Susa

Susa lies where the Cenischia meets the Dora Riparia, at the foot of the Cottian Alps. Ancient Segusio was the capital of the peoples ruled by Cottius and later of the Roman province of Alpes Cottiae. Roman remains and medieval buildings recall its long role as a gateway between Italy and the western Alps.

The town formed part of the march of Turin and was an early mint of the counts of Savoy. In 1167 Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and Empress Beatrice were attacked at Susa; the emperor escaped in disguise, and he plundered the town in revenge in 1174. Roads through the valley continued to link Italy with lands to the west. During the Napoleonic era a new road, the Via Napoleonica, was built.