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Superga

Superga is a hill rising to 672 meters above sea level on the south bank of the Po River, east of Turin in northwestern Italy, crowned by the Basilica of Superga, a Baroque Roman Catholic basilica commissioned by Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy, as a votive offering following the successful defense against the French siege of Turin in 1706.^[1]^[2] Designed by the architect Filippo Juvarra and constructed between 1717 and 1731, the basilica features a prominent dome offering panoramic views of Turin and the Alps, and it serves as the mausoleum for members of the House of Savoy.^[3]^[2] The basilica's interior includes the Chapel of the Vow housing a wooden statue of Our Lady of Grace from 1624, and its royal crypt contains the tombs of Savoy monarchs, underscoring its role as a symbol of Piedmontese heritage and spirituality.^[4]^[5] Superga gained tragic notoriety on May 4, 1949, when a Fiat G.212 aircraft carrying the Torino Football Club team, known as Grande Torino, crashed into the basilica's retaining wall due to poor visibility and navigational error, killing all 31 aboard, including 18 players, coaches, and staff.^[6]^[7] This disaster decimated Italy's dominant football club, which had won five consecutive Serie A titles, prompting national mourning and the youth squad to finish the season undefeated in tribute.^[6]^[8]

Geography and Location

Topography and Elevation

Superga rises to an elevation of 672 meters (2,205 feet) above sea level and is positioned on the south bank of the Po River, about 8 kilometers east of Turin's historic center.^[9] This height places it among the dominant elevations in the undulating terrain surrounding the city, providing a marked contrast to the adjacent Po Plain at roughly 230 meters above sea level.^[10] The hill's topography is characterized by steep slopes and a ridge-like morphology with multiple terraced levels, including prominent surfaces at approximately 670 meters, 500 meters, and 350 meters above sea level. These terraces, separated by high scarps, result from long-term fluvial incision and tectonic influences within the broader Piedmont hill system.^[10] ^[11] Superga's prominence stems from its isolated ridge structure amid the surrounding morainic hills, enhancing its role as a key topographic feature in the regional landscape. Geologically, Superga forms part of the Collina di Torino, a morainic amphitheater shaped by Pleistocene glacial activity, including advances of the Dora Riparia glacier during the Würmian (Last Glacial Maximum) phase around 20,000–25,000 years ago.^[12] The hill incorporates glacial erratics and large metamorphic boulders, up to several meters in diameter, derived from Oligocene–Miocene conglomerate beds exposed through surface weathering and glacial transport. These elements underscore the area's history of ice-sheet dynamics interacting with pre-existing sedimentary formations.

Proximity to Turin and Accessibility

Superga Hill lies approximately 10 kilometers east of Turin's historic center, positioned on the south bank of the Po River and rising to an elevation that commands expansive vistas over the city and the surrounding Po Valley.^[13]^[14] This proximity positions Superga as a readily accessible elevated suburb, historically prized for its dominant overlook which enhanced its appeal for panoramic observation and strategic oversight.^[15] Accessibility to Superga is facilitated mainly through regional roads branching from Turin's eastern outskirts, allowing direct vehicular approach to the hill's summit area. Drivers can navigate via routes such as those toward Pino Torinese, circumventing the hill's base before ascending, with ample parking available adjacent to key sites like the Basilica.^[16]^[17] The drive from central Turin typically spans about 20 minutes under normal conditions, underscoring the site's integration into the metropolitan area's immediate periphery without necessitating extended travel.^[13]

