Basilica of Superga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of Superga |
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Basilica di Superga
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The Basilica of Superga
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 Basilica of Superga
Location in Turin
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| 45°04′51″N 7°46′03″E / 45.08083°N 7.76750°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Website | Official website: http://www.basilicadisuperga.com |
| History | |
| Consecrated | 1 November 1731 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Filippo Juvarra |
| Style | Late baroque, neoclassical |
| Groundbreaking | 1717 |
| Completed | 1731 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Turin |
The Basilica of Superga (which means Basilica di Superga in Italian) is a beautiful Catholic church. It stands proudly on top of the Superga hill, close to the city of Turin, Italy. This important building has a rich history and amazing architecture.
Contents
Building the Basilica of Superga
The Basilica of Superga was built between 1717 and 1731. It was designed by a famous architect named Filippo Juvarra. The church was built for Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, who was a duke and later became a king.
A Promise Kept
The idea for the church came from a promise Victor Amadeus II made during a big battle. In 1706, during the War of the Spanish Succession, French and Spanish armies were attacking Turin. Victor Amadeus II and his cousin, Eugene of Savoy, climbed the Superga hill to see the battle. Victor Amadeus promised that if they won, he would build a monument to the Virgin Mary.
His armies won the battle! After he became the King of Sardinia, he asked Filippo Juvarra to design this special church.
Architecture and Design
Juvarra designed the church using a mix of old styles with a touch of Baroque architecture. The dome of the basilica was finished in 1726. It looks a bit like the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, which was designed by Michelangelo. This is because Juvarra had studied and worked in Rome for ten years before coming to Turin.
The front of the church, with its large columns, reminds people of the ancient Pantheon in Rome. The church was placed on this high hill to show the power of the Savoy family. It also created a special line of sight to the Castle of Rivoli, another important building for the family. Later, the Palazzina di caccia of Stupinigi completed a triangle connecting three of the Savoy family's homes.
The Superga Air Disaster
The mountain where the Basilica stands is also known for a sad event. In 1949, a plane carrying the entire Grande Torino football team crashed there. This tragic event is known as the Superga air disaster.
Royal Crypt
Underneath the main church is the Royal Crypt of Superga. This is a special burial place for many members of the House of Savoy. The House of Savoy was a very important royal family in Italy. They were Dukes of Savoy, then Kings of Sardinia, and later Kings of Italy.
Most of the Savoy family members are buried here. However, two Kings of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, are buried in the Pantheon, Rome. The very first members of the Savoy family, and the last king of Italy, Umberto II, are buried in Hautecombe Abbey in Savoy.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Superga para niños
