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Via Vittorio Emanuele, 12051 Alba CN, Italy (May 2022)
Alba
Alba is a picturesque town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, celebrated for its fine wines, white truffles, and charming medieval atmosphere. Situated in the heart of the Langhe hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alba is surrounded by rolling vineyards, hazelnut groves, and scenic countryside that together form one of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy. It is the capital of the Langhe area and serves as a cultural and gastronomic hub, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique blend of tradition, flavour, and hospitality.
The history of Alba dates back to ancient times. Originally founded as a Roman settlement known as Alba Pompeia, the town has preserved many traces of its past, including parts of the old city walls and Roman foundations that can still be seen beneath modern streets. During the Middle Ages, Alba flourished as a free commune, and many of its distinctive brick towers were built during that period, earning it the nickname “the city of a hundred towers.” Although only a few of these towers remain standing today, they continue to define Alba’s skyline and give the town its characteristic medieval charm.
The historic centre of Alba is a delightful maze of cobbled streets, elegant squares, and beautifully preserved buildings. Piazza Risorgimento, also known as Piazza Duomo, is the heart of the old town and home to the majestic Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a fine example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Nearby, visitors can explore artisan shops, cafes, and wine bars where local specialties are proudly displayed, from handcrafted chocolates and hazelnut products to bottles of Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the world’s most prestigious wines.
Alba is internationally renowned for its white truffle, considered one of the most exquisite delicacies in Italian cuisine. Each autumn, the town hosts the Alba International White Truffle Fair, an event that draws chefs, gourmets, and food lovers eager to experience the intoxicating aroma and flavour of this rare fungus. The festival transforms Alba into a lively celebration of regional culture, featuring markets, tastings, and culinary events.
Beyond gastronomy, Alba also offers a gateway to explore the surrounding Langhe region, with its picturesque vineyards, castles, and charming villages. The town combines historical depth, natural beauty, and world-class cuisine, making it an essential destination for anyone wishing to experience the authentic spirit of Piedmont and the richness of Italian life.
Worth a Visit
The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, located in the centre of Alba, a historic town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, stands as one of the most significant religious and architectural landmarks of the area. Also known as the Alba Cathedral, it is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a revered Christian martyr, and reflects centuries of spiritual devotion, artistic evolution, and civic pride. Positioned in Piazza Risorgimento, the cathedral dominates the central square with its imposing red-brick façade and its blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements, making it a central feature of Alba’s historic and cultural identity.
Piazza Elvio Pertinace forms one of the vibrant cores of historic Alba, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Named in honour of Publius Helvius Pertinax, the Roman Emperor born in Alba in AD 126 who reigned briefly in 193 before his assassination, the square features a bust of Pertinax at its centre, a tangible tribute to the city’s ancient heritage. Surrounding the piazza are distinctive medieval structures such as Casa‑torre Marro (also known as Palazzo Marro) and the Riva tower-house, which evoke Alba’s architectural legacy. Palazzo Marro, dating from the 13th–14th centuries, was constructed atop the podium of an earlier Roman temple, whose remains remain visible at the building’s foundation and were revealed during late‑19th‑century renovation works that expanded the piazza.
Piazza Rossetti is one of the most elegant and vibrant squares in Alba, located in the heart of the historic centre of this charming Piedmontese town. Surrounded by beautiful buildings and lively cafes, it captures the essence of Alba’s welcoming atmosphere and refined style. The square is named after Giovanni Rossetti, an important local figure, and serves as a key meeting point for residents and visitors alike. Its spacious layout and graceful architecture make it an ideal spot to pause and enjoy the rhythm of local life. Piazza Rossetti is also closely connected to Alba’s cultural and gastronomic traditions, especially during the famous White Truffle Fair, when the area comes alive with market stalls, music, and the aroma of local delicacies. Whether for a morning coffee, an evening stroll, or a festive event, Piazza Rossetti reflects the timeless charm of Alba.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Corso Fratelli Bandiera to Piazza S. Francesco D’Assisi
Approximately 1.17 km – 0.73 miles
The walk starts in – Corso Fratelli Bandiera – Via Pietrino Belli – Vicolo del Pozzo – Walk back along Vicolo del Pozzo to Via Pietrino Belli – Via Vittorio Emanuele – Piazza Duomo – Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Via Vida, Piazza Duomo – Piazza Duomo – Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour – Piazza S. Francesco D’Assisi
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Piazza Elvio Pertinace to Piazzetta Giovanni Falcone
Approximately 1.15 km – 0.71 miles
The walk starts in – Piazza Elvio Pertinace – Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giovanni Battista, Piazza Elvio Pertinace – Piazza Elvio Pertinace – Via Elvio Pertinace – Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour – Piazza Rossetti – Via Acqui – Piazza Monsignor Luigi Grassi – Via Mons M. Gerolamo Vida – Via Vida – Via Antonio Coppa – Via Teobaldo Calissano – Via Mandelli – Piazzetta Giovanni Falcone
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