Piemonte Italy > Cuneo > Alba

Alba’s history goes back several thousand years with evidence dating it to the Stone Age. The area was inhabited by the Ligurians who invaded the area five centuries before Christ. The arrival of the Romans placed a distinct Latin influence on the area and the town became a significant trading centre along the river Tanaro and an eight sided parameter wall was erected giving the old part of the town the shape still seen today.

Today Alba, the natural capital of the Langhe,is a chic sophisticated town with Via Maestra being the home of many high class shopping establishments. Alba’s popularity as a town contributes to the ever increasing price of property in the area.

Alba is also the home of Ferrero who produce the famous Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella, Tic Tac and many other delights and as such is very substantial employer in the area, it is estimated that they employ 4000 people from the town alone.

A wine festival "Vinum" takes place during the end of April and Alba transforms itself into a platform for wine makers to display their products on many stands. Each visitor buys a ticket and receives a wine glass which is used to sample the wines on display. There is approximately 200 companies represented at this event.

Autumn is a fun time to visit Alba, packed with events, markets, exhibitions, concerts and folklore to entertain the locals and tourists alike.
  
During October, Alba is host to the world famous Truffle ( tartufu ) festival that attracts tourists from all over the world and the rich aroma of truffles is ever present due to the various stalls trading in this sought after commodity.

The Donkey Palio – the first Sunday in October sees local Italians “Albesi” dress up as elegant 13th century noblemen or high spirited scruffy commoners, they parade through the streets then loudly support the donkey running for their district.

Alba has a very substantial market which runs throughout the town every Saturday morning, well worth a visit, you will find various stalls selling clothes, food and other such items.

Many beautiful old churches exist in the town with the most famous including the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Church of San Giuseppe and the Church of Santa Caterina.

Alba is situated 172 metres above sea level and has a population of approximately 32,000

Distances to:

Savona ( Ligurian Coast) 105km - 85mins

Genova 143km - 104mins

Milano 151km - 107mins

Torino 74km - 66mins

Asti 30km - 35mins

Ski Resort (Frabosa) 67km - 77mins