Sassi–Superga Tramway & Basilica di Superga Guide

Ride the historic Sassi–Superga rack tramway to the Basilica di Superga above Turin, with discounted fares for Torino+Piemonte Card holders.

7/19/20262 min read

The Sassi–Superga tramway is a historic rack railway that climbs from Turin's Sassi district up to the hilltop Basilica di Superga, offering panoramic views over the city and the Alps. Torino+Piemonte Card holders receive a discounted fare on the tramway itself, and the basilica visit pairs it with one of Turin's most striking viewpoints.

Key Takeaways

Historic rack tramway in operation since the early 1900s, climbing a steep hillside route.
Basilica di Superga is an 18th-century domed church with sweeping views over Turin.
Card holders get a discounted (not free) tramway fare.
Also the memorial site for the 1949 Superga air disaster, which killed the Torino football team.
Round trip including basilica visit takes about half a day.

Why visit Superga

The Basilica di Superga was commissioned by Duke Vittorio Amedeo II to fulfill a vow made during the 1706 Siege of Turin, and its hilltop position gives it one of the best panoramic views of the city, the Po river valley, and the Alps on a clear day. The site is also historically significant as the location of the 1949 plane crash that killed the entire Torino FC football squad — a memorial marks the crash site nearby.

Getting there

The Sassi–Superga tramway is the classic, scenic route: a steep rack railway that has carried passengers up the hillside since 1884 (with modern updates since). It departs from the Sassi station, reachable from central Turin by regular tram or bus. Torino+Piemonte Card holders receive a discounted fare on this ride — see our public transport guide for how the discount works alongside other transit tickets.

Tips for visiting

Check the tramway's operating schedule in advance — it doesn't run continuously all day, and schedules can vary seasonally.
Go on a clear day — the whole point of the trip is the view, which is far less rewarding in fog or heavy cloud.
Combine with a short walk around the basilica's terrace for the best photo angles over the city.

FAQ

Is the Sassi–Superga tramway free with the Torino+Piemonte Card? No — it's offered at a discounted fare rather than free entry, since it's a transport service rather than a museum.

Is the Basilica di Superga itself free to enter? The main church is generally free to enter; the crypt/royal tombs area may have a separate small admission fee.

How long does the round trip take? Budget around half a day including tram travel time, the basilica visit, and time to enjoy the viewpoint.

Is Superga related to the Torino football club? Yes — the hillside is the site of the 1949 air disaster in which the entire Torino FC team was killed, and a memorial there is a point of pilgrimage for football fans.

Sassi–Superga Tramway & Basilica di Superga Guide

Key Takeaways

Why visit Superga

Getting there

Tips for visiting

FAQ

Recommended reading

Torino Card