Historical Background

Ancient and Medieval Periods

The Turin hill, including the Superga promontory, exhibits evidence of human activity dating to the Neolithic period, with artifacts recovered from the Sassi area at its base indicating early settlement or resource use in the hilly terrain. In 1876, excavations in a local quarry yielded two objects, including a lithic ring (anellone litico), confirming Neolithic presence around 7,000 years ago, among the oldest manufactured items in the Turin region.^[18]^[19] These findings suggest sporadic exploitation of the area's quarries and slopes for tools or adornments, though no permanent structures or burials have been documented on Superga itself, likely due to its steep elevation of 672 meters limiting dense occupation. Roman-era utilization of the Superga hill appears minimal and indirect, with the surrounding Po Valley featuring roads and ports—such as those near Borgo Dora and Borgata Rosa—facilitating trade toward Augusta Taurinorum (modern Turin), but the hill's summit remained largely undeveloped as a strategic or residential site.^[18] Its topography may have served informally as a vantage point overlooking the plain, yet archaeological records prioritize valley infrastructure over high-ground fortifications or villas in this sector.^[18] During the medieval period, Superga supported sparse agricultural communities and fortified residences along its slopes and access routes, reflecting the hill's role in controlling paths amid the broader Collina Torinese's feudal landscape. These settlements focused on viticulture, milling, and pastoral activities, with structures like castra (fortified houses) defending trade corridors, as seen in nearby XI-century examples such as Ad Muschias.^[18] Population density stayed low owing to rugged terrain and isolation from urban centers, precluding major ecclesiastical or defensive edifices until later epochs, though minor votive sites may have dotted the area.^[18]

Savoy Dynasty Involvement

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the House of Savoy increasingly recognized Superga hill's strategic value due to its elevated position overlooking Turin, integrating it into ducal oversight amid regional conflicts.^[3] The hill, topped by a modest chapel housing a wooden statue of Our Lady of Grace dating to 1624, served as a vantage point for military assessment rather than routine retreat, though its prominence aligned with Savoy efforts to control Piedmontese terrain.^[20] This culminated in the War of the Spanish Succession, when French forces under Louis XIV besieged Turin from May to September 1706. On August 28, 1706, Duke Victor Amadeus II of Savoy and his cousin Prince Eugene of Savoy ascended Superga to survey enemy positions and the city's defenses.^[21] On September 2, Victor Amadeus II made a solemn vow before the chapel's statue, pledging a monument to the Virgin Mary in exchange for relief of the siege.^[3] Allied forces, including Savoyard and Imperial troops, decisively defeated the French on September 7 in the Battle of Turin, lifting the siege after four months and affirming the hill's role in Savoy military strategy.^[21] The fulfilled vow initiated Savoy commitments to enhance the site, including preliminary accessibility improvements and fortifications to secure approaches, setting the stage for ambitious 18th-century undertakings without prior extensive landscaping documented under ducal rule.^[22]

Basilica of Superga

Construction and Commission

The Basilica of Superga originated from a vow made by Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy, during the Siege of Turin in 1706 amid the War of the Spanish Succession. Facing a dire French assault, the Duke ascended Superga Hill with Prince Eugene of Savoy and pledged to construct a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary should victory be granted. The subsequent Allied triumph fulfilled this promise, leading to the commissioning of the basilica as a votive monument of gratitude.^[4]^[3] In 1717, Victor Amadeus II formally commissioned the project, entrusting its design and oversight to the Sicilian architect Filippo Juvarra, who served the House of Savoy. The foundation stone was laid that year, marking the beginning of construction on the hilltop site. Juvarra's direction ensured the basilica's realization over the subsequent 14 years, with inauguration occurring in 1731.^[2]^[3] Construction involved specialized artisans, including sculptors such as Bernardino Cametti for the main altar and Annunciation altarpiece, Agostino Cornacchini for the Nativity of Mary altarpiece, and others contributing to decorative elements completed by 1731. Materials included white Carrara marble for key altarpieces, while the structure incorporated regional Piedmontese stones typical of Savoy-era projects, supporting the use of local quarries for the bulk of the masonry. The dome featured a innovative hollow design with two shells linked by arches, reflecting engineering adaptations for the elevated location.^[3]^[23]

