Susa in Val di Susa
Beautiful roman town and hidden gem in western Piedmont

The beautiful town of Susa is located in the heart of the Susa Valley, in western Piedmont! Perfectly situated below the impressive Rocciamelone mountain massif, both the historic center and the breathtaking alpine mountains surrounding it are well worth a visit.

As I am a real fan of this hidden gem town, each and every one of my guests in Piedmont has to visit Susa with me. Unfortunately, and incomprehensibly, it is often overlooked.

Here you will find all the information you need for your visit to Susa in the Susa Valley.

Susa Overview & History

The beautiful small town of Susa is nestled in the heart of the Susa Valley, within the Metropolitan City of Turin, located about 50 km to the west.

It is set strategically on the pass roads to Montgenèvre and Mont Cenis, on the transalpine routes between Italy and France. About 6200 inhabitants live here today at 500 m above sea level.

Susa is an ideal starting point for exploring the western arc of the Alps. It is a beautiful small town with all the comforts for those for whom Turin is too far from the beautiful mountains and who want to concentrate more on hiking and outdoor activities.

Susa was founded in the time of the Celts, in the 1st century BC, and expanded and flourished by the Romans.

Many of the Roman monuments that are still visible today, such as the amphitheater, the aqueduct, and the fortifications of the city, date back to the 3rd century AD.

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ancient stone ruins with large, arching structures in Susa, Piedmont. In the background, there is another smaller archway, and snow-capped mountains are visible under a clear blue sky. This historical site is surrounded by natural scenery including trees and rocky terrain. — Roman Monuments in Susa

At that time, the city was called Segusium and was the capital of the kingdom of the Cozii. A long decline began with Emperor Constantine I from around 320 AD until its rebirth with Adelheid of Susa.

In 1035, the daughter of the Margrave of Turin married Odone, son of Umberto of Savoy, in her third marriage, thus founding a dynasty that still exists today and provided the Italian kings until 1946.

Susa and Val di Susa have long been an obligatory transit route for Catholic pilgrims along the Via Francigena, and for merchants and soldiers traveling to the Holy Land.

As a transit point on the way to France, Susa still benefits today from its outstanding strategic location.

A scenic view of Parco di Augusto in the historical center of Susa, Piedmont. The park is lush with greenery, including tall trees and well-maintained lawns. In the background, historic towers and buildings are visible against a backdrop of mountains under a clear blue sky. A statue is also visible within the park, adding to its historical charm. — Parco di Augusto in the historical center of Susa

Things to see in Susa

The historical center of Susa is home to many Roman and medieval monuments. The charming center of the city and the many historical treasures will surprise you, because the place does not necessarily suggest it at first glance.

Here is a short list of some of the most important sights in Susa:

Arch of Augustus / Arco di Augusto

The Arch of Augustus in Susa is one of the four arches in Italy dedicated to the first Roman Emperor, Caesar Octavian Augustus. The other three arches are located in Aosta, Rimini, and Fano.

The Arch of Augustus in Susa, dating from the 8th century, is mainly made of white marble and is the best-preserved monument of its kind in northern Italy.

It has a height of 13.30 meters, a width of 11.93 meters, and a depth of 7.30 meters.

Interesting fact: the axis of the arch was aligned with the peak of Rocciamelone, which is about 3,500 meters high.

In the Roman Empire, it overlooked the “Via Cottia,” an important road that connected the modern city of Turin with the modern city of Gap in France.

Augustus Arch in Susa, Piedmont, showcasing its grand, ancient stone structure with intricate carvings at the top. The arch frames a view of the historical ruins and snow-capped mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky. The road beneath the arch adds to the sense of historical continuity and grandeur. — Augustus Arc in Susa

Roman Amphitheater / Anfiteatro Romano

The impressive arena of the Roman amphitheater dates back to the 2nd century AD. The smallest amphitheater of Roman times in Italy measures just 45 by 47 meters.

It was later used as a quarry for the Chiesa di San Francesco church. Gladiator fights and hunting scenes called “Venationes” are only two of the events which took place here.

Over the centuries, the floods of the Merdarello stream, which flowed nearby, slowly buried the arena under six meters of earth. It was only between 1956 and 1961 that the amphitheater was rediscovered and restored to its former glory.

This wonderfully preserved amphitheater can be visited free of charge!

Roman Amphitheater in Susa, Piedmont, showing the ancient stone seating and open central area. The amphitheater is surrounded by lush greenery, including tall trees, under a partly cloudy sky. The historical structure contrasts with the natural landscape, highlighting its historical significance and enduring presence. — Roman Amphitheater in Susa

Castello della Contessa Adelaide / Castle of Countess Adelaide

The present castle was probably built on the Celtic ruins of the governor’s palace. The building underwent many alterations during its long history before it became the home of Adelaide of Susa.

She and her descendants, the Savoy dynasty, lived in the castle for centuries to come. Following a Napoleonic decree, the castle was gradually abandoned in 1806 and entrusted to the municipality.

Important guests of the castle over the centuries included St. Francis of Assisi, Louis XIII, and Cardinal Richelieu.

After 15 years of renovation work, Countess Adelaide’s castle has been home to the modern civic museum since 2017. It provides information about the crucial role of the Alpine passes for the Susa Valley in the thousand years of Savoy’s history.

Opening Times:
July – September: Friday – Sunday from 10am – 6pm (closed for Lunch Break between 1pm – 2pm)

Price:
Adults: € 8.00 per Person / Reduced w/ Torino & Piedmont Card: € 4.00
There is a guided tour of the castle in Italian language every Sunday at 4.00 pm.

