Alba: location and historical overview

Alba is an elegant town located in the Southern Piedmont, about 60 km from Turin (the chief town of Piedmont), 30 km from Asti and 60 km from Cuneo.
The major part of its territory extends on the right bank of the Tànaro river, surrounded by the hills rich in vineyards of Langhe and Roero, Alba is in fact also well known as the capital of Langhe and Roero.
Archaeological findings prove a human presence in this area during the Neolithic and the Iron Age period. In the first century it was Celt and Ligurian tribes settlement and then, under Alba Pompeia name, it played a significant role in ancient times as municipium romanum placed on important traffic route between Aquae Statiellae (Acqui Terme) and Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). After Roman Empire downfall Alba was destroyed by the Saracens, to reborn in 11th century and to experience its time of glory. In this period more than one hundred tall towers emerged as a symbol of prestige and richness, from which only a few pieces are left. They were destroyed during numerous battles with Asti town. Till 1945 it was a poor and mainly rural region without any significant industry. Nowadays it’s very well prosperous town, not only because of food treasures, but also thanks to such companies like Ferrero (in Alba there is the headquarter and the biggest factory of this global confectionery producer).