Skip to content
Enjoy Piedmont
  • eBook
    • Do it yourself TURIN eBook – The guide for independent travelers
    • Checkout
    • Purchase History
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Why Piedmont?
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • English
    • English
    • Italiano
View from the Tower of Barbaresco - Featured Image
Alba and Barbaresco: Walking and Tasting the Rich History

Alba and Barbaresco: Walking and Tasting the Rich History

Elisabetta

Waiting for the curtain to open again on this grand occasion, the International White Truffle Fair of Alba (from 5 October to 24 November), today I’ll accompany you to discover this beautiful and elegant town just a bit more than an hour outside of Turin.

On the route between Turin and Alba, if you avoid the motorway, you will have the opportunity to observe a panorama that from being flat and a bit monotonous, rises and colours: you are in the hills of the Langhe, of which Alba was since the Middle Ages the most flourishing city. Even today we can breathe in the town the prosperity brought by a diversified and market competitive industrial base and a lively and successful spirit of entrepreneurship. It is no coincidence that Alba, besides being known for its white truffles, is the city of Ferrero, of which we all know Nutella, Rocher, and Kinder eggs, just to mention the most famous products. And it is no coincidence that right here there is the only restaurant in the whole region to have 3 Michelin stars (Restaurant Piazza Duomo).

Hills of the Langhe
Hills of the Langhe

The exceptional prosperity of the city during the Medieval period is striking even today. Simply by walking in its historic centre: you can see numerous towers and facades of buildings in which refined terracotta decorations testify to the presence in the city centre of many noble and high-class families. We start from Risorgimento Square (Piazza Risorgimento), which is overlooked by the beautiful and imposing Cathedral dedicated to Saint Lawrence. Today it has a neo-Gothic facade built during the nineteenth-century restoration but has kept the three portals of the original Romanesque church. Inside, the conservative restoration allows you to see, in the right aisle, the remains of the fifth-century baptismal font, testimony to the early Christian foundation of the building, on which the current church was erected in the 15th century.

Cathedral of Saint Lawrence (Duomo of Alba)
Cathedral of Saint Lawrence (Duomo of Alba)
Cathedral of Saint Lawrence (Duomo of Alba) - internal
Cathedral of Saint Lawrence (Duomo of Alba) – internal

On the same square there is also the City Hall (Palazzo Comunale), the historic seat of the city government since the Middle Ages, and in turn, erected in the area of ​​the Roman forum.

City Hall - Alba
City Hall – Alba

A few steps away, you reach Pertinace Square (Piazza Pertinace), the square dedicated to a citizen of Alba who, for a few months, was Roman emperor (it seems that they took away his position when they realized that Pertinace was too honest, incorruptible and therefore not very suitable for the role…). On this square, there are two very interesting medieval buildings: the Riva tower-house with refined decorations and Marro Palace (Palazzo Marro), a fortified house with high defensive walls, decorated only in the upper part with marvellous arches. During the nineteenth-century reconstruction of the square, it was discovered that the Marro house was built on the remains of a Roman Temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, today partially visible right in front of the facade of the fortress-house.

Marro Palace and Pertinace Square
Marro Palace in Pertinace Square

If you go a little bit deeper into the narrow and winding streets, further evidence of the city’s medieval past, you will find nearby the ideal place where to undertake the second part of your exploration of Alba: the food and wine experience! It’s called the Tavern of the Dreamers (Osteria dei Sognatori), it’s small, cute and conveys authenticity at first sight. We found it by chance. Walking around during lunchtime, I happened to see two large trays full of delicious fresh pasta coming out of a pasta factory, crossing the street and entering this restaurant. Yes, this is the place where we want to eat! Traditional Piedmontese dishes – carne cruda (raw meat), acciughe al verde (senza aglio) (green anchovies (without garlic)), vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce), fiore di zucchina in pastella (zucchini flowers in batter), tajarin al ragù (tajarin pasta with meat sauce), plin burro e salvia  (plin ravioli with butter and sage), pesche con amaretti al cioccolato (peaches with chocolate macaroons) – cooked as they once were and with genuine ingredients that made to go back to when I was a child and was having family lunches with my grandmother, mother and aunt in the kitchen: same flavours, same authenticity.

