This medieval town in Piedmont is the center of Italy's white truffle trade, surrounded by vineyards and hills. Its Baroque churches and wine cellars draw visitors throughout the year.
Alba sits in Italy's Piedmont region, where medieval towers rise above narrow cobblestone streets and Roman gates mark the entrances to the old town. In autumn, the surrounding woods fill with truffle hunters and their dogs searching for the prized white truffles. The Langhe valley's vineyards produce world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines, while in town, the aroma of chocolate wafts from the Ferrero factory, birthplace of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher.
Getting to Alba
You can reach Alba by car in one hour from Turin or two hours from Milan. Regular trains run from Turin's Porta Nuova station, taking about 90 minutes. The town's compact center makes it easy to explore on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of the main square, Piazza Risorgimento.
Medieval Architecture
The nickname "City of Hundred Towers" comes from the 14th and 15th-century towers that once dominated Alba's skyline. Today, you can see about a dozen towers in the old town, including the bell tower of the San Lorenzo Cathedral. The red brick cathedral, dating from 1486, combines Gothic and Romanesque elements. Walk into the Church of San Domenico to see religious artworks from the 13th century.
White Truffles and Local Food
From late September to early December, you can join guided truffle hunting experiences with local hunters and their trained dogs in the woods around Alba. The International White Truffle Fair runs every weekend in October and November, where you can watch cooking demonstrations and buy truffles directly from local vendors. Try traditional Piedmontese dishes in local restaurants, such as egg-rich tajarin pasta and thinly sliced vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce).
Wine Region
More than 290 wineries spread across 700 hectares of hills around Alba. You can taste DOC and DOCG wines including Barbaresco, Barolo, and Moscato. Visit Cantina Fontanafredda to explore its underground cellars and see the former residence of King Vittorio Emanuele II. In April, the Vinum festival brings together winemakers from across the region, letting you sample dozens of local wines in one location.
Seasonal Events
Join locals at Alba's year-round festivals and events. Watch the Palio degli Asini (donkey race) in October, a humorous take on neighboring Asti's horse race. Every Saturday morning, local farmers set up stalls in the town center, selling seasonal produce and regional specialties like cheese, honey, and hazelnuts.
