10 Must-See Towns in Piedmont, Italy

Novara

Novara, like most Italian cities, owes the layout of its main streets to the Romans and even though this is Piedmont's second city, it has more of a Lombard theme perhaps due to its proximity to Milan.

The name Novara derives from Nov, meaning "new" and "Aria", the name used by the Cisalpine Gauls for the surrounding region.

The 121m dome of San Gaudenzio, designed by Alessandro Antonelli, dominates the city, but there is also the neo-classical Duomo, again built by Antonelli and the Broletto, the ancient heart of the city with the old town hall and two Museums. Nearby are Corso Cavour and Corso Italia, with their galleried walkways, fashionable shops and many restaurants.

Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit this interesting small city that deserves not to be passed by.

Canelli

“Canelli Città del Vino” is held on the fourth weekend in September and is a gastronomical event dedicated to the best products of the region including wines and the traditional cuisine of Canelli. The festival takes place in the historical cellars of Canelli's leading wineries, known as the "Wine Cathedrals" as well as other picturesque locations around the historic centre accompanied by music, cultural events and art exhibitions.

The 'Wine Cathedrals' are Canelli's hidden masterpieces of engineering and architecture. These underground cellars were dug out from the clay soil in the sixteenth century and extend for many kilometres beneath the town and surrounding hills. They were then considerably lengthened in the nineteenth century and offer perfect thermal insulation and a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees Celsius, ideal for refining the wine's characteristics.

The cellars are open to the public for tastings and tours on the third weekends of May and June, the third and fourth weekends in September, the third weekend in October and the second and third weekends in November.

Look out for Cantine Gancia, Cantine Coppo and Cantine Contratto but you may have to book first!

Alba

The annual White Truffle Festival takes place each weekend during October in Alba. This is a chance to taste rich Piedmont fare.

During the festival, the town takes on a different hue and scent as the distinct musky flavour of the famous 'Tartufo d'Alba' permeates the streets. This gift of nature has become a symbol of the rich cuisine of Piedmont and Alba's star attraction.

It is the highlight of the white truffle season with the surrounding Piedmont region considered to have the best "tartufo bianco" (white truffles) in the world. Indeed the famous 'Tartufo d'Alba' or 'Tuber Magnatum Pico' has become a symbol of the rich cuisine of Piedmont.

Visitors come from all over world to enjoy the festival which features not only arts and cultural events revolving around the celebration but also the world's largest truffle auction. Although the auction is a private affair, the Alba White Truffle Market is open every weekend from 09:00 to 20.00 and sells a whole host of truffle-related products and merchandise.

Asti

Third Sunday in September: "Palio di Asti"

The Asti Palio, although not Italy's most famous palio, it is the oldest and dates back to the twelfth century. The third Sunday in September sees the running of The Palio in Piazza Alfieri where twenty one horses are ridden bareback by jockeys representing the 14 quarters of the town and seven villages of the province.

The bareback horse race is certainly part of this great Italian festival. However, the celebrations start on the Friday and Saturday before the race. There is food and wine, market stalls and music, parades and fireworks, a true festival where the colours and costumes transform this historic town every year into a fun place to be.

Cuneo

Cuneo is one of Piedmont's elegant provincial capital situated in the northwest of Italy. Surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery, it is well known for its Renaissance style architecture, Piazza Galimberti, the large square where the renowned Tuesday market takes place and its arcaded main street which is lined with shops and cafés.

Founded in 1198, Cuneo straddles the Stura di Demonte River and is located close to the Maritime Alps. The old centre dates from the 12th century when it was a fortified town. There are historical and artistic treasures such as the Gothic church of San Francesco, the Baroque church of San Ambrogio, the ancient church of Santa Maria del Bosco and the 14th century Torre Comunale.

Close by are the ski resorts of Artesina, Limone Piemonte, Prato Nevoso, Sestriere and Vars-Risoul.

Finally, make sure you taste the numerous delicacies of the region such as 'Cuneesi' (rum flavored pralines), chestnuts, mushrooms and of course the local chesses and wines.

Acqui Terme

Once home to the tribes of the Liguri Statielli, the town became famous as the Roman town of Aquae Statiellae. The Romans were enchanted with the remedial qualities of its therapeutic waters. Referred to by Pliny and Tacitus in their texts, the hot sulphur springs and ancient baths helped turn the town into a centre for spa treatments and relaxation. It became part of the Lombard kingdom of northern Italy in the sixth century, was ruled by its bishop from 978 and became an independent commune in 1135. Just under a hundred years later it was annexed to the Marquisate of Montferrat, before being acquired by the Duchy of Savoy.

In 1870, Giovanni Ceruti designed a small temple, known as La Bollente, to emphasise the extraordinary hot thermal spring that gushes out water at 75°c in the centre of the town. Indeed, during the Belle Epoque, Acqui Terme became one of the most prestigious spa centres in Europe. Today this unique town is equally well known for its cool mix of cafés, design shops, boutiques and very good restaurants.

A visit to the Enoteca La Curia Wine Bar and Restaurant situated in Via Alla Bollente (number 72), close to the Bollente fountain, is something you are unlikely to forget. Whether it is for wine tasting, wine buying, wine drinking or just a great meal, a visit to this establishment is essential. The combination of exposed Monferrato brick ceilings, wine bottles crammed into every available space creates a unique atmosphere where locals jockey for position in the small bar area most evenings. Here you can enjoy local affordable wines together with a buffet offering a fabulous selection of complimentary snacks such as Torta di Verdura, Farinata, Focaccia, cheeses and wonderful salads. Scrumptious fare. The adjacent courtyard leads through to the restaurant which offers local delicacies which are also not to be missed.

Biella

Biella lies in the foothills of the Alps in the Biellese area of Piemonte in northern Italy just 80 km from Turin and 100 km from Milan. Biella's past is reflected through the Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of city's main buildings whilst Biella's history is inexorably linked with textiles, particularly wool. Today it is known as the "City of Cashmere", due to its production of cashmere products for major Italian Design houses based in Milan, Rome and Florence.

Biella is divided into two distinct areas, Biella Piazzo, founded in 1160 sits atop the hill, with its panoramic views, medieval buildings, porticoes and paved streets. Below, Biella Piano, spreads out over a flat area overlooking the river Cervo, and this is where you will find the pretty cobbled Via Italia and the Duomo. A funicular railway links the two parts of this provincial capital.

The countryside surrounding the city is rich in natural beauty with springs, lakes and mountains in abundance. Nearby notable attractions, include the outlook at Zegna, the ski resort of Bielmonte and the Burcina Natural Reserve. Close to the city lies the Sacred Mountain of Oropa, a site of pilgrimage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex sits at some 1,200 metres above sea level and was built between 1617 and 1620, on the initiative of a Cappuccino Friar, the particular object of devotion at Oropa is 'Our Lady', represented by a beautiful carved wooden statue of a Black Madonna.