The ascending 30 minute drive to the Sacre di San Michele isn’t too difficult. The road is good but filled with bikers. There’s a small parking lot at the end that has meters to pay. To ascend to the chapel requires climbing lots of vertical stairs but the views are worth the cost of admission.

Quite possibly the most magnificent structure I've seen in my lifetime. This medieval abbey is situated on a cliff and it rises up like an illustration from a book of fairy tales. For just eight euros you can enter the abbey with a choice of a guided tour or you can go on your own. We decided it was more fun to explore the entire complex including spectacular monastery ruins and breathtaking view of the valley below, by ourselves. It's not far from Turin and there's a beautiful mysterious lake that's worth a visit when you reach the bottom of the road. My son, his girlfriend and i made out visit on 20 March 2022.

It’s difficult to think of the words to describe this fabulous place also known as St, Michael’s abbey. If your driving this is quite an extortion add to the adventures. Once at the car / bus park it’s a short walk to the abbey. It’s worth buying an admission ticket in advance. Built in the 10th century it’s something to behold. After years of decline this is now a really good tourist attraction. The history of it is very special and it’s worth the visit if you are on the Turin area.

Been on our Italian bucket list for a while. Managed to include it on route from Chambery to Lake Maggiore. Remarkable building and location perched as it is on the edge of a mountain top. Interestingly it seems that this San Michele is one of 7 that spread from Ireland, Cornwall, Normandy, Puglia, Greece and Jerusalem. Strangely they are in a straight line on the map. Might have to seek out the other 4 we've not visited now. The building is not easy to access in it's entirety with a disability. There are some steep stairs but the views across the valley are worth the climb. The coffee bar again with stunning views is worth a visit for coffee or a light lunch. Suspect the car park gets very busy during peak season but we were there in early June. Amazing the size of the coaches that use the ling winding access road. Also a bit of mecca for cycling enthusiasts but we gave them lots of space and took our time on the climb.

45 minutes away from Torino by car, up in the mountains, rest this beautiful monastery, most of it in ruins, but with a full church and many steps to climb. You have to arrive by car or bus, and do it before the parking lot gets full. After paying for the parking, you must walk for about 1.5 km through a shady path. Seen from afar, the building resembles the famous Mont Saint Michel in France, but surrounded by forest, instead of sea, and much smaller. Once in the monastery you start to climb, and after buying your ticket, you proceed to the Staircase of the Dead, which is incredibly steep. Our friends, with knee problems, decided to wait. At the top, the staircase frame is beautifully carved; the church itself was cute but not as magnificent as the ruins of the convent against the green hills. On our way down, we realized there was an elevator for handicapped; you just have to ask at the ticket office.

I can say it's a place which coniugates perfectly the two kinds of Art: the one made by humans and the one made by Mother Nature. At the first glance you will think it's a castle, but, inside, you will discover a world of spirituality and holiness. The many steps to reach the top are worthful, because you'll admire a breathtaking panorama and feel a fantastic breeze.