Architectural Design and Features

The Basilica of Superga exemplifies late Baroque architecture, designed by Filippo Juvarra with construction spanning from 1717 to 1731. Its plan features an irregular octagon that extends into a square presbytery covered by a low dome, flanked by rectangular extensions for the choir and organ, creating a compact yet grand interior space. The facade presents a tetrastyle temple portico supported by eight Corinthian columns rising from corner piers, crowned by a dark wooden balustrade, which integrates harmoniously with the hilltop site by emerging prominently from the leveled terrain.^[3]^[24]^[25] The central dome, reaching approximately 75 meters in height, consists of two shells with a hollow space between them connected by large arches to reduce weight, augmented by eight full-height windows in the drum and elliptical openings at the rib bases for further lightness. Juvarra drew inspiration from Roman precedents such as the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica, reinterpreting them in a Baroque idiom with balanced proportions and dynamic lines, culminating in a lantern topped by a golden statue of the Madonna. This engineering approach ensured structural stability on the sloping hill, where the summit was reduced by about 40 meters to form a stable platform.^[3]^[26]^[24] Interior features include ornate altarpieces crafted from white Carrara marble. The main altar, framed by a structure designed by Juvarra, bears a relief by Bernardino Cametti depicting the Battle of Turin in 1706, completed between 1729 and 1731. Side altars feature works by Francesco Moderati and Agostino Cornacchini for the Nativity of Mary, with cherubs by Carlo Antonio Tantardini, and another by Cametti for the Annunciation.^[3] Beneath the main altar lies the royal crypt, constructed in neoclassical style between 1774 and 1778, characterized by marble columns, clean lines, and a solemn arrangement of tombs following dynastic hierarchy. It serves as the mausoleum for 61 members of the House of Savoy, including kings and princes, underscoring the basilica's role as a dynastic necropolis.^[5]

Historical and Symbolic Role

The Royal Crypt beneath the Basilica of Superga functions as the principal mausoleum for the House of Savoy, interring 61 members including kings, princes, and consorts from 1731 onward.^[5] This designation established Superga as a enduring symbol of dynastic continuity and legitimacy for the Savoy rulers of Sardinia and Piedmont, predating Italian unification.^[21] Burials such as those of Victor Amadeus II, who commissioned the basilica, and Charles Albert, who promulgated the Statuto Albertino constitution in 1848 amid Risorgimento pressures, reinforced the site's embodiment of monarchical piety and political authority.^[24]^[27] The basilica originated from Victor Amadeus II's 1706 vow to the Virgin Mary for deliverance from French-Spanish forces during the Siege of Turin, materializing as a votive monument that intertwined religious devotion with Savoy territorial ambitions.^[20] This foundational event imbued Superga with symbolic resonance as a locus of divine favor and royal gratitude, distinct from mere ecclesiastical structures. Post-unification, while kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I were buried in Rome's Pantheon to align with the new capital, Superga retained its prestige as a pre-national Savoy necropolis, underscoring the dynasty's historical roots amid Italy's consolidated identity.^[5]^[27] Elevated to minor basilica status in 1929 under the Lateran Pacts reconciling the Holy See and Italian state, Superga exemplifies papal acknowledgment of Savoy-Catholic synergies, though its core symbolism derives from monarchical rather than contemporary Vatican ties.^[28] The site's papal connections trace to its origins in Victor Amadeus II's era, when Savoy dukes sought ecclesiastical alliances to bolster sovereignty against Habsburg and Bourbon rivals.^[3]

Superga Air Disaster

Prelude and Grande Torino Context

The era of Grande Torino marked Torino FC's unparalleled dominance in Italian football during the 1940s, culminating in five consecutive league titles officially recognized by the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC): the 1942–43 Serie A championship won amid wartime disruptions with a reduced schedule of 30 matches, followed by the post-war titles in 1945–46, 1946–47, 1947–48, and 1948–49.^[29]^[30] These victories established Torino as the preeminent force in calcio, with the team amassing superior goal differentials—such as 81 goals scored to 16 conceded in the 1945–46 season—and employing a tactical system emphasizing fluid attacking play and defensive solidity.^[31] While the wartime 1942–43 title faced occasional retrospective scrutiny due to Italy's involvement in World War II and irregular competition formats, it remains ratified by the FIGC without revocation, underscoring the era's competitive integrity despite logistical challenges.^[32] Central to Grande Torino's success was its core lineup, featuring captain Valentino Mazzola, a versatile attacking midfielder renowned for his leadership, vision, and goal-scoring prowess—he netted 76 goals in 228 appearances for the club—alongside defenders like Aldo Ballarin and Virgilio Maroso, midfielders Ezio Loik and Giuseppe Grezar, and forwards Guglielmo Gabetto and Pietro Ferraris.^[33]^[31] The squad's cohesion was enhanced by strategic recruitment under technical director Ernő Egri Erbstein, a Hungarian émigré who prioritized balanced formations and player development, integrating talents from across Italy without relying heavily on foreign imports.^[34] This roster not only secured domestic supremacy but also demonstrated tactical innovation, adapting the English-influenced WM formation to Italian pitches with emphasis on short passing and pressing.^[35] In the broader context of post-World War II Italian football revival, Grande Torino symbolized national renewal amid economic hardship and infrastructural ruin, with the league resuming in 1945–46 after a four-year hiatus caused by conflict.^[30] Torino's players formed the backbone of the Italy national team, supplying up to 10 of the 11 starters in key matches, including the 1947 and 1948 international fixtures, which bolstered Azzurri performances and elevated the club's status as a de facto national powerhouse.^[32] This dominance extended beyond titles to cup successes, such as the 1942–43 Coppa Italia, reinforcing Torino's role in restoring calcio's popularity as a unifying cultural force in reconstruction-era Italy.^[29]

