Things to Do in Alba Piedmont Italy - Travel Guide & Information

This description page of Alba in the Italian region of Piedmont Italy, will guide you in planning your trip to Italy and help you to find useful travel information about the Things to Do in this Italian Region.

Events

Alba is an epicurean dream come true! The city itself beckons you with beautiful buildings, fine dining and a charming landscape. Alba was once known as a city of 100 towers, reflecting its wealth and position. As you tour this charming town, you'll find many examples incorporated into living spaces, office buildings and shops. Throughout the year, history, music and food are celebrated in festivals, giving you the opportunity to savor flavors new and old, the best musicians in the world and recreations of past events.

Duomo of San Lorenzo: The Cathedral of St. Lawrence is dedicated to the martyred bishop of Rome, who was roasted over hot coals. He is reported to have told his executioners to turn him over, as he was done on that side. This jest led to him being the patron saint of chefs, and an ideal candidate for the patron of Alba's cathedral. Originally constructed in the 12th century, the building has gone through extensive renovations throughout the years. As you tour the outside of the building be on the look out for representations for the man, bull, lion and eagle representing Christ in the four gospels, as well as the statue of Lawrence on the church's facade holding a replica of a Roman griddle used to roast food.

F. Eusebio Municipal Museum of Archaeology and Natural Science- This fascinating museum is dedicated to the archaeological finds from the area, including 2000 items from the Neolithic and Roman eras. It also has sections dedicated to the region's zoology and geology, with fossils and mineral samples.

Palazzo Comunale- Two beautiful treasures of art can be found on the walls of the city council chamber- a 16th century portrait of the Virgin by Macrino d'Alba and Concertino by Mattia Preti.

Festivals and Markets:

Saturday Market- Every Saturday, the Market opens for business in Alba. Local merchants, farmers and vintners bring their products from around the region to this bustling open air market. You can find truffles, salamis, cheeses, wines, breads and regional artisan products for sale

Alba International Film Festival- This fun film festival showcases a series of first run and repertory films, based on actors, locations or theme. Held during the latter half of March, this could be an interesting way to rub elbows with the Italian film community.

Vinum- This wine and music festival is held throughout weekends in April. You purchase a wine glass, and use it sample to sample wines from over 200 producers, in addition to enjoying culinary tastings, and the Wine and Jazz nights.

Alba Music Festival- In May, June and July, the Alba music festival partners with St. Mary's College in Maryland to present world renowned performers in exciting venues. Ranging from ancient churches to resplendent auditoriums, these free concerts are open to all.

Fiera Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco d'Alba- The International White Truffle Fair of Alba is held in October every year, and is the best known of the local festivals. The streets of Alba struggle to contain the vast numbers of vendors selling truffles and truffle products, including flavored oils and vinegars, condiments and pastes. You can also expect to see Italian celebrities and actors, musical production numbers and historical reenactments.


Palio Degli Asini- In October, hooves beat the pavement of Alba's city center, as crowds roar for the winner of this historical contest. Civic pride is at stake, as donkeys race for the honor of each district in the city.

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