Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, Italy: Sacra di San Michele
About the Abbey of Sacra di San Michele:
Veneration of Saint Michael the Archangel goes far back in Christian tradition.The Abbey known as Sacra di San Michele, founded between 983 and 987, was the half-way point along a pilgrimage route that stretched almost 900 miles (2,000 km) from Mont Saint-Michel in France to Monte Sant’Angelo in Italy, known as “the straight line of the sword of Saint Michael”.
Perched as it is on top of the mountain, it is a perfect place of peace. There is no town here, so as you might expect, the Abbey stands alone.
The beautiful frescoes inside give the history of the Abbey and you can look out from the terrace and see the ruins of the “new” monastery that was built between the Twelfth and Fifteen Centuries.
Masses are held on Saturdays and Sundays. There is an admission charge to the Abbey, but not for Mass of course. They are closed on Mondays. However, see the note below.
The 2018 fire at Sacre di San Michelle:
Unfortunately a fire broke out in January 2018, and as of now there is no public access to the Abbey. We will keep you updated as to the status of Sacre di San Michele.
Traveling to Sacra di San Michele:
You are unlikely to find any tours that have this on their itinerary, so if you plan to visit, it will most likely have to be on your own. The Abbey is about 25 miles (40km) from Turin.
By train you can go from Turin Porto Nuevo Station as far as Avigliana. From there you will need to take a taxi….about 9 miles (14km). Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here
Address: Via alla Sacra, 14, 10057 Sant’Ambrogio (TO), Italy
GPS coordinates: 45° 5′ 52.3860” N, 7° 20′ 35.1636” E
Tel: +39.011.93.91.30 Fax: +39.011.93.97.06
e-mail: info@sacradisanmichele.com
Click here for the official website of Sacra di San Michele in Sant Ambrogio
Photo courtesy Sacra di San Michele.
⇐ Back to Catholic shrines and places of interest in Italy
