Alba Piedmont: White Truffles, Barolo Wines & Timeless Flavors
Discover Alba Piedmont: white truffle capital of Italy, Barolo wine tours, nearby La Morra, and authentic local dishes.
PIEMONTE
Nestled in the heart of the Langhe hills, Alba Piedmont is a town that smells of truffle and tastes of wine. Known worldwide as the home of the white Alba truffle, it blends medieval charm, Baroque churches, and gourmet traditions. If you’re looking for the authentic Italian mix of food, wine, and countryside, Alba is where your senses awaken.
Region & Province / Nearest City
Region: Piedmont (Piemonte)
Province: Cuneo
Nearest city: Turin (approx. 60 km, 1 hour by car/train)
Alba Italy Attractions
Piazza Duomo: home to the cathedral of San Lorenzo, a Gothic gem with red-brick arches.
Via Vittorio Emanuele (Via Maestra): main street lined with boutiques, wine shops, and cafés.
Alba White Truffle Fair: held each autumn (October–November), it draws gourmands worldwide.
Medieval Towers: the skyline is dotted with red-brick towers from Alba’s medieval rivalries.
Address & Distance from Major City
Alba city center: Piazza Duomo, 12051 Alba (CN)
From Turin: ~60 km by car or train (around 1 hour)
Coordinates: 44.697° N, 8.034° E
How to Get There
By car
From Turin, take the A6 motorway toward Asti, then local roads into Alba. Driving gives you the freedom to explore surrounding vineyards.
By public transport
From Turin Porta Nuova station, regional trains connect to Alba in just over an hour.
Accessibility
The old town has cobblestone streets but is mostly flat. Many restaurants and wine bars are accessible, though medieval towers have steep climbs.
What Makes Alba Piedmont Unique
Alba is the gastronomic heart of Piedmont—where truffle hunters, winemakers, and chefs converge. Every autumn, the white Alba truffle season transforms the town into a global stage for food lovers. Add UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes and centuries of history, and you get an experience that feels both local and universal.
History & Traditions
In the Middle Ages, Alba was known as the “City of a Hundred Towers.”
It became a hub for truffle trading, its reputation spreading worldwide in the 20th century.
The white Alba truffle is celebrated with markets, fairs, and auctions where prices soar.
Family-run osterie preserve age-old recipes, from handmade pasta to slow-braised meats.
Best Things to Do in Alba Piedmont
Join a truffle hunt: guided walks with trained dogs in the Langhe woods.
Visit wine cellars: sip Barolo and Barbaresco in surrounding villages.
Shop hazelnut products: the famous Tonda Gentile hazelnut is the secret behind local desserts (and Nutella was born here!).
Stroll medieval lanes: soak in towers, churches, and porticoed piazzas.
Attend the Alba White Truffle Fair: a once-in-a-lifetime gourmet pilgrimage.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (Oct–Nov): truffle season + harvest festivals.
Spring (Apr–Jun): green hills and fewer crowds.
September: wine harvest atmosphere in the Langhe.
What to Eat & Where to Stay
Typical Dishes of Alba Piedmont:
Carne all’Albese: raw veal carpaccio seasoned with olive oil and lemon.
Tajarin al Tartufo: fresh egg pasta topped with white Alba truffle.
Ravioli del Plin: tiny stuffed ravioli pinched closed by hand.
Brasato al Barolo: beef slow-braised in Barolo wine.
Vitello Tonnato: veal with creamy tuna-caper sauce.
Bunet: chocolate pudding with amaretti.
Torta di Nocciole: hazelnut cake made with local nuts.
Stay:
Boutique hotels in Alba’s historic center.
Agriturismi (farm stays) surrounded by vineyards.
Luxury wine resorts in the Langhe hills.
Day Trips / Nearby Attractions
Barolo: iconic wine village, home to Barolo Wine Museum (WiMu) and historic cellars.
La Morra: hilltop village with panoramic views over rolling vineyards.
Barbaresco: another world-class wine town with its medieval tower.
Turin: elegant piazzas, royal palaces, and world-class museums.
FAQ About Alba Piedmont
What is Alba Piedmont famous for?
For the white Alba truffle, Barolo wines, and medieval towers.When is the Alba White Truffle Fair?
Every October–November, featuring markets, tastings, and auctions.How do I get to Alba Italy from Turin?
By car (~1 hr) or regional train (~1 hr 15 min).What dishes should I try in Alba Piedmont?
Carne all’Albese, Tajarin al Tartufo, Ravioli del Plin, Brasato al Barolo, Vitello Tonnato, Bunet, and Torta di Nocciole.What are the best day trips from Alba?
Barolo, La Morra, Barbaresco, and Turin.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Alba Piedmont means more than visiting a town—it’s a sensory journey through flavors, history, and landscapes. From the fragrance of the white Alba truffle to the deep taste of Barolo wine, from medieval towers to panoramic vineyard views, Alba is the ultimate gateway to Piedmont’s treasures.