Alba: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Surrounded by vineyards, Alba is located in the Italian region of Piedmont. The small town is known as the city of 100 towers and enchants with its medieval old town. In the tranquil streets, small restaurants pamper visitors with regional specialties, including truffles, for which Alba is very famous.
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Alba - Must-see attractions
San Lorenzo Cathedral
In the Langhe region of Piedmont, Alba is also known as the city of 100 towers. One of them is the tall bell tower of the San Lorenzo Cathedral, which was built in the 15th century in the Gothic-Lombard style and is dedicated to Alba's patron saint. In addition to the striking red facade, the three naves are particularly worth seeing. Countless golden stars shine under a blue ceiling. Striped columns and the precious choir stalls also catch the eye. In the MUDI, the diocesan museum of the cathedral, you can admire the cathedral's treasure.
Cathedral Square
The Piazza del Duomo has always been a meeting place for those who enjoy life. Since the Gothic cathedral was expanded between the 12th and 15th centuries, the square in front of it has been the center of social life. People meet here at any time of day or night. The Piazza del Duomo is as majestic as the magnificent cathedral with its delicate pointed arches and artistic stained glass windows. It overlooks a wide square surrounded by historic buildings. Restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops join them.
Truffle market
The white truffles from Alba are world-famous. The idea of the truffle market goes back to the hotelier Giacomo Morra. Every year, he gifted the most beautiful truffle to a well-known personality, thereby making Alba a destination for connoisseurs. But not only the truffle market is worth seeing in Alba. Take a tour through the charming town and taste the sparkling wines from the Langhe. But that's not all: The confectionery manufacturer Ferrero is also based here.
Chocolate Museum
The Museo del Cioccolato di Silvio Bessone is a small private museum. It is connected to the in-house chocolate factory. Here, all lovers of sweet delicacies are in the right place to trace the journey of cocoa beans to finished chocolate. Immerse yourself in the history of cocoa as an important trade good. Learn interesting facts about cocoa cultivation in countries like Venezuela or Ecuador. Various artisanal equipment for chocolate production is also on display. A visit to the chocolate shop deliciously rounds off the visit.
Castle of Grinzane Cavour
The Castle of Grinzane Cavour probably dates back to the 13th century. Over the ages, it changed owners several times and is now a noble residence. The highlight inside the castle is the magnificent Hall of Masks with its detailed coffered ceiling. Do not miss the adjoining open-air museum in the vineyard, which brings you closer to viticulture in the Langhe region on 65 panels. In the wine cellar of the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, the first Barolo was bottled in 1844, today one of the most famous red wines of Italy.
Donkey Race
In the northwest of Italy, the donkey race Palio degli Asini in Alba is known far beyond Piedmont. Jockeys and their long-eared, stubborn mounts compete around the San Lorenzo Cathedral in duels for the prize of a large, intricately designed banner. There are two preliminary rounds and a final. The crazy race is accompanied by a large medieval festival with a colorful parade, daring costumes, and fanfare players. Already a day earlier, the competitors challenge each other in a historical reenactment of the donkey race.
Alba - Secret spots
Underground Alba – the city beneath the city
Beneath the lively streets and ancient squares of Alba, the history of the Italian city lives on. Located between the places Langhe and Montferrat in the Piedmont region, experienced archaeologists lead various themed routes to the ancient ruins, medieval towers, and Roman temples underground.
Rossetti Square
House facades in Mediterranean colors picturesquely frame Piazza Rossetti south of the vineyard landscape of Langhe and Monferrato. The scent of fresh fruits and vegetables fills the cobblestone square of the city of Alba on market day. During a break at the café, you enjoy the impressive view of the 45-meter-high bell tower of the cathedral.
The Archaeological Museum in Bologna
In the center of Bologna in the Italian region of Piedmont is the Archaeological Museum in the historic 15th-century Palazzo Galvani. In addition to numerous exhibits and collections, the renowned museum, located not far from the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Langhe and Monferrato, also houses Europe's most important Egyptian collection as well as the Nero statue discovered in 1513.
Regional Wine Shop of Barolo
Amidst the picturesque landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage region Langhe Monferrato, the winery Enoteca Regionale del Barolo sits atop a hill in Piedmont. Just a 20-minute drive southwest of the Italian town of Alba, you can visit the local wine museum in the cellars of the Barolo town castle or participate in tastings of wines from various vintages.
Alba - In 3 days
Day 1
First, explore your holiday destination, which boasts a settlement history spanning thousands of years. The fortifications date back to Roman times, as do the mosaics that adorn the floors of some buildings. The city center of Alba is characterized by medieval buildings as well as Renaissance palaces and the family towers typical of Northern Italy. It is also called the city of 100 towers. Discover sacred art of the 14th century in the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Also visit the Gothic-Lombard Cathedral of San Lorenzo, whose charm is enhanced by magnificent ceiling paintings. While having a cappuccino on the cathedral square, discover the Alba Sotterranea Ambiente & Cultura local museum. Here, you can delve into the underground and history of Alba under the expert multilingual guidance of archaeologists. The exhibition at the Federico-Eusebio Museum spans from prehistory to Roman times. There is also a natural history section. Afterwards, climb the bell tower of the Chiesa S. Giuseppe, from where Alba lies at your feet.
Day 2
The Torre di Barbaresco, located south of Alba, could be your destination for the first half of the day. The square structure has dominated the hill since the 14th century and was once a siege tower. You can easily reach the rooftop terrace, which offers a magnificent view of the blue shimmering Tanaro River, the surrounding vineyards, and the city of Alba, by elevator. If you choose to walk back down, information boards about winemaking in Piedmont await you on the tower floors. Or are you in the mood for a wine tasting? That is also possible here. If you are in Alba between May and January, dedicate the afternoon to regional cuisine and go on a hunt – for white and black truffles. The three-hour guided trip takes you into the forests around Alba, where specially trained dogs sniff out the coveted delicacies. Afterwards, there is a tasting.
Day 3
Less than 10 kilometers south of Alba, the Castello di Grinzane Cavour rises on a hill with its towering tower. The 11th-century castle, along with the vineyards of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The site owes its name to its former owner Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, who is considered the architect of the Italian constitution. The castle museum displays furniture from the mid-19th century, when he lived and worked here. Other rooms are dedicated to the famous Barbaresco and Barolo wines of Piedmont. The adjacent vineyard introduces you to the secrets of viticulture as an open-air museum. The tour is also fun for children. Back in Alba, take a walk along the Tanaro, lined with a promenade for 1 kilometer. Not only the playground excites the little ones: in a tunnel and under a grass-covered bridge, they experience adventures.