Castle of Countess Adelaide in Susa, Piedmont. The castle features a light-colored facade with numerous windows and a small balcony. In the foreground, there is a display panel with architectural diagrams of the castle. The building is set against a backdrop of green hills and mountains under a clear, blue sky. — Castle of Countess Adelaide

Gate of Paradise / Porta Savoia & Cathedral of San Giusto

Porta Savoia is located on the west side of the former city wall around the center of Susa. The two imposing cylindrical towers date back to the 3rd – 4th century BC.

Originally, the two towers were probably even higher and allowed defense on all sides through the windows.

The cathedral of San Giusto was built directly next to Porta Savoia in the 10th century.

Porta Savoia and the Cathedral of San Giusto in Susa, Piedmont. The image features the historic Porta Savoia, an old stone gate with numerous archways and windows, and the adjacent Cathedral of San Giusto with its tall spires. The scene is set against a backdrop of mountains under a clear blue sky, with a mix of modern and ancient buildings surrounding the area. — Porta Savoia and the Cathedrale of San Giusto

Church of Santa Maria del Ponte / Chiesa della Madonna del ponte

The 13th-century church of the Madonna del Ponte takes its name from a precious wooden statue of the Madonna.

The small artifact, probably dating back to the 12th century and made of limestone wood, comes from the Pyrenees and can now be seen in the diocesan museum. This has been attached directly to the church since 2000.

The Diocesan Museum of Alpine Religious Art of Susa houses the treasury of the Cathedral of San Giusto and the most valuable works of art of the diocese of Susa.

Opening Times:
July – September: Tuesday – Sunday from 9.30am – 12pm & 3.30pm – 7pm (in August open as well on Mondays)
October – June: Saturday & Sunday: 2.30pm – 6pm

Price:
Adult: € 5.00 per Person / Free of charge with the Torino & Piemonte Card

Chiesa della Madonna del Ponte and the Diocesan Museum in the historic center of Susa, Piedmont. The church features a tall, elegant bell tower and a white facade with arched windows and a small dome. Adjacent buildings and a backdrop of mountains are visible under a sky with streaks of clouds, highlighting the serene and picturesque setting. — Chiesa della Madonna del ponte and Diocesan Museum in the historic center of Susa

Other sights in the city of Susa include

Roman aqueduct / Acquedotto romano (4th century)
Church and monastery of San Francesco / Chiesa di San Francesco (13th century)
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore / Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore (10th century)

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City walk through Susa

Susa is an excellent place to explore on foot during a beautiful city walk. The sights and highlights of the town are close together, so you should allow around 1.5 hours. This time does not include any museums, which are also worth a visit.

The starting point is Piazza della Repubblica, where you can stop by the tourist information office. There is a free folding map of the city, which I personally really liked with its 3D design!

Insider tip: If you are hungry or just have an appetite for focaccia, you should make a stop at the “Panificio Caffetteria Marzo” in the pedestrian zone (⇨ Location). Super tasty focaccia with various toppings!

Palazzo Municipale in Susa, Piedmont, showing the elegant municipal building with its classical columns and balcony, adorned with flags. The street is lined with charming buildings, leading to a picturesque view of snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky. — Palazzo Municipale in Susa

a quaint street in the historic center of Susa, Piedmont. The narrow alleyway is lined with colorful buildings featuring balconies and rustic shop displays. The scene captures the charm of the old town with a backdrop of clear skies and vibrant architecture. — Susa Oldtown

Through the pedestrian zone in Via Roma, we first pass the Chiesa della Madonna del Ponte. We cross the bridge to the other side of the River Dora and walk through the small alleyways to Porta Savoia and Susa Cathedral.

Through the Parco d’Augusto, we walk through the impressive Arch of Augustus and the Roman aqueduct. At the foot of the steps, a walkway (footpath bordered by stone walls) leads past the Chiesa della Grazie and the well-preserved Roman amphitheater.

Via Piazza San Francesco and the church and monastery complex there, we return to Piazza Novembre, where the bridge takes us back over the Dora, and we return to the parking lot via the pedestrian zone.

⇨ Click here for the details of the tour, recorded with Komoot

the Roman Aqueduct in the town of Susa, Piedmont. The image showcases the ancient stone structure with its impressive arches, surrounded by remnants of old walls and greenery. Steps lead up to the aqueduct, with a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy sky, highlighting the historical significance and natural beauty of the site. — Roman aqueduct in Susa, Italy

Susa Outdoor Activities

Besides hiking, Susa is a great base for other outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking, skiing in nearby resorts during the winter, and rock climbing for the more adventurous.

The surrounding natural beauty provides ample opportunities for nature photography and bird watching as well.

A panoramic view of Susa in the Susa Valley, Piedmont, showing the town nestled among rugged mountains. The scene includes historic buildings, ancient ruins, and residential areas, with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains under a partly cloudy sky. — Susa from above

How to get to Susa and where to park

Arriving by car
It takes just under an hour to drive the 55 km from the Piedmont capital via the A32 toll highway, making Susa an excellent day trip from Turin.

My Tip: When driving through the entire Susa Valley, whether on the toll road or the free country road, you will pass the impressive Sacra di San Michele, which is enthroned on a rock on the left side of the valley.

If you would like to take the city tour described above, including the Via Roma shopping street, you should use the free parking lot in Piazza della Repubblica. This is just off the main street, and the tourist information office is also located in this square (⇨ Location).

You will find an alternative free parking lot in Piazza Savoia which I recommend when there is the local market in Piazza della Repubblica on Tuesday mornings (⇨ Location).

My Tip: Susa and Susa Valley by train
If you are not planning a Piedmont road trip, you can reach Susa by train, thanks to the international railway line Turin – Bardonecchia – Modane. The journey takes about an hour, just like by car. However, the price is unbeatable: the regular fixed price for this route is only € 6.30 per person!