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Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy (by a Local)
So uniquely beautiful is Italy’s northwest

Piedmont offers tons of sights and great places to visit! Gorgeous alpine valleys in the north and west, hilly vineyards in the south and historic villages and picturesque towns everywhere.

For the past few years I have spent most of the year in Piedmont. This gave me the opportunity to visit many towns, villages, valleys, mountains and mountain lakes.

Here are my personal highlights of the best places to visit in Piedmont and sights that you should not miss when visiting the region.

*Cover: Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli, in Val Chisone

Piedmont Overview

The rather unknown region of Piedmont is located in the northeast of Italy. In size, it is, after Sicily, the 2nd largest region of the country. Piedmont is further divided into 8 provinces.

Very hard to believe for me, but Piedmont is still a blank spot on the map for many people. You will notice it when trying to find a travel guide about Piedmont.

The selection is very limited. Often overlooked, this region really has everything to offer the heart desires:

Beautiful alpine peaks dominate the north and west, reaching up to 4000 meters in altitude in the Monte Rosa massif. A paradise for hikers and nature lovers! In the northeast lie the beautiful, blue Lago Maggiore. Italy feeling with picturesque postcard motives!

In the flat Po Valley you will find important industrial towns, the capital Turin and huge agricultural areas. Did you know that Piedmont is the largest rice producer in Europe? By the way, the source of Italy’s longest river is also located in Piedmont.

In the southeast of the region, the cultural landscape of the Langhe invites you to enjoy the many outstanding Piedmont specialties: Wine, truffles and hazelnuts in medieval villages, on gentle ridges. There is no better way to relax!

And quite interesting for winter sports fans: the Via Lattea, the international ski resort around the mountain village of Sestriere in Val Chisone, is one of the largest ski areas in the world!

I spend most of the year in this beautiful region, living close to Val Pellice and exploring it by road trips. I am therfore happy to show you my personal favorite places to visit in Piedmont.

FYI: This following list of Piedmont sights is of course subjective and not complete because Piedmont has soooooo many beautiful places. I regularly add to it as soon as I get to know an outstanding place, and it meets my personal requirements for this selection.

One of the best things to visit in Piedmont Italy is Val Chisone in Autumn
Val Chisone in autumn

The best cities to visit in Piedmont

Turin – Capital of Piedmont

Turin is worth visiting not only because it is the capital of the Piedmont region. In the 19th century, Turin was even the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy for 4 years.

In the historic city center, you will even find several palaces and relics from Roman times, such as two ancient city gates: the Porta Pretoria at the back of Palazzo Madama and the Porta Palatina.

Not far from the opulent Royal Palace of Turin is the Cathedral, where a copy of the controversial Shroud of Turin can be admired.

Highlights among Turin’s attractions are also two museums: the Egyptian Museum is the largest of its kind outside of Cairo and the Film Museum, the most important one in Italy.

The second one is housed in the landmark of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana. Here, a panoramic glass elevator allows you to go to the top to cast an outstanding view over the rooftops of Turin.

The daily market at Porta Palazzo is the largest open-air market in Europe. Here you will find really EVERYTHING, from food to hardware and clothes.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of the largest squares in the world, is where people meet for an Aperitivo in the early evening. On the other side of the Po River, you can enjoy beautiful views of Piedmont’s gorgeous capital from the hills, free of charge!

My Visiting Info: Without visiting museums, you can explore Turin’s historic city center very nicely by foot. I’d plan two days for this, so you’re not running around the city stressed out.

If you don’t stay in Turin and arrive by car, you will have to pay for parking, as there is hardly any free parking within the city. It is best to use P&R to avoid the stress of driving in a big Italian city.

View from Capuccino mountain from where you can see lots of the best places to visit in Turin from above
Turin from Monte dei Cappuccino

Best towns to visit in Piedmont Italy

Ivrea

Northwest of Turin, on the edge of the flat Po Valley, lies Ivrea. The small town is divided into two parts: the historic old town and the industrial city, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.

Absolutely worth visiting, but unfortunately only possible from the outside, is the well-preserved fort of Ivrea from the 14th century. It is one of the most extraordinary examples of military architecture in Savoy.

The Cathedral, which is well worth seeing, has held the title of Episcopal Church since the early Middle Ages. You can also admire the Santo Stefano tower, a medieval bell tower, within the beautiful old town streets.

One access to the charming old town is through the Ponte Veccio, which crosses the Dora Baltea river. From here it is also very good to watch the kayakers who master the slalom course of the river arm through the torrential waters.

North of the city, on a hill above five small, picturesque lakes, the Castello di Montalto still towers on a hill.

However, Ivrea is best known for its carnival. This dates back to the Middle Ages and is the oldest historical carnival in Italy. The absolute highlight of the famous festival, is the orange battle (Battaglia delle arance) that lasts 3 days and in which up to 11,000 kg of oranges become victims.

My Visiting Info: Plan on spending about half a day in Ivrea. You could use the other half of the day to visit Bard Fortress (in nearby Valle d’Aosta).

