Sacra di San Michele

The Sacra di San Michele sits on Monte Pirchiriano (about 960 m) on the south side of the Susa Valley, west of Turin. The abbey was founded in the late 10th century, and building in the Romanesque and later Gothic styles continued into the 13th century. It lay on the Via Francigena, and Anselm of Canterbury visited in 1098. Today it is looked after by the Rosminians, and the region has declared it by law the symbolic monument of Piedmont. It is also said to have inspired Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose.

Its best-known feature is the Scalone dei Morti, the Stairway of the Dead, with 243 steps, niches and former burial places. It leads to the Porta dello Zodiaco, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture from 1128–30 showing the signs of the zodiac, made by Master Nicolao. From the Croce Nera car park it is about 800 m (roughly 15 minutes) on foot uphill, so wear sturdy shoes. For current opening times and access rules, it is best to check with the abbey in advance.