Piemonte: Alba

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Truffles and fine wine……Alba, a medieval town in the hills of the the lower Langhe is famous for both of these fine things. The town is ancient and has a pretty medieval center. The Gothic Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (15^th century) is in the Piazza del Risorgimento. The bell tower is from the original 12^th century church (the duomo was built upon this old church). Inside, there are wooden choir stalls with pretty inlay work (colorful). The Chiesa di San Domenico (13^th century) is an elegant Gothic church. The rose window here is especially pretty and so are the frescoes inside. The main street in town is the Via Vittorio Emanuele II (a pedestrian zone). You’ll find several elegant palazzi on this street: Palazzo Serralunga, Palazzo Bella and the Casa Fontana. There are noble towers named: Sineo, Astesiano, Bonino and Mozza (all about family and wealth). Six miles outside of town is the Cinzano Museo del Bicchiere (Cinzano’s factory is right nearby too) – go ahead imbibe! The Piazza Savona is great for a rest, a drink, a bite to eat – and great for people watching. Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday are Market days in Alba.