The Crash Event

The Avio Linee Italiane Fiat G.212CP (registration I-ELCE), a three-engine charter aircraft carrying 31 passengers and crew including Torino FC players, coaching staff, and journalists, departed from Lisbon following the team's friendly match against Benfica on May 3, 1949.^[36] The flight originated as a return from Portugal, with the aircraft approaching Turin from the south after an en route clearance to land at Aeroporto di Torino-Mirafiori. In dense fog reducing visibility during the final approach phase around 17:04 local time on May 4, 1949, the aircraft struck the rear wall of the Basilica of Superga at an elevation of approximately 670 meters on the Superga hill overlooking Turin.^[36] The collision resulted in the complete destruction of the Fiat G.212CP by impact forces and subsequent fire, as evidenced by the scattered wreckage and initial on-site observations from responding emergency personnel. Eyewitness reports from the vicinity described hearing a loud explosion followed by flames engulfing the crash site on the basilica's retaining wall.^[36]

Investigation and Causal Factors

The official investigation, conducted by Italian civil aviation authorities shortly after the May 4, 1949, crash, concluded that the accident resulted from controlled flight into terrain due to navigational error amid severe weather conditions. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of structural or mechanical failure prior to impact, with the Fiat G.212CP striking the rear wall of the Basilica of Superga at approximately 672 meters elevation after descending below safe altitude during a visual approach to Turin Aeritalia Airport. Weather records documented dense fog and low clouds with visibility reduced to as low as 40 meters, precluding effective visual navigation despite the pilot's familiarity with the route.^[37]^[38] Key contributing factors included the airport's lack of ground radar and limited radio navigation aids, which were standard limitations for European facilities in 1949, forcing reliance on dead reckoning and visual references in instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot, Pierluigi Meroni, an experienced aviator with over 6,000 flight hours, reportedly requested a low-altitude pass over the city to orient the aircraft but misjudged position relative to the hill due to the obscured terrain. Empirical analysis from flight data reconstruction and survivor radio transcripts indicated the crew maintained control until impact, ruling out loss of aircraft handling qualities.^[39]^[40] Investigators also noted potential altimeter discrepancies, with some evidence suggesting faulty instrument readings or unadjusted settings that conveyed a false sense of higher altitude, exacerbating the descent error in the absence of precise altimetry corrections for local pressure variations. High winds and persistent rain, documented in meteorological logs as gusting up to 50 km/h with seven days of uninterrupted precipitation, further complicated course stability. These findings, derived from on-site debris mapping, barometric data, and eyewitness accounts from ground control, emphasized human factors intertwined with environmental constraints over systemic equipment defects.^[41]^[7] Unsubstantiated theories of sabotage or deliberate interference, occasionally speculated in contemporary media without forensic backing, were dismissed by the inquiry due to the absence of explosive residues, tampered controls, or anomalous flight path deviations indicative of external action; priority was given to verifiable meteorological and procedural data from the black box-equivalent recordings and post-crash autopsies showing no pre-impact trauma. The 1949 report, while not publicly detailing every procedural lapse to avoid liability disputes, underscored the need for enhanced instrument approaches, influencing subsequent Italian aviation regulations.^[42]^[43]