The famous Ponte Veccio passing above the Dora Baltea river in Ivrea
Ponte Veccio in Ivrea

Best towns to visit in Piedmont Italy

Susa

At the end of the wide Susa Valley, to the west of Turin, lies another highlight of the often overlooked Piedmont sights: the beautifully nestled town of Susa.

It has always been a crossroads for travelers from France and Switzerland to Italy and, accordingly, strategically important for all rulers. The local mountain of Susa is the Rocciamelone. It towers about 3000 meters above the city and is only one of many nearby Alpine peaks.

The cute and unexciting town is an excellent base for hiking and outdoor activities in the surrounding Alps. But also Susa itself, is absolutely worth seeing:

Within the historic old town, you sometimes feel like you’re in a Roman open-air museum: amphitheater, aqueduct, triumphal arch and all free to visit during a city tour!

Many of these Roman monuments date from the 3rd and 4th centuries and are surprisingly well-preserved.

My Visiting Info: Take at least half a day to see all of Susa’s sights. To explore the Susa Valley and the surrounding Alps, it is best to plan a few days, with Susa as your starting point.

Those who have their base here for excursions into the fantastic alpine world of the surrounding area will love the atmospheric, evening ambience of the city in the evening!

You can park for free in all surrounding parking lots and there are plenty of them in Susa and all are located close to the historic center. From Turin, 50 km away, you can also get to Susa by train every hour within an hour’s travel time.

the Roman arc in the middle of Susa is one of the reasons why the town is a must-visit place in Piedmont
Susa

Best towns to visit in Piedmont Italy

Saluzzo

The beautiful village of Saluzzo is located in the southwest of Piedmont, about 50km from Turin. Saluzzo is divided into two town centers. Beautiful is the historic upper town, which overlooks the lower town and the surrounding countryside from a small hill.

The wide, car-free stairway “Salita al Castello” leads from the town walls dating back to 1280, to the highest point of the town. The Castiglia, the former castle of the Marchese, dominates the narrow alleys of the old town.

From 1470 to 1547 Saluzzo was the capital of the former Marquisate that dominated southwestern Piedmont. Visible and well-preserved are the noble palaces and mansions of that time in the narrow streets.

The 48m high city tower Torre Civica, built in 1462, can be climbed for a beautiful view of the city.

The lower town scores with its great cathedral, the Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta, on the edge of the pedestrian zone. In the “City of Music” every year in July, during the Marchesato Opera Festival, many concerts take place in the alleys of the old town.

Within the county of Saluzzo there are still the Castle of Manta, worth visiting, and the Abbey of Santa Maria di Staffarda, built in 1135.

My Visiting Info: Half a day is enough to visit the historic upper town of Saluzzo. Saluzzo is located on the foothills of the all-surmounting Monviso, at the entrance to the Po Valley. You should use the rest of the day for hiking and exploring this region.

Oldtown street in Saluzzo Piedmont
Saluzzo

Best towns to visit in Piedmont Italy

Cuneo

The beautiful city of Cuneo is the provincial capital of the region of the same name in southwestern Piedmont.

Located at the foot of the Maritime Alps, for most visitors it is only the starting point for excursions into the surrounding mountains. However, what this small town has to offer is often overlooked.

The name “Cuneo” means “wedge” and comes from its location between the rivers Stura and Gesso.

The cute old town of Cuneo has an incredible amount of great arcades. A total of 8km! These serve both rain and sun protection while strolling and shopping along the pedestrian zone, Via Roma.

Along this main artery are also many of the historically important buildings, such as the Episcopal Palace or even the beautiful church of Sant’Ambrogio.

Due to several sieges and battles in which the city was damaged, many buildings in the old town date only from the 17th and 18th centuries.

After exploring the many narrow alleys of the old town, one inevitably falls at some point on Piazza Tancredi (Duccio) Galimberti, at the end of Via Roma. This is also the site of the impressive 17th-century Duomo di Cuneo.

With 24,000 square meters, it is the largest and therefore the main square of Cuneo. It is also surrounded by beautiful arcades and in its center is enthroned the statue of Giuseppe Barbaroux, the royal seal-keeper.

My Visiting info: At the entrance to the city, below the historic city walls, you can park for free in the huge parking lot Parcheggio Discesa Bellavista. From here it is about 5 minutes walk to Via Roma.

For the sightseeing of the city center of Cuneo, one day is completely enough. For the scenic surroundings, the beautiful valleys, around the city you need at least a couple of days or preferably one or two weeks. Cuneo is an excellent starting point.

Top destinations from Cuneo:
Vinadio and its fortresses
Sant. Anna di Vinadio, the highest monastery in Europe
-The Valle Gesso and the Piano del Valasco plateau
Limone Piemonte and the Colle di Tenda above it

Arcades of Cuneo
Arcades of Cuneo – Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

The most beautiful places in the Piedmont’s wine region (southeast)

Langhe, Roero and Monferrato are the names of the world-famous wine-growing regions of Piedmont, which together belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight among the Piedmont sights!!!

