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Ponte vecchio in Ivrea, Piedmont.
Introduction
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is the second largest of Italian region after Sicily, and the sixth most populous, with 4.4 million inhabitants. The name Piedmont comes from Latin ad pedem montium, meaning "at the foot of the mountains". The region evolved from the Duchy of Savoy (1416-1713), then the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia (1720–1861), which under the rule of the the House of Savoy went on to unify Italy in 1861.
Piedmont is heavily centralised around its capital, Turin, around which the House of Savoy erected 15 royal residences. They were added together to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1997. Nowadays the region is dominated by another dynasty, the Agnelli, owners of the Fiat Group, which produces such brands as Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari.
While most of the people can speak Italian, there are 2 million speakers of the local Piedmontese language, as well as substantial minorities of Franco-Provençal and Occitan speakers near the French border.
Famous people from Piedmont include (chronologically): the dramatist Vittorio Alfieri, Italy's first Prime Minister Camillo Benso (Count of Cavour), Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy (first king of Italy), the entrepreneur Giovanni Agnelli (founder of Fiat), the fashion designer Ermenegildo Zegna, fashion designer Nina Ricci, the neurologist Rita Levi-Montalcini (Nobel Prize), the microbiologist Salvador Luria (Nobel Prize), the industralist Gianni Agnelli, the fashion designer Nino Cerruti, and the writer Umberto Eco.
Cuisine
Piedmontese cuisine is widely regarded as one of the best in Italy. Influenced by French cuisine, Piedmontese cuisine is both progressive and varied. The small town of Alba is recognised as the world's white-truffle capital and a gourmet hotspot. As of 2012, Alba and its outskirts had the fifth highest number of Michelin stars in all Italy, making it one of the country's top culinary destinations.
Lowland Piedmont is a fertile agricultural and viticultural region. It produces prestigious wines such as the Barolo and the Barbaresco from the Langhe area near Alba. The vineyards around Asti, Italy's largest producing appellation, are renowned for the Barbera d'Asti, Moscato d'Asti and the Asti Spumante (made from Moscato Bianco grapes), one of Italy's top sparkling wines. 55% of all Piedmontese wines have a DOC(G) quality label, one of the highest proportions in the country. All in all, Piedmont has no less than 45 DOC and 16 DOCG for wines, the highest numbers in Italy for both categories.
The region's most famous cheese is without contest Gorgonzola (also produced in neighbouring Lombardy), but there are many other noteworthy ones like Bra, Castelmagno, Castelrosso, Maccagno, Robiola, and Toma.
Typical Piedmontese dishes include agnolotti (ravioli filled with beef and vegetable), bagna càuda (vegetables dipped in a sort of fondue made with garlic, anchovies, olive oil, butter, and sometimes cream or truffles), fonduta (dip consisting of melted cheese, milk, eggs and white truffles), panissa (risotto made with Barbera red wine, onions, beans and lardo), tapulon (donkey stew cooked in red wine, garlic, clove and herbs), and torta alla Monferrina (cake made from pumpkin, apples and sugar, with dried figs, amaretti, chocolate, eggs, and rum).
Turin was one of the first cities to produce chocolate after the introduction of cacao from the Americas in the 16th century. Famous chocolatiers that have survived to this day include Caffarel (founded in 1826), Baratti & Milano (1858), and Peyrano (1915). Among the traditional praline-like chocolates, let's cite the Gianduja (a sweet chocolate containing about 30% hazelnut paste), the similar Gianduiotto, and the Cuneese (chocolate custard and rum in a meringue coating covered with dark chocolate; specialty of Cuneo). But Piedmont really reached international fame with the products of the Alba-based chocolate manufacturer Ferrero, notably with the Ferrero Rocher, Mon Chéri, Kinder Surprise, and of course Nutella, the only brand of chocolate spread recognised on every continent.
Attractions
Attractions are listed geographically, from west to east (left to right) and north to south (top to bottom).
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West
Ducal Castle of Agliè ※ |
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 The Ducal Castle of Agliè, located in Turin's metropolitan area, stands as a magnificent testament to seven centuries of Italian history. The castle's name possibly derives from the Roman settler Alliacus or the ancient Roman city of Alladium that once stood on its site. This architectural marvel evolved from a 12th-century fortification into an elegant palace boasting 300 rooms filled with precious collections of archaeological finds, oriental artefacts, and ornithological specimens. The castle's transformation began in 1646 under Count Filippo San Martino, and it later became a cherished residence of the House of Savoy after 1764. During World War II, the castle served a crucial role as a secret repository for Turin's museum treasures, including Egyptian antiquities, protecting them from potential German confiscation. Today, visitors can explore its stunning frescoed Ballroom, period rooms, and expansive grounds featuring both Italian and English gardens. The castle has gained contemporary fame as a filming location for various television series, offering visitors a glimpse into both its historical significance and modern cultural relevance.