Victims and Immediate Aftermath

The Superga air disaster on May 4, 1949, claimed the lives of all 31 individuals aboard the Fiat G.212 aircraft, including 18 players from Torino FC such as captain and midfielder Valentino Mazzola, goalkeeper Valerio Bacigalupo, forward Guglielmo Gabetto, and defender Aldo Ballarin.^[44]^[6] Other fatalities encompassed three coaching staff members, the club's general secretary, four journalists, and the four crew members.^[38] Among them was Leslie Lievesley, the English trainer, the sole British victim.^[40] The intense post-impact fire severely damaged the bodies, complicating identification efforts; rescuers resorted to examining suitcases and personal effects to confirm identities.^[40] Recovery operations proceeded swiftly at the hillside crash site near the Basilica of Superga, with remains transported to Turin for processing.^[40] Italy entered a period of profound national mourning following the tragedy. State funerals occurred on May 6, 1949, in Turin, drawing an estimated half a million attendees who lined the streets in tribute.^[6]^[40] The coffins, adorned with flowers, were displayed in Palazzo Madama before a procession led by Torino's youth teams conveyed them to their final resting places.^[34] To meet remaining Serie A obligations, Torino fielded a makeshift squad of youth players and reserves, who lost 1–0 to A.C. Milan on May 15, 1949, yet were declared winners by league decree at rivals' urging.^[6]

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sassi–Superga Rack Railway

The Sassi–Superga rack railway, also known as the tranvia a dentiera, is a 3.1-kilometer-long line connecting the Sassi district in Turin's suburbs at approximately 225 meters above sea level to the Superga basilica at 650 meters.^[45] Inaugurated on 27 April 1884, it was initially constructed as a steam-powered funicular using the Agudio system, in which a steel cable ran parallel to the tracks, driven by stationary engines to haul the train up the steep incline for the primary purpose of transporting pilgrims and visitors to the basilica.^[46]^[47] The line features an average gradient of 13.5 percent, with maximum inclines reaching 21 percent, necessitating specialized adhesion mechanisms.^[48] In 1934, the railway underwent a major reconstruction, converting it from the cable-hauled funicular to a conventional electric rack railway with a central toothed rail for traction, reopening on 16 April 1935.^[49]^[50] Electrification employed a third-rail system at 600 volts DC, enabling self-propelled motor cars to operate the service, which reaches the summit in about 18 minutes.^[45] A passing loop exists at the Radoppio intermediate halt to facilitate bidirectional traffic on the single-track route. The railway experienced peak usage in the early 20th century, serving as a vital link for religious pilgrims and leisure tourists seeking panoramic views of Turin and the Po Valley.^[46] Today, it remains operational under Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT), functioning primarily as a heritage tourist attraction with restored vintage rolling stock, including motor cars and trailers dating to the interwar period, and holds unique status as Italy's sole surviving rack tramway of its configuration.^[45]^[51] The line was fully refurbished in 2000 to ensure safety and reliability for contemporary service.^[52]

Road and Modern Access

The main vehicular route to the Basilica of Superga ascends the Superga Hill via a winding road from Turin, passing through Pino Torinese and curving around the hillside toward Baldissero, providing panoramic viewpoints of the Po Valley and surrounding parks during the approximately 10-kilometer climb.^[16] This path, accessible by private car in roughly 30 minutes from central Turin via the Torino-Caselle highway (exiting at Borgaro) and subsequent local roads like the Municipal Road of Villaretto, supports year-round travel subject to general weather conditions such as snow or fog that may prompt temporary restrictions.^[53]^[54] At the summit, limited parking facilities accommodate arriving vehicles, with spaces available near the basilica entrance for both cars and buses.^[55] Public bus options integrate with this network, offering direct services from Turin city center to Superga in about 12 minutes, enabling efficient group or non-driving access without reliance on fixed timetables.^[56] Post-World War II infrastructure enhancements, including road widening and maintenance, have bolstered the route's capacity for modern traffic volumes, prioritizing dependable connectivity over the rack railway's seasonal or schedule-limited operations.^[57]