See also  Villa della Regina - A Fascinating Video Tour

For the afternoon nap, as usual, we connect to the Big Benches App and go to explore the less travelled routes: here we are at the Turquoise Big Bench in Scaparone. What a beautiful colour! Truly original! From here the view relaxes the senses and we rest in meditation, observation and … seeing that there is no one else around, we also close our eyes for a very short moment!!!

Turquoise Big Bench of Scaparone
Turquoise Big Bench of Scaparone

Recharged and relaxed, we are ready to put the icing on the cake of this beautiful experience in the Langhe. In 20 minutes, we are in Barbaresco, a small town of less than a thousand inhabitants that gave its name to the famous, prized – and superlative! – wine from Nebbiolo grapes. We immediately head towards the historical-cultural attraction of the town: The Medieval Tower. A tower probably built between the 11th and 12th centuries with a defensive and sighting function in mind. From the panoramic terrace, at a height of 36 meters, you can enjoy a wonderful 360° view and we discover that you can choose to have your civil wedding celebrated here: a pity, not having known it at the time!

View from the Tower of Barbaresco
View from the Tower of Barbaresco

We go down and finally allow ourselves a healthy wine tasting – of Barbaresco, of course! – in one of the most beautiful locations: the Boffa Carlo winery (Cantina Boffa Carlo). It has a terrace set up with tables, chairs and white umbrellas…. and a breath-taking view! Tasting the excellent Barbaresco with the panorama that presents itself before us is like taking an entire journey: it is relaxing, regenerating, it is pure luxury!

Barbaresco Wine Tasting at the Cantina Boffa Carlo
Barbaresco Wine Tasting at the Cantina Boffa Carlo

Allow yourself too, and you will remember it for a very long time!

See also  Mercato Centrale Torino - Another Must-See Reason to visit Turin's "Melting Pot"

USEFUL INFO:

ALBA

Cathedral of Saint Lawrence (Duomo of Alba)

Address: Piazza Rossetti, 4A, 12051 Alba CN

City Hall (Palazzo Comunale) of Alba

Address: Piazza Risorgimento, 12051 Alba CN

Riva Tower-House (Casa-torre Riva)

Address: Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 7C, 12051 Alba CN

Marro Tower-House and the Roman Temple (Casa-torre Marro e Tempio Romano)

Address: Piazza Elvio Pertinace, 8C, 12051 Alba CN

Tavern of the Dreamers (Osteria dei Sognatori)

Address: Via Macrino, 8, 12051 Alba CN
Phone: +39 0173 34043
Hours: Thu – Tue: 12pm – 2pm / 7.30pm – 10.30pm; Wed: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Web: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Osteria-dei-Sognatori/171748842865948

TURQUOISE BIG BENCH OF SCAPARONE

Address: Localita’ Scaparoni, 8, 12051 Alba CN

BARBARESCO

Medieval Tower of Barbaresco

Address: Via Torino, 67, 12050 Barbaresco CN
Telephone: +39 333 904 0135
Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 7pm / Fri – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Tickets: Full – 5€, Reduced – 4€, Free – children 12 years old and under

Boffa Carlo Winery / Casa Boffa

Address: Via Torino, 17, 12050 Barbaresco
Telephone: +39 0173 635174
Hours: Thu – Tue: 11am – 6pm
Web: http://www.boffacarlo.it/
Book a room: https://enjoypiedmont.com/recommends/Casa-Boffa


Follow us everywhere!

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for our video tours. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.


Do it yourself Turin ebook – the only travel guidebook written by a real tour guide

Do it yourself Turin travel guidebook

A complete tour to explore freely, with maps and suggestions for experiencing the city like a local, where to eat and what not to miss.

Do it yourself TURIN is your expert Turinese friend, just for you, on your smartphone!

Download your eBook here

Our most popular posts:

Aperitivo a Torino Best Aperitif Turin

Where to have the best aperitif in Turin – for a truly unique Turinese experience

By Elisabetta / April 12, 2024 / 1 Comment
Torino Piemonte Card and Abbonamento Musei Piemonte Museum Cards

Torino Piemonte Card & Abbonamento Musei Piemonte – Are they worthwhile buying?

