The Sacra di San Michele is an ancient abbey 40km from Turin, built between 983 and 987 on the top of Mount Pirchiriano. It is a symbolic monument of the Piedmont Region, an evocative landmark that served as inspiration for Umberto Eco’s epic novel ‘The Name of the Rose’. The view from the top of its towers alone is well worth a visit. On the first Saturday of the month, visitors can enjoy a special guided tour to discover the Staircase of the Dead with the Zodiac Doorway, the church, the panoramic terrace and the area of the Old Monastery: the Cloisters, the old rooms of the House of Savoy, the Library (hosting 10,000 books) and the Daily Life Museum.

Tours depart at 4pm and at 4.30pm.

Address: Sacra di San Michele

Via alla Sacra, 14 – Sant’Ambrogio di Torino

www.sacradisanmichele.com