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 sits on a hill overlooking the city.
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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 is a famous Catholic church built on a high hill in Superga, near the city of Turin, Italy. It is known for its beautiful dome, its amazing views, and for being the final resting place of a royal family.
Contents
Why Was the Basilica Built?
The story of the basilica begins with a promise made during a war. In 1706, the city of Turin was under attack by French and Spanish soldiers during the War of the Spanish Succession. The leader of the region, Duke Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, climbed Superga hill to see the battle.
He prayed and promised that if his army won, he would build a grand church on that very spot to honor the Virgin Mary. On September 7, 1706, his army defeated the invaders.
True to his word, after Victor Amadeus became a king, he hired a famous architect named Filippo Juvarra to design the church. Construction started in 1717 and finished in 1731.
A Mix of Grand Styles
Filippo Juvarra was a talented architect who had studied in Rome. He designed the Basilica of Superga in a style called late Baroque, which is known for being very grand and detailed. He also added Neoclassical touches, which were inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
The most stunning feature is the large dome. It was inspired by the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, which was designed by the great artist Michelangelo. The front of the church, with its tall columns, looks like the famous Pantheon, an ancient temple in Rome.
Because the basilica is on a hill, Juvarra made the front entrance extra large so it would look powerful and impressive from far away. The church was also built to be in a direct line of sight with other royal palaces, like the Castle of Rivoli, showing the power of the Savoy royal family.
The Royal Crypt
Beneath the main church is the Royal Crypt, a special tomb where many members of the House of Savoy are buried. The House of Savoy was the royal family that ruled the area for centuries.
Inside the crypt, you can find the tombs of many princes and kings. One famous tomb is the monument for King Carlo Emanuele III, created by the artist Ignazio Collino and his brother. Most members of the family, including King Charles Albert, are buried here.
However, not all Italian kings are here. Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I are buried in the Pantheon in Rome.
A Sad Day in Soccer History
The hill of Superga is also known for a tragic event. On May 4, 1949, a plane carrying the famous "Grande Torino" soccer team crashed into the back wall of the basilica during a heavy fog.
The team was flying home after a game in Portugal. Sadly, everyone on board, including the players, coaches, and journalists, died in the accident. It was a great loss for Italy and the world of soccer. Today, there is a memorial at the site to remember the team.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Superga para niños
- History of early modern period domes
