The ancient town of Alba reveals its special appeal in the picturesque charm of numerous towers and houses surviving from an urban system dating back thousands of years. Today the towers continue to be the dominant feature of the old town centre, where visitors can admire churches, bell-towers, porticos, and public and private buildings testifying to its splendid history.
Alba is a triumph of colours: in the old town, the mediaeval reds of the terracotta friezes, the strong-houses and the bricks of the churches gleam alongside the pastel shades given a new lease of life by skilful renovations; while all around, the hills offer up quite unforgettable scenery in a colourful array of hues that change with the seasons.
The atmosphere is particularly magical in autumn: this is the time of the Fair and the sparkling banners of the Palio, and of the “Truffle Market” and the unique aroma of the precious tubers on display.
Alba is also renowned for its great wines, and autumn is grape harvest time. The finest bunches of Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Moscato are then left to ferment in cellars all over the area, producing the wines that will attract enthusiasts to the town in spring when the new vintages can be tasted at the “Vinum” festival.
And Alba means also culture. It is the birthplace of one of the greatest Italian story-tellers of the second half of the 20th century, Beppe Fenoglio. The writer gave the people of the Langa a voice, putting into words the most authentic, harshest, innermost and most humane aspects of this land. The town is also home to the Eusebio Museum, which provides a complete picture of its natural. archaeological and social history through an exemplary collection of finds, and several sections dedicated to the Natural Sciences.
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