Visit Avigliana
Avigliana is a town in a very scenic setting to the west of Turin in the Susa Valley.
The town is surrounded by lakes and high mountains and overlooked by the ruins of a 10th century castle. In the centre of the town, life revolves around the two main squares - each impressively surrounded by grand medieval houses.
Most visitors to Avigliana are also heading for the Sacra di San Michelle, the 10th century (and rather sombre) abbey complex 10km to the west, in a dramatic hill-top setting. Usually reached by the strenuous walk from Sant Ambrogio below the abbey, the walk and the abbey have some great views across the surrounding mountains and countryside.
The final approach to the sanctuary at the abbey is by way of 154 steps hacked out of the rock. Especially of note is the carved doorway at the top of this steep stairway, embellished with signs of the zodiac and other curious carvings and dating from the 12th century.