Alba is a town and comune of Piedmont,
Italy, in the province of Cuneo. It is considered the capital of the hilly area of Langhe, and is famous for its white truffle, peach and wine production. The confectionery group Ferrero is based in Alba.
The town is on the site of the ancient Alba Pompeia, probably founded by the Roman consul Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo while constructing a road from Aquae Statiellae (Acqui) to Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). Alba was the birthplace of Publius Helvius Pertinax, one of the shortest reigning Roman emperors.
Main Sights:
Of the Roman city, which had a polygonal form, parts of the fortified gate and remains of some edifices with marble and mosaics can still be seen.
Other attractions include:
- The Palazzo Comunale (13th century, housing a Nativity by Macrino d'Alba of 1501) and the Bishop's Palace.
- Some towers of 14th-15th centuries: Alba was once known as the "City with hundred towers".
- the Romanesque Alba Cathedral of San Lorenzo (Duomo), built in 12th century, probably over holy edifices of Roman age. It was restructured in 15th century, by bishop Andrea Novelli, and again in the following centuries. The current appearance is from the controversial restoration of 19th century, of which the three portals and the crpyt are from the original edifice. The church is well known for its wood-carved chorus made in 1512 by Bernardino Fossati. The current belfry, from the 12th century, includes entirely the original bell tower.
- The Gothic church of San Domenico (13th-14th century), the most artistically relevant church in town. It has a noteworthy portal with a triple arch within a pointed arch, a polygonal apse and traces of Renaissance frescoes. During the Napoleonic Wars it was used a stable, and was reconsecrated on June 22, 1827.
- The Baroque church of St. John the Baptist, housing a Madonna of the Graces (1377) by Barnaba da Modena and a Madonna with Saints (1508) by Macrino d'Alba.
The city museums include the F. Eusebio Municipal Museum of Archaeology and Natural Science.
