History:

is an 11th-century Benedictine abbey. Located 1,000 meters above sea level in the Susa Valley, the abbey stands on a pinnacle of rock overlooking the town of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino. It was once the site of a bronze age sanctuary, a Roman temple and the Lombard kings of Legnano. The abbey is open to visitors and features a majestic staircase of 206 rock steps leading to the entrance, which can take upwards of 45 minutes to ascend. Inside, visitors can explore the church, its crypts, and numerous large and small rooms, which house important artworks, frescoes and sculptures. It is one of the best temple in Italy which you must visit.

Facts:

Sacra di San Michele is an abbey located in the Italian Alps, near the town of Sant'Ambrogio di Torino in the Province of Turin, Piedmont. It is one of the most famous and also the oldest of the edifices which dominate the valley, perched 962 m (3156 ft) on the top of a mountain spur of the Mount Pirchiriano, south-west of Ivrea. The building has the shape of a Latin cross inscribed in a square. The abbey was founded before 983 and currently belongs to the Benedictine order. Also known as La Scala Santa, the abbey is a symbol of the Christian faith and the history of Italy as a whole. Originally an independent monastery between 966–1230, it was declared part of the Benedictine order in the 12th century by the then archbishop of Turin, Peter. Since then, it has remained faithful to its mission of preserving the faith and providing spiritual guidance. The abbey holds three major religious festivals each year, the San Michele Fair (9–11 May), the Pucciadee Fair in October, and the Rassegna di San Michele in November. It is also open to visitors to explore the frescoes, sculptures, and paintings that make up its rich history and culture. Sacra di San Michele is also a popular spot for hikers, climbers, and adventure seekers. Its location and views make it an attractive destination for those looking for some excitement in the Italian Alps. The abbey itself is also a fascinating place to visit for the history buff. With its age-old stone walls, catacombs, and sacred passageways, it offers an immersive experience into the religious past of the region. Sacra di San Michele is renowned for being a pilgrimage site for the faithful during the Middle Ages. It is believed that visiting the abbey gives one the opportunity to spiritually reconnect and experience peace of mind. Here are some facts about the Italy temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Italy

Worship Method:

, the Sacra di San Michele is a pilgrimage site which has been in existence for over 1000 years. Pilgrims have been coming to climb the staircase of the abbey to its peak and pray or meditate in the presence of the hermitage. As part of their pilgrimage, pilgrims observe traditional worship methods. The first step in traditional worship at Sacra di San Michele is for pilgrims to receive indulgences from the Franciscan friars. Once indulgences have been bestowed upon the pilgrims, they are able to enter the church and take in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Piedmont hills. The next step in this worship practice is prayer. Pilgrims will kneel before the statue of St. Michael that is located in the center of the church. They will recite traditional prayers and meditate on the significance of St. Michael and the belief in redemption through his intercession. Once prayers have been offered, pilgrims will then make their ascent up the winding staircase of the hermitage. As they climb in the presence of St. Michael, they offer prayers, meditations, and songs of praise. At the pinnacle of their pilgrimage, pilgrims will be presented with a cross and staff. This serves as a symbol of their journey. Pilgrims will offer additional prayers as they descend from the peak of the mountain. Finally, pilgrims will renew their sense of commitment to faith as they leave the sacred grounds of the abbey. Through their worship practices, pilgrims will carry within them a sense of spiritual renewal, spiritual cleansing, and hope as they journey on. This most visited temple in Italy

Opening Timing:

Sacra di San Michele is open from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm (April to October) and 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (November to March) on Mondays to Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. top temples in Italy

How to reach:

Sacra di San Michele is located high up in the Val di Susa, Italy, in the Province of Turin. It can be reached by car, bike, and public transportation. By Car The quickest and most direct way to reach Sacra di San Michele is by car. From Turin, travel north along the A32 highway, and then take the San Michele exit in the direction of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino. Once on the SS24 highway, follow the signs for Sant’Ambrogio di Torino and then continue along the same street for 15 km, until reaching the Abbey. By Public Transportation To reach Sacra di San Michele by train and bus, take the train from Turin (Porta Susa Station) that goes to Oulx (in French, Ouls). At Oulx, take the Subalpina bus that goes in the direction of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, and get off at the Abbey stop. From there, you will have to walk uphill for a few kilometers in order to reach the Abbey. By Bike There is also the option to reach Sacra di San Michele by bike. From Turin, you can ride along the quiet roads of Val di Susa, and take the routes 140 and 545, in order to get to the Abbey. It should take approximately 2 hours to reach the Abbey from Turin, depending on your level of fitness. famous temples in Italy