By Adam / March 16, 2024 / 0 Comments
Ravioli ai profumi di mare - Cannavacciuolo Bistrot Torino

The Best Restaurants in Piedmont – Michelin Star Restaurants of 2020

By Adam / November 21, 2019 / 3 Comments
Via Monferrato with umbrellas from above

Via Monferrato – The Trendiest Street in Turin

By Elisabetta / July 6, 2019 / 2 Comments
Lake Viverone

Why Lake Viverone? Because it has everything!

By Elisabetta / August 10, 2019 / 0 Comments
Porta Palazzo mercato

Mercato Centrale Torino – Another Must-See Reason to visit Turin’s “Melting Pot”

By Elisabetta / April 24, 2019 / 1 Comment
The Sacra di San Michele - the most beautiful panorama just 1 hour outside of Turin 1

The Sacra di San Michele – the most beautiful panorama just 1 hour outside of Turin

By Elisabetta / September 17, 2020 / 0 Comments
Egyptian Museum - Turin

The Captivating Egyptian Museum of Turin, or why does “The road to Memphis and Thebes passes through Turin?”

By Elisabetta / April 5, 2019 / 1 Comment
Avigliana Lakes

Lakes of Avigliana: a captivating afternoon between history and nature

By Elisabetta / March 20, 2021 / 0 Comments



Food and Drink, History and Culture, Nature
3 Star Michelin, 3 stelle Michelin, Alba, Alba Cathedral, Alba City Hall, Barbaresco, Barbaresco vino, Barbaresco wine, Big Bench, Big Bench Turchese, Boffa Carlo, Boffa Carlo Winery, Cantina Boffa Carlo, Casa Boffa, Casa Marro, Casa-torre Riva, Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, degustazione di vino, Duomo di Alba, Ferrero, Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba, International White Truffle Fair of Alba, Kinder, Langhe, Località Scaparone, Marro Palace, Nutella, Osteria dei Sognatori, Palazzo Comunale Alba, Palazzo Marro, Panchina Gigante Turchese, Piazza Pertinace, Piazza Risorgimento, Piedmont, Piemonte, Restaurant Piazza Duomo, Ristorante Piazza Duomo, Rocher, tartufo bianco, Tavern of the Dreamers, Tempio Romano, Torino, Torre di Barbaresco, Tower of Barbaresco, Turin, Turquiose Big Bench, Turquoise Big Bench Scaparone, White Truffles, wine tasting

Post navigation

PREVIOUS
Madama Palace & Acaja Castle: A Unique Castle-Palace with a Hidden Pearl
NEXT
Staffarda Abbey, Saluzzo and the Po Valley – An Unforgettable Day Exploring

2 thoughts on “Alba and Barbaresco: Walking and Tasting the Rich History”

  1. Tenuta Nissole says:
    September 16, 2019 at 09:08

    We loved your article – well researched!

    Reply
    1. Adam says:
      September 16, 2019 at 10:09

      Thank-you! Glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Follow us everywhere!

Turin travel guidebook

Do-it-yourself TURIN – your ultimate guide to Turin, ItalyDo it yourself Turin travel guidebook

Mailing List

Sign up for our newsletter

* indicates required
Language Preference
Website

Check out our Video Tours on YouTube!

Latest Reviews

star rating  Just spent a wonderful afternoon exploring Turin with the delightful Elisabetta. She was an excellent guide - engaging, interesting and so enthusiastic about her fantastic city. She was... read more very informative and had lots of stories to tell. Our two boys also enjoyed the walking tour....More

tripadvisor logo
GabrielleM750
October 28, 2019

Recent Posts

  • Where to have the best aperitif in Turin – for a truly unique Turinese experience
  • Torino Piemonte Card & Abbonamento Musei Piemonte – Are they worthwhile buying?
  • Val Grande: nature and trekking in the largest wilderness area of the Alps
  • The Wines of Langa – between Tradition and Innovation
  • Lakes of Avigliana: a captivating afternoon between history and nature

Categories

  • Art (14)
  • Food and Drink (16)
  • General (4)
  • History and Culture (22)
  • Nature (11)

Archives

  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • March 2021
  • September 2020
  • July 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

© 2025   All Texts, Images & Video on this site are Copyright by Enjoy Piedmont/Elisabetta Testore/Adam R. Reardon. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorised Usage Prohibited.