On the hill overlooking Turin, the Basilica of Superga rises as one of the most fascinating symbols of the Piedmontese capital. In addition to its architectural grandeur and its connection with the renowned Grande Torino, the Basilica houses a lesser-known treasure of great historical value: the Royal Tombs of the House of Savoy. This solemn place, steeped in memories, tells the story of a dynasty and, along with it, that of an entire country.
The Birth of the Royal Tombs
The history of the Royal Tombs of Superga is closely linked to the will of Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, the first King of Sardinia. It was he who commissioned the construction of the Basilica in the early decades of the eighteenth century, as a vow to the Madonna after the victory against the French during the Siege of Turin in 1706. But not only that: the Basilica was also destined to become the official mausoleum of the royal family.
The crypt, located beneath the main altar, was designed years later, between 1774 and 1778, by order of Victor Amadeus III. Conceived as a place of eternal rest for the members of the House of Savoy, it represents a deliberate choice—to situate the dynasty in a place that visually dominates their realm, symbolizing protection and the continuity of power.
The Royal Crypt: Architecture and Layout
Upon entering the crypt, the visitor finds themselves in a sober and solemn environment. The architecture reflects a neoclassical style, with marble columns, clean lines, and a contained atmosphere. The arrangement of the tombs follows a strict dynastic hierarchy. It houses a total of 61 members of the House of Savoy, including kings, princes, duchesses, and princesses. Among the best known are:
- Victor Amadeus II, the mastermind behind the Basilica and the first King of Sardinia;
- Charles Albert of Savoy, a central figure in the Italian Risorgimento and promoter of the Albertine Statute;
- Victor Emmanuel I and Charles Felix, both kings of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
It is also interesting to note that not all Savoy sovereigns rest at Superga; for example, Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of Italy, is buried in Rome’s Pantheon, along with other subsequent Italian kings.
Curiosities and Anecdotes about the Royal Tombs of Superga
Beyond the official history, the Royal Tombs harbor details and curiosities that fascinate visitors:
A familial mausoleum: For the House of Savoy, Superga is a true emblematic place. Even today, it is considered a dynastic symbol and a collective memory of the Savoys.
Commemorative events: Every year on July 14, a religious service is held in memory of the monarchs and princes interred here.
Underground mysteries: According to some popular legends, beneath the Basilica there are tunnels and secret passages that connect Superga to other strategic points on the hill. Despite the allure of these mysteries, such tales have never been confirmed.
Public access: Today, the crypt is open to guided tours that allow visitors to discover not only the tombs but also fascinating architectural details and historical anecdotes.
A Place That Tells the Story of Italy
The Royal Tombs of the Basilica of Superga are not merely a burial site but a tangible fragment of history. Through the lives of the sovereigns and princes preserved here, one can trace the arc of the Savoy dynasty—the driving force behind the Risorgimento and the birth of the Italian state. It is a historical heritage well worth rediscovering in one of the most evocative places in Turin.