Alba

Introducing Alba

With its Ferrero Rocher factory churning out the world’s best-selling chocolates, including Mon Cheri cherry pralines, Kinder Surprises and Nutella, Alba is a treat. The chocolate factory itself is harder to get inside to tour than Willy Wonka’s domain (your best bet is to try asking in person at the factory – impossible to miss at the base of the town). But Alba doesn’t disappoint foodies, who keep the town’s truffle fair and vendemia (grape harvest) inked in their diaries. Year-round Alba’s restaurant scene is second to none.

Radiating from the town, hazelnut groves and vineyards stretch across the surrounding Langhe hills. With so many wine cellars to visit, cycling and walking in the area is a true pleasure.

Alba’s prosperous heydays were in the 15th and 16th centuries and it came under Savoy control in 1628. At its peak it was home to more than 100 towers, and many of the red-brick structures still rise above Alba’s medieval core, centred on its imposing 12th-century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (Piazza Duomo). Today its cobbled streets are lined with chic boutiques, bars and restaurants.

In the town’s historic centre, Alba’s tourist office (0173 3 58 33; www.langheroero.it; Piazza Risorgimento 2; 9am-1pm & 2-6pm Mon-Fri, from 10am Sat & Sun mid-Nov–Mar, 9am-1pm & 2.30-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-1.30pm & 2.30-6.30pm Sat & Sun Apr–mid-Sep, 9am-1pm & 2.30-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm Sat, 9am-7pm Sun mid-Sep–mid-Nov) sells walking maps and has internet access.

Last updated: Oct 27, 2008