Your quick travel guide to Alba

Car rental Alba

Alba is a town in Piedmont in the northern part of Italy. It became so famous for its delicious truffles that in the world of gastronomy it acquired the status of White Truffle Capital. Rare and fragrant mushrooms grow in abundance in the area around the town. For more than a century the special white truffle fair has been held in Alba and today it still gathers thousands of gourmands from all over the world. In 1930 local businessman Giacomo Morra opened Tartufi Morra shop in the center of Alba and started to sell truffles. Today visit to the historical shop is included in tourist programs. There you can always buy local truffles – as a gift or souvenir or just to treat yourself and to recall your trip to Alba.

But apart from truffles the town has a lot to be proud of. Its history started more than two thousand years ago! Many rulers changed in the course of time and each of them contributed to its unique and memorable image. Car hire in Alba is a nice opportunity to explore the ancient town and its picturesque surroundings with lush gardens and green vineyards.

While approaching Alba along the excellent highway you can imagine how the Roman consul Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo stood there and observed construction of the new road from Acqui to Turin. It was he who ordered to build a new town in this location. He even gave the name to the new settlement – Alba-Pompeia. The town grew and flourished but during the Middle Ages it became the centre of military conflicts. Part of historical heritage was lost, but many buildings survived and were carefully reconstructed in modern times.

The main historical and architectural sights of Alba: Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo, old towers that once protected the town, Gothic church of San Domenico built in 13th-14th centuries, Baroque church of St.John the Baptist that now hosts Museum of Archaeology.

The town is also famous for its colourful and unique festivals. Using the service of car hire in Italy you can plan and adjust your individual vacation in Piedmont to visit the most of interesting local events. Autumn medieval festival in Alba is especially popular. It is held on the first Sunday in October. Parades, performances, historical reconstruction of old battles and medieval everyday scenes are very spectacular. But the main event – traditional Palio degli asini (“donkey race”) – is an ultimate fun. Autumn Wine Festival is worth visiting as well – the whole city turns into gigantic whine cellar where you can taste delicious local wines. Car rental in Alba will help you to see the best of this town and the competent staff will always give you valuable advice on local life.