Highlights
The Monte's secret: see Turin as you have never seen it before
On clear winter and spring days, from the terrace of Monte dei Cappuccini you can admire a breathtaking spectacle: the entire crown of the Western Alps stands out sharply on the horizon, from Monviso to Monte Rosa, with Turin in the foreground stretched out at the foot of the hill like a living map.
Not many European capitals can offer a similar scenery just minutes from their historic centre, and this makes Monte dei Cappuccini one of the most photographed and beloved places in the city.
The Church of Santa Maria del… Monte was built between 1583 and 1656 to a design by the architect Ascanio Vitozzi, the same who worked on the Basilica di Superga and other important Turin works. The sober facade and intimate interior reflect the austere spirit of the Capuchin friars, but there is no shortage of artworks of remarkable value: frescoes, canvases and sculptures that tell of the Marian devotion that has animated this place for over four centuries. The interior houses a precious statue of the Madonna venerated by the faithful since the early years of the convent, and the side chapels preserve works of the Piedmontese school of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The adjoining convent, still inhabited by the friars, helps to keep alive the atmosphere of spiritual recollection that makes this place different from any other panoramic point in the city. Visiting the church means immersing oneself in a more intimate and silent Turin, far from mass tourism.
The Museo Nazionale della Montagna
Inside the convent complex is the seat of the Museo Nazionale della Montagna Duca degli Abruzzi, founded in 1874 by the Italian Alpine Club and considered one of the most important museums dedicated to the mountain in the world.
Its collections document the history of Italian and international mountaineering through photographs, period equipment, geographical maps, works of art and historical films of extraordinary documentary value.
The view: the most beautiful sight of Turin
If there is a reason why every Turin resident takes their guests to Monte dei Cappuccini, it is the panorama you can enjoy from its natural terrace.
The hill rises about 60 metres above the level of the Po, offering a privileged observation point over the historic centre, the bridges crossing the river, the Superga hill and the entire alpine belt that embraces the Piedmont plain.
At sunset, the raking light tinges Turin's rooftops with warm and unforgettable colours.
The hill takes its name from the Capuchin friars who settled here in the 16th century, building the convent and church dedicated to Santa Maria del Monte. Today Monte dei Cappuccini also houses the National Mountain Museum, run by the Italian Alpine Club, turning this hill into a meeting place between devotion, nature and Alpine culture.
Related experiences
The Church of Santa Maria del Monte
The Church of Santa Maria del Monte was built between 1583 and 1656 to a design by architect Ascanio Vitozzi, who also worked on the Basilica of Superga and other important Turin works. The sober façade and intimate interior reflect the austere spirit of the Capuchin friars, but artworks of considerable value are not lacking: frescoes, canvases and sculptures recount the Marian devotion that has animated this place for over four centuries.
The interior houses a precious statue of the Madonna venerated by the faithful since the convent's earliest years, and the side chapels preserve works of the 17th- and 18th-century Piedmontese school. The adjoining convent, still inhabited by friars, helps maintain the atmosphere of spiritual reflection that makes this place different from any other panoramic point in the city.
The National Mountain Museum
Inside the convent complex sits the National Mountain Museum Duca degli Abruzzi, founded in 1874 by the Italian Alpine Club and considered one of the world's most important museums dedicated to the mountains. Its collections document the history of Italian and international mountaineering through photographs, period equipment, maps, artworks and historic films of extraordinary documentary value.
The museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions exploring the relationship between humans and mountains in all its dimensions: sporting, scientific, artistic and anthropological. Among the most famous pieces are original photographs from the great Himalayan expeditions and materials linked to the achievements of the Duca degli Abruzzi, world-renowned explorer and mountaineer.
The museum also offers educational workshops for schools and cultural activities for families and adults, making Monte dei Cappuccini a living, ever-evolving cultural hub. The specialised mountain library, with thousands of rare volumes and periodicals, is accessible to scholars and enthusiasts.
The view: Turin's most beautiful panorama
If there's one reason every Torinese brings their guests up to Monte dei Cappuccini, it is the panorama you enjoy from its natural terrace. The hill rises about 60 metres above the level of the Po, offering a privileged vantage point over the historic centre, the bridges crossing the river, the hill of Superga and the entire Alpine belt embracing the Piedmontese plain. At sunset, raking light tints Turin's rooftops in unforgettable warm hues.
The path leading to the top is pleasant and accessible, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and centuries-old trees that offer shade and coolness in summer. Along the climb are benches and rest areas inviting you to slow down and enjoy the view as it gradually opens up. It is one of the few places in Turin where you can completely detach from the city rhythm while still in the heart of the city.
Monte dei Cappuccini is also the ideal starting point for a walk along the Viali della Collina torinese, the system of parks and green paths connecting the right bank of the Po up to the Gran Madre and beyond.
The hill's secret: see Turin like never before
On clear winter and spring days, from the Monte dei Cappuccini terrace you can admire a breathtaking spectacle: the entire crown of the Western Alps stands out sharply on the horizon, from Monviso to Monte Rosa, with Turin in the foreground stretching at the foot of the hill like a living map. Not many European capitals can offer such a scene just minutes from the historic centre.
Insider tip: climb up at sunset in the autumn months, when the haze thins out and the golden light of the descending sun creates a magical atmosphere. Bring a camera, but also allow yourself a few screen-free minutes to absorb the beauty of this place with all your senses. Turin, seen from here, reveals a grandeur impossible to imagine from the plain.