Cultural and Commemorative Significance

Tourism and Preservation Efforts

The Basilica di Superga serves as a key attraction in Turin's tourism landscape, drawing visitors to its hilltop location for guided tours of the interior, access to the royal crypt, and enjoyment of expansive views over the city and the Alps.^[20] The site welcomes pilgrims, tourists, and locals year-round, with the basilica open daily except Mondays from 10:00 to 18:00 in peak seasons, facilitating exploration of its Baroque architecture and royal apartments.^[58] Superga Hill Park surrounding the basilica offers trails for walking and hiking, enhancing its appeal as a natural and cultural destination within proximity to Turin's urban center.^[59] Preservation initiatives have focused on maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the basilica amid environmental and seismic risks prevalent in the Piedmont region. In 2019, the basilica underwent a comprehensive restoration project lasting one year, addressing facade and interior elements before reopening to the public on November 17.^[60] A 2023 Memorandum of Understanding was signed among stakeholders to initiate redevelopment processes aimed at enhancing the site's cultural and social value through targeted conservation measures.^[61] These efforts underscore ongoing commitments to safeguard the monument's historical fabric without altering its original design. Tourism facilities at Superga include the dome observatory, providing elevated vantage points for panoramic observation, alongside basic amenities supporting visitor stays such as nearby cafes in the park area.^[62] The site's integration into Turin's broader heritage circuit contributes to the city's appeal as a destination blending urban sophistication with accessible natural escapes, though specific economic data on visitor-generated revenue remains limited in public records.^[14]

Legacy of the Air Disaster

The Superga air disaster marked the end of Torino FC's dominance in Italian football, ushering in decades of struggle despite reconstruction efforts. With 18 first-team players killed, the club relied on its youth academy and reserves for the 1949–50 Serie A season, achieving a fourth-place finish but lacking the depth to sustain elite performance. Torino secured no further league titles until 1976, experiencing relegations and mid-table finishes in the intervening years, which cultivated a persistent myth of the club as "cursed" or beset by fatalism linked to the tragedy, even as later generations rebuilt the squad multiple times.^[8]^[63] Annual commemorations at the Superga Hill crash site reinforce the event's place in collective memory, drawing thousands to the Basilica where a plaque honors the 31 victims. These rituals, held each May 4, include tributes from club officials, fans, and former players, emphasizing resilience amid loss. The 75th anniversary in 2024 featured expanded observances, such as Torino FC's release of a special commemorative jersey in partnership with kit manufacturer Joma, alongside documentaries and international events from Turin to Brooklyn, highlighting the disaster's enduring global resonance in football history.^[40]^[64]^[65]

Military and Other Associations

The Superga hill holds historical military significance originating from the Siege of Turin in 1706, during the War of the Spanish Succession. On September 2, 1706, Vittorio Amedeo II, Duke of Savoy, ascended the hill alongside Prince Eugene of Savoy to survey the besieging Franco-Spanish army and made a vow to the Virgin Mary to construct a church on the site if victorious; the Savoy forces lifted the siege on September 7, leading to the basilica's commission in 1711 and completion in 1731.^[66] The hill's prominence near Turin inspired namings of Royal Italian Army units. The 1st Infantry Division "Superga", a mountain infantry formation, was established in October 1934 from the First Military Territorial Division in Turin, comprising the 91st and 92nd Infantry Regiments along with the 5th Artillery Regiment; it mobilized for World War II in June 1940, participating in operations in France in 1940 and Tunisia in 1942–1943 before disbanding in May 1943 following Axis defeats in North Africa.^[67] The 5th Field Artillery Regiment "Superga", the Italian Army's senior artillery unit, traces its origins to 1850 in the Royal Sardinian Army and has served in conflicts including the Italian Wars of Independence, World War I, and World War II; reformed post-war, it operates today as the sole multiple rocket launcher regiment, equipped with M270 MLRS systems and based in Portogruaro, with recent deployments in exercises as of 2024.^[67] No permanent military installations or ongoing operations are associated with the Superga site itself, which remains primarily a religious and commemorative landmark.^[68]

