Alba
Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont, in the Province of Cuneo in north-west Italy. It is one of the principal towns of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, and is renowned worldwide for its white truffle and its wines. The town joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in October 2017.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic town and comune
- Period
- Roman origins; medieval and later development
- Style
- Medieval town fabric within the Langhe wine landscape
- Location
- Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Overview
Alba sits at the heart of the Langhe hills, a landscape of vineyards that earned UNESCO World Heritage status. It is one of the main cities of that designated area. The confectionery group Ferrero, maker of internationally known products, is based in the town.
History
Alba has Roman origins and developed through the medieval period into a notable centre of the Langhe. Its long agricultural tradition shaped the surrounding vineyard landscape that is now protected by UNESCO. In the modern era the town became a hub of Italian food production, anchored by the Ferrero company.
What you see
The historic centre preserves a compact medieval street pattern. Surrounding the town spread the terraced vineyards of the Langhe, the defining feature of the World Heritage landscape. The setting links the urban core directly to the cultivated hills that have made Alba famous.
Cultural significance
Alba is celebrated for its white truffle and for wines produced in the surrounding Langhe. As one of the lead towns of the UNESCO Vineyard Landscape and a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, it holds a recognised place in Italy’s cultural and gastronomic heritage.
Practical information
Alba is a year-round destination, with its truffle season drawing visitors in autumn. Opening hours of individual sites vary. Check the official town website for current information.
Getting there
Alba is reached by road from Turin and is served by regional rail connections within Piedmont. The town lies within easy driving distance of the wider Langhe-Roero and Monferrato wine country.