Susa, Piedmont

Susa

Comune

Città di Susa

Coat of arms

Susa

Location of Susa in Italy

Coordinates: 45°08′N 07°03′E / 45.133°N 7.050°E

Country

Turin (TO)

Frazioni

Castelpietra, Coldimosso, San Giuliano, Traduerivi

Government

• Mayor

Gemma Amprino

Area

• Total

11.26 km² (4.35 sq mi)

Elevation

503 m (1,650 ft)

Population (30 September 2010)

• Total

6,743

• Density

600/km² (1,600/sq mi)

Demonym

Segusini

Time zone

CET (UTC+1)

• Summer (DST)

CEST (UTC+2)

Postal code

10059

Dialing code

0122

Patron saint

St. Mary of the Snow

Saint day

August 5

Website

Official website

Susa (Latin: Segusio) is a city and comune in Piedmont, Italy. In the middle of Susa Valley, it is situated on at the confluence of the Cenischia with the Dora Riparia, a tributary of the Po River, at the foot of the Cottian Alps, 51 km (32 mi) west of Turin.

History

Susa (Latin: Segusio) was founded by the Gauls. In the late 1st century BC it became voluntarily part of the Roman Empire. Remains of the Roman city have been found in the excavations of the central square, the Piazza Savoia. Susa was the capital of the province of Alpes Cottiae . According to the medieval historian Rodulfus Glaber, Susa was "the oldest of Alpine towns".

In the Middle and Modern ages Susa remained important as a hub of roads connecting southern France to Italy. Taking part of the county or march of Turin (sometimes "march of Susa"), the city gave his name also to Adelaide countess, called "of Susa". House of Savoy, marrying Adelaide, based his growing power on the control of this land, linked to France by near Mount Cenis pass. Henry of Segusio, usually called Hostiensis, (c. 1200 – 1271) an Italian canonist of the thirteenth century, was born in the city. During the Napoleonic era a new road, the Via Napoleonica, was built. The city's role as a communications hub has been confirmed recently by a nationwide dispute over the construction of the proposed Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link (TAV) to France.

Main sights

Susa Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale di San Giusto) (1029).
The triumphal Arch of Augustus, erected by a Romanized Sugusian chief to Augustus in 8 BC.
The Roman Amphitheater.
Castle of Marquise Adelaide.
Archaeological area of Piazza Savoia.