Meana di Susa: Trails, hamlets and history

Meana di Susa is best explored through its hamlets, walking trails and historic buildings. Local routes pass through forests and by springs, or lead to individual cultural sites. The different types of trails, the history of its buildings and how to get there by rail or road can also help with planning your trip.

Trails between hamlets and mountain routes

Walking trails from Meana’s hamlets pass through forests and by springs. Paths between the hamlets run along lanes and easy, shady roads. They make it possible to visit the villages and discover traces of a bygone way of life in the landscape, architecture and local traditions. A local walking trail runs along the Forra delle Combe.

From Borgata Assiere, a steep path leads to the Chapel of San Michele, which stands on a rocky outcrop. The chapel is perched on a rise with sweeping panoramic views. The Sentiero dei Franchi follows a different route: this hillside path was once a mule track, but is now difficult to walk. It passes several hamlets, descends from the Assiere area and joins the road to Colle delle Finestre. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Meana di Susa also offers high-altitude excursions for hiking enthusiasts and experienced hikers, such as routes to Assietta and Colle delle Finestre. Another old mule track starts in Borgata Traverse and leads via Lengaplusa to Colle delle Finestre. The different starting points and route descriptions can help you narrow down your planned route.

Percorso 3V adds a moderately difficult mountain bike route through mountainous terrain to the hiking trails. It passes through several municipalities, including Meana di Susa; after a stretch through chestnut groves, the route reaches Borgata Assiere. Cycling conditions may vary by season, so check them before your ride.

Buildings and local traditions

The Torre delle Combe is in Suffis-Combe, a hamlet of Campo del Carro. The old tower has a square ground plan and a military appearance; it probably served as a signal tower rather than as part of a defensive structure. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta dates from the 11th century and was largely rebuilt in the 18th century. Part of its Romanesque bell tower has been preserved.

An old building, probably a place of worship, stands in Borgata Sarette. A bifora, or twin-arched window, made of worked stone is still visible there. The hamlet of Suffis is home to the remains of the castle of the Ripa di Meana, the former feudal lords of the area. The Casaforte di Meana is a sturdy building with a square ground plan, rising over three levels and crowned by a crenellated wall-walk. The old Ponte delle streghe is linked to legends about Sursiere and Sursia, witches and sorcerers of times past.

The traditional feast of San Costanzo takes place on the Sunday closest to September 18. The celebration includes a procession and the traditional “branc” dance. Check the local programme for the relevant year. The nearby Chapel of San Costanzo is outside Meana, in the Susa area, on a hill beside the road from Bassa Meana, and is dedicated to Meana’s patron saint. It is part of the Diocese of Susa’s “Chiese a porte aperte” visitor network. For participating sites, the network lists year-round access by reservation from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with automated opening and interpretation. Check the current information about the chapel before visiting.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

Meana di Susa has a railway station on the Turin–Modane line; check the timetable before travelling. By car, the town is connected to the A32 Turin–Bardonecchia motorway via the Susa Est exit, 4 km away. There is also a connection to the SS24 del Monginevro state road via a turnoff to provincial road 172.

If you are looking for a hotel in Meana di Susa, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: would you like to explore the trails between hamlets and cultural sites, or plan your journey by rail or road? Then compare the location and availability of the specific hotel offer.

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