WHAT'S TO SEE & DO IN PIEDMONT?About Piedmont (Piemonte) Piedmont may not be the most well known region of Italy but it has so much to offer at so many levels; its many natural beauties, its traditional wineries... Located in the very North-Western corner of Italy, bordered by France, Switzerland, Liguria Lombardy and Valle d’Aosta, its name suggests it lies at the foot of the Alps. Its proximity to and strong links with France means that even today various French dialects are still spoken in the more remote valleys. The region boasts the source of the majestic Po River, as well as a number of other large Alpine rivers which flow through a series of pretty valleys. Piedmont's tasty south is capable of bringing out the bon viveur in anyone. A mecca for professional gourmets and enthusiastic amateurs, it's an area that undertands the good things in life. Noble red wines and sparkling white wines, hazelnuts, precious white truffles and earthy mushrooms are among the gastronomic treasures that are proudly dished up. Much of the wine is produced in the relatively unexplored hills of the Langhe, around the fascinating toown of Alba. An area of green and rolling beauty, it recalls Tuscany's curvaceous countryside. Carpeted with vines, the landscape is peppered with medieval hill-top towns, many of which boast imperious castles. Touring the hills, visiting the castles and tasting the wine are not a bad way of passing your time. From the gentle peaks of the wine-rich slopes head southwest to the imposing heights of the Alps. Numerous valleys slice through mountains providing fertile opportunities for fun-seekers. In winter skiers don salopettes and head up to the popular resorts, while in the warmer months the valleys buzz with the hum of hikers, cyclists, climbers and canoeists. There are caves to explore and striking churches to discover, national parks to tour and thermal baths to enjoy; you can even trek to the source of Italy's longest river, the mighty Po. Piedmont's most important city, Turin, is a major city, the fourth largest in Italy; it is thoroughly modern, exciting and cosmopolitan. Dramatic, Baroque, and awash with in fine buildings, this central area extended to outlying neighbourhoods with varied and dignified nineteenth-century construction, with large piazzas, and broad boulevards. The village of Prunetto This quiet little village has alot to offer:
View Larger Map Nearby towns and villages Alba is also the home of Ferrero who produce the famous Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella, Tic Tac and many other delights and as such are very substantial employers in the area. It's estimated that they employ 4000 people from the town alone. 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 dress up as elegant 13th century noblemen or high spirited scruffy commoners. They parade throughout the streets of Alba and then loudly support the donkey running for their district. Try to get there early as parking can be difficult. Alba has a very substantial market which runs throughout the town every Saturday morning and is well worth a visit. Here you will find various stalls selling clothes etc and fine selection of local fresh food. The town is also home to many fine churches, 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 approx 32,000. Barolo Barolo castle, built in the 10th century is located in the heart of the village and was owned by the Marquises Falletti family between the 13th and 19th century.Today it houses the Regional Enoteca for Barolo wine and here tourists can sample and purchase the wines produced in the area. Eleven villages lie within the Barolo wine growing area ( Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Cherasco, Diano, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte, Novello, Roddi, Serralunga and Verduno), and are all located to the south of Alba. Barolo is situated 304 metres above sea level and has a population of approximately 700. AstiAsti is well known for its sparkling wines which include Asti Spumante and Moscato d' Asti all produced from the Moscato grape. Asti is also home to a number of wonderful churches, cathedrals and also hosts a large market which is held in the main square. The town itself has not really been affected by tourism and has much to offer those who visit. Things to see and do in Asti: Savona Left from Savona (Genoa direction) you come across some very famous sophisticated resorts such as Santa Margharita and Portofino. These resorts tend to be more expensive but are well worth visiting. |