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May 4, 2018 · Torino were the dominant force in Italy during and after world war two, Manchester United were standing astride the Football League in the late 1950s.
[32]
Grande Torino: The Legendary Team That Redefined Post-War ...
May 3, 2024 · Grande Torino dominated Italian football from 1945-1949, winning five consecutive Serie A titles with a style of relentless pressing and quick ...
[33]
Great Calcio Sides: Il Grande Torino | Forza Italian Football
May 4, 2015 · The tale of the wonderful Grande Torino team of the 1940s is one of the most triumphant and tragic in the long history of calcio in Italy.
[34]
Valentino Mazzola: the legendary leader of Il Grande Torino
Feb 25, 2016 · Mazzola, the iron man in that great Torino side, was a player decades ahead of his time; a superstar in Italy and the first pin-up boy of calcio.
[35]
Erbstein, Grande Torino and the Superga Air Disaster
May 3, 2015 · As many in the know have suggested, the legend of Il Grande Torino would not have been quite so “grande” without Ernő Egri Erbstein.
[36]
Grande Torino - Football Legends Database
Grande Torino dominated Italian football in the 1940s with a modern, balanced style, using the "Sistema" tactic, and were known for their offensive play.Missing: history | Show results with:history
[37]
The plane crash that killed Serie A's champions and their English ...
May 4, 2019 · The plane had collided with the back of the basilica wall, amid thick fog. Later it was concluded malfunctioning equipment must have led the ...Missing: path | Show results with:path
[38]
Accident Fiat G.212CP I-ELCE, Wednesday 4 May 1949
The causes were bad weather with low clouds, poor radio aids and an error in navigation.Missing: fog | Show results with:fog
[39]
The Superga Air Disaster - Remembering the Torino FC Plane Crash
Jan 7, 2025 · On a stormy afternoon of May 4, 1949, a Fiat G.212 aircraft crashed into the Superga hill near Turin, Italy, forever changing the landscape ...
[40]
Superga – A National Tragedy - The Pie at Night
May 4, 2016 · The causes of the crash were recorded as low clouds, poor radio aids and an error in navigation by a vastly experienced pilot, Pierluigi Meroni.
[41]
The plane crash that killed Serie A's champions and their English ...
May 4, 2019 · On the 70th anniversary of the tragedy, BBC Sport tells the story of the plane crash that killed Il Grande Torino, one of the greatest teams ...
[42]
The Superga Air Disaster | JAQUO Lifestyle Magazine
The plane crashed into a wall of the Basilica of Superga, a huge and imposing church in Turin. As they approached Turin, the weather was bad.Missing: eyewitness | Show results with:eyewitness
[43]
Other air tragedies in sport: US figure skating already suffered a ...
Jan 30, 2025 · Weather conditions and a navigational error were the causes of the accident, according to investigations by the Italian authorities.<|separator|>
[44]
Torino to Cronje - the worst air disasters in sport - ESPN
Nov 29, 2016 · ... crashed into a wall at the Basilica of Superga. The crash - caused by a mix of low visibility, high winds and a suspected faulty altimeter ...
[45]
https://www.gtt.to.it/cms/en/touristfacilities
[46]
Tourist services - GTT
The track is 3.100m long from Sassi to Superga climbing from 225 to 650 above sea level with an average slope of 13,5%. From Superga, visitors will enjoy a ...Missing: peak | Show results with:peak
[47]
The Sassi-Superga Tramway: History, Curiosities and Scenic Route
Its inauguration dates back to April 27, 1884, when it was designed to connect the Torinese district of Sassi with the Basilica of Superga. Initially, the ...
[48]
Cremagliera Tranvia da Sassi a Superga - GTT - Turismo Torino
This was a funicular railway built according to the Agudio system: the train was powered by a motor driving a steel cable that ran parallel to the track.Missing: peak | Show results with:peak
[49]
Tranvia da Borgo Sassi a Superga - Histouring
The total difference in height of 425 meters is exceeded with an average gradient of 13.5%, with peaks of 21% in the final stretch between Pian Gambino and the ...Missing: rack | Show results with:rack
[50]
Stazione tranvia a dentiera Torino-Superga (ex funicolare Sassi ...
il sistema Agudio: il trenino era mosso da un motore trainante una fune d'acciaio che scorreva parallelamente al binario su pulegge sistemate lungo il percorso.Missing: Ferrovia Abt 1932
