Superga facts for kids
The Superga is a famous hill located near the city of Turin in northwestern Italy. It stands on the south bank of the Po River. This hill is 672 metres (about 2,205 feet) above sea level, offering amazing views of the surrounding area.
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What is Superga?
Superga is more than just a hill; it's a special landmark close to Turin. People visit it for its history, the beautiful church on top, and the fantastic views. It's a place where nature and important events come together.
Where is Superga Located?
Superga is found just east of Turin, a large city in the Piedmont region of Italy. It's easy to spot because of the grand church built on its summit. The hill overlooks the Po River valley, which is a major river flowing through northern Italy.
How Tall is Superga Hill?
The Superga hill reaches a height of 672 metres (or about 2,205 feet). To give you an idea, that's roughly as tall as two Eiffel Towers stacked on top of each other! This height allows for incredible panoramic views of Turin and the Alps mountains in the distance.
The Superga Basilica
The most famous building on Superga hill is the Basilica of Superga. This large and impressive church was designed by a famous architect named Filippo Juvarra. It's a very important example of Baroque architecture, a style known for its dramatic and grand designs.
Why Was the Basilica Built?
The Basilica of Superga was built because of a promise made by Duke Victor Amadeus II. In 1706, during the Siege of Turin, the city was under attack. Victor Amadeus II climbed Superga hill and vowed to build a church if Turin was saved. When the city was successfully defended, he kept his promise, and construction of the basilica began in 1717. It was finished in 1731.
What Can You See at the Basilica?
Inside the Basilica, you can find the tombs of many members of the House of Savoy, who were the royal family of Italy for a long time. There's also a beautiful dome that you can climb for even better views. From the top, you can see the entire city of Turin, the winding Po River, and the majestic Alps, including Monviso and Monte Rosa.
The Superga Air Disaster Memorial
Superga is also known for a sad event that happened there. On May 4, 1949, a plane carrying the entire Torino Football Club team crashed into the retaining wall of the Basilica. All 31 people on board, including players, coaches, and journalists, died. This team was one of the best in Italy at the time, winning many championships.
Remembering the Team
Today, a memorial is located at the site of the crash on the back of the Basilica. Fans and visitors often come to pay their respects to the "Grande Torino" team. It's a place that reminds people of the team's greatness and the tragedy that occurred.
Visiting Superga
Getting to Superga is an adventure itself! You can drive up the winding road, or you can take a special tram-funicular railway. This unique railway, called the Sassi-Superga tramway, takes you from the Sassi station in Turin right up to the Basilica. It's a fun way to experience the climb and enjoy the scenery.