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Sacra di San Michele |
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 Perched dramatically atop Mount Pirchiriano at 962 metres, the Sacra di San Michele is a stunning medieval abbey located just 40 kilometres from Turin. The site's history stretches back to ancient times when Romans established a military stronghold there in 63 CE, followed by the Lombards who built a fortress to defend against Frankish invasions. The current abbey complex, constructed between 983 and 987, features remarkable Romanesque-Gothic architecture and offers breathtaking views across the Susa Valley and Turin. The complex inspired Umberto Eco's famous novel 'The Name of the Rose' and served as a filming location for its 1986 film adaptation starring Sean Connery. The mountain's ancient name, Pirchiriano, charmingly translates to 'mountain of pigs' and is thematically linked to neighbouring peaks named after goats and donkeys. The abbey houses ten stone sarcophagi of the House of Savoy, one of the world's oldest royal families, and features the intriguing 'Stairway of the Dead', a stone staircase built directly onto rocky outcrops.
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La Venaria Reale ※ |
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 La Venaria Reale, one of Italy's largest royal residences, sits just 8 kilometres northwest of Turin and boasts a fascinating history dating back to Roman times, when the area was known as Altessano. The name itself comes from the Latin 'Venatio Regia', meaning 'Royal Hunt'. This magnificent Baroque palace, built in 1658 by Duke Carlo Emanuele II as a hunting lodge, evolved into a spectacular estate encompassing 80,000 square metres of palace space and 60 hectares of French-style gardens. After falling into disrepair during the Napoleonic era and serving as military barracks, the palace underwent Europe's largest cultural restoration project and reopened to visitors in 2007. Today, visitors can marvel at the stunning Baroque architecture, including the monumental Hall of Diana, the impressive Great Gallery with its marble decorations, and the extensive gardens that were inspired by Versailles. The palace complex is now one of Italy's most visited museums, attracting over a million visitors annually and standing as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.
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Saluzzo |
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 Saluzzo, a charming medieval town, was originally inhabited by the Celto-Ligurian Salii tribe before being conquered by Roman Consul Marcus Fulvius around 125 BCE. This picturesque hillside city, often called the "Siena of Piedmont", rose to prominence as the capital of an independent marquisate from 1142 to 1548. The town's impressive Castiglia fortress, built between 1271 and 1286, originally featured four towers, a moat, and a drawbridge, and now houses the fascinating Museum of Chivalry. Saluzzo reached its golden age during the 15th century, with its strategic position near Alpine passes making it a crucial trading post. A remarkable testament to this prosperity is the Buco di Viso, the first Alpine tunnel, which connected the town to French territories and boosted trade. Today, visitors can wander through cobbled streets and squares, discovering elegant noble palaces with gardens, while the town maintains its reputation as a centre for antique furniture restoration.
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Other attractions
 Avigliana
 Bardonecchia
Forte Albertino, Vinadio
 Pinerolo
 Susa
Central
Turin (Torino) ※ |
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 Turin, nestled at the foothills of the Alps, boasts a fascinating history spanning over two millennia, beginning as a Celtic settlement called Taurasia. The Romans established the colony of Augusta Taurinorum around 28 BCE, designing the city with their characteristic grid pattern that remarkably still defines Turin's modern street layout. The city features one of the world's best-preserved 1st-century BCE Roman gateways, the Palatine Towers, which originally had four doors - two larger ones for chariots and two smaller ones for pedestrians and horses. The ancient Roman urban planning is still visible in the Quadrilatero Romano district, where the original decumanus maximus (now Via Garibaldi) and cardo maximo (now Via San Tommaso) intersect. After serving various empires and kingdoms throughout history, Turin gained prominence as the first capital of unified Italy from 1861 to 1865. Today, visitors can explore this elegant city's Roman heritage through well-preserved ruins, including sections of the original city walls along Via Giuseppe Barbaroux, while the city's rational structure and grid system serve as a living testament to its Roman origins.
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Palazzina di caccia di Stupinigi ※ |
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 The magnificent Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, located just 10 kilometres from Turin, is a spectacular example of Baroque and Rococo architecture that served as the Savoy royal family's hunting lodge. Built in 1729 by architect Filippo Juvarra, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts 137 rooms and 17 galleries spread across 31,000 square metres, with its most striking feature being a bronze stag perched atop its central dome. The palace's unique design takes the shape of a St Andrew's Cross, with four wings radiating from a stunning oval-shaped central hall adorned with trompe l'oeil hunting frescoes. Beyond its architectural splendour, the palace grounds once housed a fascinating zoological garden featuring exotic animals, including an elephant named Fritz that was gifted to King Carlo Felice by the Egyptian ruler. The residence wasn't just for hunting; it hosted numerous royal celebrations and weddings, including the 1773 marriage of Princess Maria Theresa of Savoy to the future Charles X of France.
