What to see and what to do in Susa Valley

Nestled among the morainic hills and the mouth of the Valle di Susa, it is characterized by three biotypes: the two lakes (Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo), the hills formed during the last ice ages and the swamp of Mareschi. The lakes, where numerous species of fish live, are a favorite destination for birdwatchers. Self-guided activities or along the trails along the trails are supported by an information center, a fishing ecomuseum, maps also available at the Tourist Information Center (+39) 0119311873 - ufficioiat@turismoavigliana.it). Don't forget: Lake Grande is an ideal destination for practicing numerous water sports, such as canoeing, sailing, water skiing. During the summer it is possible to choose one of these activities or simply swim in its clear waters by accessing from one of the beaches indicated on the maps.

Porta Savoia dates back to the Roman period and is part of the ancient city walls. It is located in an area full of other historical monuments in the city. The structure consists of a round arch, surmounted by two round towers, built for defensive reasons. Today, despite the age of construction, the building is well preserved.

The Castle was presumed to be built in the Middle Ages, this also explains the presence of mullioned windows on the walls, a typical element of that era. Over the years he underwent several restorations, especially in the 18th century, which gave him the present appearance. Today, it houses in its interior the Historical Archives, the Civic Museum and the Library.

The Arch of Augustus is located in Susa, in the province of Turin. The construction was erected around the first century BC at the behest of the Roman emperor Augustus and King Cozio. It was built with white marble and rests on two bases. On the top, in the frieze, an inscription in Latin was engraved and a scene of the sacrifice of animals is depicted. Today the monument is still in excellent condition and can be visited for tourists.

The cathedral dates back to the 11th century, and has the main center of worship in the area. It is a religious structure, built in Romanesque style, characterized by the white color of the facade. Its interiors preserve numerous architectural elements of a liturgical character, and several works of sacred art: paintings, statues, and reliquaries. Today, despite the age of construction, the cathedral is in a good state of preservation, and is open to the public.

The Castle of Avigliana is one of the oldest castles in Piedmont. Built in the tenth century by the Marquis Arduino III, the Castle stands on top of Mount Pezzulano, overlooking the entire village of Avigliana and its lakes. Conquered by the French in 1536 and, then, again, in 1630, the Castle was definitively destroyed in 1691 by the troops who fought against the army of Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy. Today, only the external walls remain to testify to its ancient importance.

An extraordinary example of industrial archaeology of the early twentieth century, the Nobel Dynamitificio was built in 1873 on a hill on the edge of the town of Avigliana. Equipped with electricity and an internal railway connected to the Avigliana station, it was equipped with a chemical laboratory and produced, in addition to explosives, chemical intermediates, by-products of processing main, fertilizers and varnishes. During the Last World War the plant was the scene of bombing and partisan actions, and closed its doors in the 1960s. The Nobel Dynamitificio Museum, inaugurated in 2002, is a piece of the collective memory of the territory and testifies to the social and productive transformations that occurred over the years. Unique in its kind, it offers an interactive set-up with videos, documents, explanatory panels, vintage photographs and tools used in the production of explosives. In addition, the Museum provides a visit route that, touching the anti-aircraft shelter for workers, tunnels and burst rooms, allows the visitor to immerse himself totally in the reality of the factory, touching the dangerousness and life difficulties of the workers.

The Giuseppe Augusto Levis Municipal Art Gallery is located in the municipality of Chiomonte. In this museum the four hundred and fifty works by the great artist are exhibited. The museum is located in the rooms of the Levis Palace.

The Saint Andre Chapel is assumed to have been built in 1371, since in that year the structure was cited in a written document. The beautiful frescoes that we can see today date back to the mid-fifteenth century. From the Chapel you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole country.

Susa, a city of Celtic origin, became with the Roman conquest a nerve point along the Via delle Gallie. Walking through characteristic alleys and squares you will encounter numerous monuments: the arch of Augustus, built to sanction the alliance pact stipulated between Cozio, local ruler, and Cesare Ottaviano Augustus, first Roman emperor; the Celtic copellated rocks, on which animals were probably sacrificed in the pre-Roman age; the aqueduct of Graziano (4th century AD), of which the two large arches remain; the Castrum ( IV century AD); the Antonina arena (2nd century AD), currently used for re-enactments and shows such as the Historical Tournament of the Villages, which housed the venationes, in which animals were killed before the duels among gladiators; the Savoy Gate (III - IV century AD) on which the Cathedral of San Giusto was leaned, in the twelfth century, the traces of the ancient walls preserved along Via dei Fossali (current Soviet Union Course) . The recent renovation works of the central Piazza Savoia have also brought to light some important structures attributable to the remains of the urban temple, located in the center of the forum.

Also known as the Roman amphitheater, it dates back to the II-III century after Christ. It stands behind the acropolis of Susa, in a natural basin well sheltered from the winds. It has an ellipse shape of 45 by 37 meters, it is the smallest amphitheater of Roman times present in Italy.