[51]
La tranvia Sassi-Superga compie 140 anni - AUTOBUS Web
Dec 2, 2024 · La linea venne inaugurata come funicolare a vapore 140 anni fa – il 27 aprile del 1884 – e nel 1934 subì l'aggiornamento tecnico utilizzato ...Missing: Ferrovia | Show results with:Ferrovia<|control11|><|separator|>
[52]
Tramvia a dentiera a Torino - Aree protette Po piemontese
La storica tranvia a dentiera Sassi - Superga è unica in Italia nel suo genere. L'attuale servizio costituisce la prosecuzione di una tradizione ...
[53]
La Tranvia Sassi-Superga: la storica “Dentiera” di Torino
La Cremagliera, chiamata anche così dai torinesi, è stata poi completamente ristrutturata nel 2000 per permettere ai torinesi e ai turisti di godere al meglio ...Missing: Abt | Show results with:Abt
[54]
The Basilica of Superga in Turin - Cascina6B
Jun 25, 2024 · The Basilica of Superga is an iconic, rich in art and history, built after a vow, and a Baroque masterpiece with a view from its dome. It is a ...
[55]
superga-10132 traffic news for today - real-time road traffic
ViaMichelin provides details of incidents that may affect road traffic in Superga that include: road closures, lane restrictions, accidents, roadworks, weather, ...
[56]
Superga - Tranvia a Dentiera Sassi (2025) - Tripadvisor
Rating 4.2 (777) Many travelers recommend taking the unique rack railway or tram ride up the mountain, which is praised for its scenery and atmosphere. The on-site museum ...Missing: usage peak
[57]
Turin to Superga - 4 ways to travel via bus, line 79 funicular, taxi ...
The journey takes approximately 18 min. ... How far is it from Turin to Superga? The distance between Turin and Superga is 24 km.
[58]
How to Visit Superga Basilica – Your Guide to a Great Day Trip from ...
Aug 6, 2019 · Want to visit the grand Basilica Superga in Turin, Italy? This post will help you plan, from how to get there, to what to see, and when to go.
[59]
Opening hours - BASILICA DI SUPERGA
Visits to the Royal Tombs and the Royal Apartment are always accompanied in Italian and last 45 minutes. It's possible, for groups, to book accompanied tours in ...Missing: annual | Show results with:annual
[60]
Basilica di Superga - Italia.it
A treasure trove in Superga Hill Park. The Basilica of Superga is an architectural jewel within walking distance of Turin's historic centre.
[61]
Turin, Superga Basilica reopens to the public after a year of work
Nov 17, 2019 · After a year of restoration work, the Basilica of Superga is ready to reopen its doors to the public from today, November 17, 2019.
[62]
Memorandum of Understanding for the Basilica of Superga
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to launch the redevelopment process of the Basilica of Superga and to enhance its cultural and social value.Missing: materials sources
[63]
Dome Observatory of Basilica di Superga | —- / blog.vellut.com
Apr 19, 2020 · The Basilica also has a dome with an outside observatory that offers a great view on Turin and the Alps.
[64]
The Tragedy of Superga & Il Grande Torino: 75 Years On
May 13, 2024 · In fact, in the immediate aftermath of the crash, Pozzo appeared up at Superga, as if via supernatural teleportation, where, amidst the ...
[65]
Remembering the Superga Air Disaster, 75 Years Later - Urban Pitch
May 15, 2024 · Widely regarded as football's greatest tragedy, the 75th anniversary of the Superga air disaster was commemorated around the world, from Turin to Brooklyn.
[66]
Marking 75 years since the Superga air disaster on May 4, 1949 ...
May 2, 2024 · Marking 75 years since the Superga air disaster on May 4, 1949, Torino FC, alongside Joma, released a special jersey to honour the legendary "Great Torino" ...
[67]
Superga Basilica | TURIN - Torino
Rating 4.8 (468) On September 2 1706, Princes Vittorio Amedeo II and Eugenio of Savoy climbed the high hill to observe the position of the Franco-Spanish army that had been ...<|separator|>
[68]
WWII Italian First Infantry Division Superga
In October 1934, the First Military Territorial Division, located in Torino, assumed the name Superga as did the 1st Infantry Brigade. At this time, the 5th ...
[69]
The Basilica of Superga: A Journey into Spirituality and Faith
The Basilica of Superga is much more than a work of art or a historical monument: it is a sanctuary that gathers the essence of spirituality and faith. Every ...