Places
Hike·Moderate·Scenic·Popular
Sacra di San Michele, Valsusa
Piedmont
The Sacra di San Michele (962 AD) clings to a 1,000 m rock spike above the Valsusa. Umberto Eco used it as inspiration for The Name of the Rose. The pilgrimage path from Sant'Ambrogio climbs the 'Staircase of the Dead' — a Gothic passage through the living rock — to the church teetering above the abyss.
Duration
4 hours
Distance
9 km
Elevation
+700 m
Best season
April – October
Highlights
- Name of the Rose inspiration
- Gothic staircase through living rock
- 962 AD abbey on a 1,000 m spike
With your dog
Rocky path; dogs on leash.
