Susa

🏛️ Susa: Alpine crossroads between Rome and Gaul

📍 Location

• Susa is located in the region of Piedmont, at about 50 km west of Turin, in the Susa Valley, at the foot of the Cottian Alps.
• It is located on the ancient transalpine roads linking Italy to France, notably via the Mont-Cenis passes and the Montgenèvre.

🧬 History and heritage

• Founded by the Celts then integrated into the Roman Empire, Susa became a strategic center at the crossroads of trade and military routes.
• It was the capital of kingdom of Cottius, an autonomous territory allied with Rome.
• In the Middle Ages, it played an important role in the States of Savoy, notably thanks to Adelaide of Susa, an influential figure of the 11th century.
• The city preserves many ancient and medieval remains, witnesses of his role as historic crossroads.

🏰 Architectural heritage

• Arch of Augustus : imposing Roman monument, erected in honor of the alliance between Rome and the Alpine peoples.
• Roman amphitheater : still used for shows, it bears witness to ancient cultural life.
• Roman aqueduct : engineering relic, winding through the city.
• Porta Savoia : ancient fortified gate, between Roman heritage and medieval alterations.
• San Giusto Cathedral : Romanesque building from the 11th century, sober and majestic.
• Old town : cobbled streets, stone houses, covered passages and an alpine atmosphere.

🌿 Nature and excursions

• Susa is surrounded by spectacular mountains, whose Rocciamelone, an iconic peak culminating at over 3,500 meters.
• It is an ideal starting point for :

• The alpine hikes,
• The excursions to the abbeys like that of Novalesa,
• Visits to the Sacra di San Michele, perched on a rocky spur.

🎉 Local life and traditions

• The city hosts every summer the Bourgs Tournament, with historical parades, the medieval games, and a festive atmosphere.
• Local markets offer local products, the mountain cheeses, honey, and thetraditional crafts.

✨ Why Susa is unforgettable

It is a city where history mixes with the summits, where each stone tells a story of a passage between worlds, and where Alpine culture is vibrant and welcoming. Susa is authentic, strategic and deeply rooted — a place that is both discreet and majestic, ideal for lovers of heritage and nature.