Discovering Piemonte
Albugnano (AT): Vezzolano Abbey - built in 1095 to allow the priests to live according to St. Augustine’s rule. The splendid cloister was built later on.
Barolo (CN): the houses in this medieval town surround the majestic castle, which was the residence of the Falleti marquises and today houses the ‘Barolo Wine Museum’.
Susa Valley: St. Michael’s Abbey - near S. Ambrogio (TO); the abbey and monastery make up an extraordinarily beautiful complex set on a mountainous spur with an unforgettable view.
Salluzzo (CN): Manta Castle and the mystery of the impossible map. Beautiful XIII century construction housing a painting from 1500 depicting the position of the Antarctic continent, discovered only in 1800.
Other villages: Bra, Gavi, Gaglianico, Macugnaga, Oleggio, Pavone Canavese, Pollenzo, Stresa.
Tastes and flavors in Piemonte
Giacometta: hazelnut cream “dedicated” to Gjanduja’s wife.
Turin-style ‘Grissini’ (breadsticks): fragrant, lightly dusted with flour and shaped one-by-one by hand.
Machet: polenta with milk and chestnuts, characteristic of the Vercelli area.
Truffles: black and white, they are the symbol of Piedmont gastronomy, especially in the Langhe district, where they are used uncooked.
Wines: Barbera, Barbaresco, Barolo, Brachetto d’Aqui, Cortese di Gavi, Dolcetto d’Alba, Grignolino, Roero.
Handicrafts in Piemonte
Mondovi ceramics: the ceramics depicting the rooster with multi-colored feathers originate here and are one of the symbols of Italian ceramic art.
Mercantico di Saluzzo (Street Market): it takes place in the city center on the first Sunday in June, July and October; it is possible to find furniture made by the local artisans.
Spinning and weaving: the production of fabrics and wool is typical of the Biella region. The manufacturing of Borsalino hats, famous worldwide, originated in Alessandria.
Scapin: traditional warm, comfortable and strong slipper from the Valsesia Valley; they are handmade and the only “modern” thing about them is the fabrics, which are of several types (ex. cloth, velvet, cashmere).
Piemonte: events & exhibitions
Alba: second half of April - Vinum. An exhibition dedicated to enology with tastings available.
Cavaglià: two weeks before the beginning of Lent - Carnival. Allegorical float processions and typical gastronomical events like the traditional ‘fagiolata’ (bean soup).
Cuneo: October 4-7 – Chestnut Festival. With tastings, gastronomical stands, sale of products.
Bagnasco (Cn): May – Dance of the Sabres. The inhabitants of Bagnasco created this dance at the end of the Saracen domination to celebrate their regained freedom.