Alba has traditionally
acted as a gate to the Langhe
mountains and a passage to
Liguria and is in fact capital
of the zone known as Langhe.
The historical center sits
inside the Roman walls while
Via Maestra links Piazza Savona,
symbol of the 1800's, to the
old core at Piazza Risorgimento
and the 15th century cathedral.
The whole series of churches
and medieval houses sits tightly
in a triangle formed by the
Rivers Tanaro and Cherasca.
It is here Piemonte's only
real 'pasta asciutta' can
be found and visitors should
also look out for the food
market near the River Tanaro.
In fact, the famous truffle
festival only hints at the
culinary delights of the town
and on the restaurant menus
you should find pigeon roasts,
quail risotto and pear semifreddo
ice creams.
To avoid confusion, be aware
that a number of towns in
the lower Langa share 'Alba'
in their names.
For example, Monforte d'Alba,
Canale d'Alba, Serralunga
d'Alba and Diano d'Alba. Diano
d'Alba was always a rival
to Alba for control of the
River Tanaro.
Today it is home of the impressive
'Confraternita
del Tartufoe dei Vini d'Alba'
and the 'Enoteca Regionale'.
There is no better place
to test your sommelier skills
in the whole of the province.
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