Susa, Alpine commune in Piedmont, Italy
Susa is a town in Piedmont nestled in an Alpine valley where two rivers meet, sitting at about 500 meters elevation. It preserves both Roman ruins and medieval buildings that define its character and landscape throughout the town.
The Romans built a fortress and triumphal arch in 8 BC to mark their control of this Alpine crossing. Medieval walls and a cathedral later replaced some structures, showing how the site remained important for movement across the mountains over many centuries.
The cathedral displays Romanesque architecture and interior art that reflect religious traditions still observed in the community today. Walking through the streets around it, visitors can sense how faith shaped daily life and the town's identity over the centuries.
The town is easily reached by train from Turin and serves as a good starting point for walks into the surrounding mountains. When visiting, explore the center on foot and wear good shoes, as the streets in the old quarter can be steep and uneven.
The arch of Augustus from Roman times still stands in its original location and is one of the few surviving monuments from that era in this region. Many visitors overlook the detailed stonework and inscriptions on this ancient gateway that reveal how crucial this site was for Roman road connections.
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