Alba
Alba, the city of the Langhe
Alba, also known as Arba in the Langhe dialect, is an Italian municipality in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, with a population of 31,416 inhabitants. It is located in the Langhe area, famous for the production of fine wines and delicious food products.
Physical geography
Alba is located about 50 km southeast of Turin and northeast of Cuneo. The city is mainly situated on the right bank of the Tanaro River, on a large flat basin at about 170 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Langhe and Roero hills. The territory of Alba is rich in vineyards, and the area is famous for the production of fine wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. The climate in Alba is typically Padanian, with summer drought slightly more pronounced than in areas north of the Po.
History of Alba
Neolithic
The territory of Alba was already inhabited during the Neolithic period, between the 6th and 3rd millennium BC, by a settled population that lived on hunting and agriculture. The inhabitants knew how to process ceramics and green stone, ideal material for the first utensils. In addition, they practiced livestock farming. In the following millennia, they became aware of the use of iron and bronze and were classified as Statielli, an ethnic group of Celtic origin assimilated later by the Gauls, invaders of this area, at the end of the 5th century BC.
Roman Age
The origins of the inhabited center of Alba are definitely pre-Roman, probably Ligurian-Celtic. The toponym Alba is typical of the Ligurian civilization and means "white city." During the Roman era, Alba was baptized "Alba Pompeia" with the edict of the Consul Gneo Pompeo Strabone. As a Roman municipality, it was inserted in the Regio IX Liguria and assigned to the gens Camilia. In the first two centuries of the empire, together with Pollenzo and Bene Vagienna, Alba constituted a strategic and commercial triangle, creating urban structures of remarkable interest, including the aqueduct to convey water to the city and the sewer system to discharge the sewage into the Tanaro River.
Roman Alba was administered autonomously, had its own magistracy, and hosted 5 orders of people, including decurions, the wealthiest citizens, the Sodales Augustales, the Equestrian Order, contractors, and freedmen. Historical materials on the Roman period of Alba are preserved at the "Federico Eusebio" Municipal Museum of Natural Sciences and History.
Agriculture and livestock farming were the main activities of an important part of the elite of Alba Pompeia.
Tourist attractions in Alba
The historic center of Alba is a fascinating place to visit, with its churches, squares, and historic buildings. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, built between the 14th and 17th centuries, is one of the city's most important monuments. Other places of interest include the church of San Domenico, from the 14th century, with an elegant Baroque facade, and the church of San Giovanni Battista, from the 13th century, with an exceptional example of Gothic architecture. In the center of Alba, you can also visit the Tower of the Clock, the oldest tower in the city, dating back to the 12th century.
Cultural events in Alba
In October, Alba hosts the famous Festival of Festivals, an event that celebrates local food production. The streets of the historic center come alive with colors and flavors, with stalls selling typical gastronomic delicacies of the Langhe, such as white truffles, Barolo wine, hazelnuts, and cheese. In addition, Alba also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances.
What to do in Alba
In addition to visiting the tourist attractions of Alba, food and wine lovers cannot miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding area, where there are many wineries. In Alba, you can participate in wine tastings and tours of the Langhe area, to discover the hidden treasures of the area. In addition, the city is located near the Alps and offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking, or skiing on the slopes of nearby ski resorts.
Conclusion
In summary, Alba is a city full of charm and history, offering many tourist and cultural opportunities. Its location in the Langhe area, famous for the production of fine wines and delicious food products, makes it an ideal destination for food and wine lovers. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Alba and discover its unique beauty in the heart of Piedmont.
