the rear is a poignant memorial to the 1949 Superga air disaster, when a plane crash killed the entire Grande Torino football team, still honoured here every May. It ranks among the most moving [things to do in Turin](https://torinocitypass.tripnly.com/blog/best-things-to-do-in-turin/).\n \n## Tickets, Hours, and Tips\nEntry to the main basilica is free. The panoramic dome costs around 4 euros and a guided visit to the Royal Tombs about 6 euros, though Torino+Piemonte cardholders enter these paid areas free. Hours for the dome and tombs vary by season, so confirm on the official website first. Give yourself roughly half a day for the whole excursion, including the tramway each way, and time it for clear weather, since the views are the highlight and fog spoils them. If the tram is not running, the replacement bus or a drive up the narrow Strada di Superga are alternatives, and the trip pairs well with a wider [Turin day-trip plan](https://torinocitypass.tripnly.com/blog/best-day-trips-from-turin/) or a relaxed [48 hours in Turin itinerary](https://torinocitypass.tripnly.com/blog/48-hours-in-turin-itinerary/).\n \n## People Also Ask About the Basilica di Superga\n### How much is the Superga tramway?\nThe historic Sassi-Superga rack tramway charges a standard fare bought at Sassi station or via the GTT app, with a discount for Torino+Piemonte cardholders. Prices change, so check the current fare before you travel.\n \n### Is the Basilica di Superga free?\nYes, the main basilica is free to enter. There are small separate fees of around 4 euros for the dome climb and about 6 euros for a guided visit to the Royal Tombs, both free with the Torino+Piemonte Card.\n \n### How long does the Superga tramway take?\nThe rack tramway takes about 18 minutes to climb from Sassi station up to Superga, running slowly through forested hillside. Combined with the basilica visit, the whole trip takes around half a day.\n \n### What is the Basilica di Superga famous for?\nIt is famous for its Juvarra-designed Baroque architecture, the House of Savoy royal tombs, panoramic views over Turin and the Alps, and as the memorial site of the 1949 Grande Torino air disaster.\n \n### When does the Superga tramway run?\nIt generally operates at weekends year-round and daily in summer, with hourly departures. Schedules vary seasonally and maintenance closures happen, so always check the current timetable before setting out.\n \n## A Hilltop Worth the Climb\nFor history, architecture, and one of the finest views in Piedmont, the Basilica di Superga tramway trip is unforgettable. Ride the vintage cog railway up from Sassi, climb the dome, pay your respects at the royal tombs and Grande Torino memorial, and pick a clear day so Turin and the Alps lie shining at your feet.","author":"Yağmur Dudu","authorInfo":{"name":"Yağmur Dudu","bio":"Tripnly Global Ambassador · Travel Writer","avatarUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/Yagmur_Dudu_rounded_b0517b520f.png","role":"","socials":{"twitter":"","x":"","instagram":"https://www.instagram.com/yagmurdudu/","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/ya%C4%9Fmurdudu/"}},"date":"2026-08-23T09:35:30.407Z","category":"Local Guides","imageUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/Strapi_Article_Cover_Photo_88_b0311e3b13.png","imageCaption":"","readTime":6,"views":0,"isPopular":false}