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Royal Castle of Racconigi ※ |
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 The Royal Castle of Racconigi began its life as a medieval fortress in the 11th century CE before evolving into a magnificent royal residence. This architectural marvel showcases a fascinating blend of styles, featuring both neoclassical elements and baroque design by the renowned architect Guarino Guarini. The castle is surrounded by a spectacular 170-hectare romantic park, designed by German landscape artist Xavier Kurten, which serves as a sanctuary for various bird species, including a thriving colony of storks. Perhaps most intriguing is the castle's Etruscan Cabinet, a unique room that garnered recognition at the 1851 London Exposition, reflecting the period's fascination with ancient civilisations sparked by the archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum. The residence remained a beloved holiday retreat for the House of Savoy until 1946 when the Italian monarchy was abolished, and in 1997, it earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Ivrea ※ |
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 Ivrea is a fascinating town straddling the Dora Baltea river, situated in a basin that was once a prehistoric lake, now surrounded by five smaller lakes - Sirio, San Michele, Pistono, Nero and Campagna. Originally inhabited by the Celts in the 5th century BCE, it became a strategic Roman outpost in 100 BCE, with remnants of this era still visible in its 1st-century theatre that could accommodate 10,000 spectators and its ancient amphitheatre. The town features a remarkable 14th-century castle with four round towers, and achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2018 for its 20th-century industrial heritage, particularly the Olivetti factory complex. Local cuisine reflects the Piedmontese tradition, with rice playing a central role in distinctive dishes like rice with champagne and shrimp, and Paniscia - a hearty rice soup combining vegetables, bacon, beans, sausage, salami and wine. The town is particularly famous for its annual carnival featuring the Battle of the Oranges, where locals enthusiastically pelt each other with oranges in a re-enactment of a historic revolt against tyrannical rulers.
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Other attractions
 Asti
 Barbaresco
 Bra
 Other residences of the Royal House of Savoy
East
Lake Maggiore |
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 Lake Maggiore, Italy's second-largest lake and the largest alpine lake in the country, spans an impressive 64 kilometres in length and 212 square kilometres in area, straddling the Italian-Swiss border. The lake's crown jewels are the Borromean Islands, featuring the baroque splendour of Isola Bella with its 17th-century palace and terraced gardens, the botanical paradise of Isola Madre with its exotic plant collection, and the charming Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited island known for its fishing heritage and local cuisine. The lake's shores are dotted with magnificent Liberty-style palaces and cultural attractions, including the fascinating Landscape Museum in Verbania and some rather unique institutions such as the Hat Museum in Ghiffa and the Umbrella Museum in Gignese. One of the lake's most striking features is the Colossus of St Carlo Borromeo in Arona, standing at an impressive height of over 35 metres, making it one of the world's largest statues. Read more
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Novara |
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 Novara, the second-largest city in Piedmont after Turin, is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern Italy, founded around 89 BCE by the Romans when local Gauls received Roman citizenship. The city's name derives from 'Nov' (new) and 'Aria' (the Cisalpine Gauls' name for the region). Today, this city of 105,000 inhabitants sits amidst stunning landscapes of rice fields and is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, particularly its Gorgonzola cheese production and distinctive risotto dishes. The city's layout still follows the original perpendicular Roman road system, offering visitors a literal walk through history. Novara's strategic location led to numerous historical events, including being sacked by Attila in 452 CE. For food enthusiasts, the Saturday morning market at Piazza delle Erbe offers an authentic taste of local life, where you can sample paniscia, a traditional rice dish unique to the region.
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Lake Orta |
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 Lake Orta, a glacial lake that stretches 13 kilometres in length, is one of northern Italy's smallest yet most pristine lakes. The lake's crystal-clear waters, nestled at 290 metres above sea level and reaching depths of 143 metres, are surrounded by rolling hills and wooded mountains that create a stunning natural backdrop throughout the seasons. The area boasts a rich culinary heritage deeply rooted in Piedmontese traditions, featuring local specialities such as lake-caught perch, porcini mushroom risotto, and renowned regional wines like Nebbiolo and Barbera. The lake's main town, Orta San Giulio, captivated numerous cultural figures throughout history, including Friedrich Nietzsche, who wrote "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" after visiting the area. The region is also known for its industrial heritage, being home to the famous Alessi design factory in Omegna. The lake's pristine waters make it one of Europe's cleanest lakes, perfect for swimming and water sports, while the surrounding area offers extensive hiking trails through unspoiled forests teeming with wildlife such as roe deer, wild boar, and foxes.
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Alba |
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 Alba was originally settled between the 6th and 3rd millennium BCE by hunters and settlers before becoming the Roman municipium of Alba Pompeia in 89 BCE, named after consul Cneius Pompeius Strabo. The town's fascinating underground reveals layers of civilisation, with the modern city built directly atop Roman ruins, creating a rich archaeological tapestry beneath its streets. Once known as the "City of a Hundred Towers" due to its medieval skyline, Alba stands 172 metres above sea level and is home to roughly 31,000 residents. The town's ancient Roman law and administration system included unique magistrates called "duoviri" and "quattuorviri," indicating its significance as a Roman municipium. Today, Alba is renowned for its white truffles, wine production, and as the headquarters of the Ferrero confectionery empire. The town's name likely derives from the Ligurian word meaning "Town" or "Chief Town," as the ancient Ligurians called their settlements "Albion".
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Other attractions
 Domodossola
 Varallo Sesia
 Vercelli
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