Barolo and Barbaresco are probably the most famous red wines from Piedmont, but also Asti Spumante, Nebbiolo d’ Alba and other fine wines come from this region, south of Turin.

The Piedmont sights of this outstanding cultural landscape include medieval towns and villages, and also numerous castles and palaces. On every hill there is something worth seeing.

Did you know that the international Slow Food Movement started in Bra, in the Langhe area of Piedmont?

You can explore the vineyards on a road trip by car or motorbike, for example, on the Strada Romantica delle Langhe e Roero. Hikers may appreciate the various hiking trails among the rolling hills and villages.

In addition to the well-known towns, there are an incredible number of beautiful villages and castles that are absolutely worth seeing.

There are, for example, the beautiful, historic villages, Monforte d’Alba, Novello and Dogliani, the wellness center of Piedmont Acqui Terme and the castles of Serralunga d’Alba, Roddie or Castello di Prunetto.

Additionally, to the “usual suspects”, I am going to mention a few Piedmont highlights of the wine region, which are not so well known but absolutely worth seeing:

Below you will find my selection of the best places in the Piedmont wine region:

Rolling hills around the wine village of  Barolo
Rolling hills around the wine village of Barolo – Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

Best places to visit in the Piedmont wine region

Asti – City of Spumante

Asti is the capital of the province of the same name, in the south of Piedmont. The beautiful city is located at 123 m.a.s.l., has about 75,000 inhabitants and is without question one of the Piedmont attractions in the Langhe wine region.

Known and popular is primarily the Asti region, and not the city. The famous sparkling wine is produced in the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards of Canelli, 30km away.

Asti had its heyday in the Middle Ages, between the 11th and 14th centuries. Many buildings from this period of splendor can be admired in the historic center. There is, for example, the 14th century freestanding cathedral, one of the largest churches in Piedmont.

The tower Torre Comentina, with 38,55m is the highest in the region and the Red Tower of San Secondo is one of the oldest monuments of the city.

Almost completely surrounding the beautiful medieval old town is a thick city wall, which in many places has been integrated into house walls.

My Visiting Info: Not far from the historic and really worth seeing old town, you can park for free in the huge parking lot Parcheggio Piazza Campo del Palio. You should plan at least half a day to visit the historic center. The city is a good starting point for stays of several days in the beautiful wine region.

Cathedral from Asti from the inside
Cathedral of Asti – Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

Best places to visit in the Piedmont wine region

Alba – City of truffles

The beautiful city of Alba has a population of about 30,000 and is located about 50 km southeast of Turin. Hidden between the houses, the towers dominate the picture.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the towers indicated the wealth of the respective families. Accordingly, the family tower had to be built as high as possible.

The bell tower of the cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is one of the highest in Piedmont.

The great cathedral itself was built at the end of the 15th century in the Gothic-Lombard style, but the facade was subsequently reconstructed several times.

On the cathedral square and the surrounding little streets, it is nice to observe the hustle and bustle of the city.

Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Cavour are the pedestrian streets and arteries of the historic city center. Partly under beautiful arcades, you can stroll along the small boutiques and stores.

Alba has been recognized by UNESCO as a creative city of gastronomy since 2017. It is famous worldwide for its truffle but also all the other specialties of Piedmont such as the famous wines Barolo, Barbera, and Barbaresco can be found here.

My Visiting Info: For a tour of Alba, without visiting museums or tasting regional specialties, you should allow half a day.

Partially free parking is available at the traffic circle on Via Vivaro. From there it is a 5 minutes walk to the historic center. The rest of the day, and at least two more days, you should spend in the beautiful surrounding hills of the wine region.

The cathedral square of Alba does belong to the best places to visit in Piedmont Italy
Alba – Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

Best places to visit in the Langhe region

Barolo – The place of the best red wine of Italy

Even non-wine drinkers know the most famous red wine in Italy, at least by name: Barolo. The charming village of Barolo is located about 15 km southwest of Alba, surrounded by vineyards in a sunny valley.

The village of 700 inhabitants is home to many wine stores, a medieval castle and a museum of local history.

From the small Piazza Castello, one enters either the picturesque alleys of the old town or, through a gate, the castle of Barolo.

You can do wine tastings within the little village without prior reservations or by reservation in the surrounding vineyards.

My Visiting info: Around Barolo there are many free parking lots. However, since the place is VERY popular, these are also occupied quite quickly.

It is best to come to Barolo early in the morning or late in the afternoon for sightseeing. Since the town itself is not particularly large, one hour is enough (without wine tasting) for a visit.

The village of Barolo, a highlight among the best places to visit in Piedmont, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards
Barolo

Best places to visit in the Piedmont wine region

Diano d’Alba

Perched just under 500 meters above the hills and vineyards of the Langhe, is the beautiful village of Diano d’Alba.

The small historic center consists of a few narrow streets, the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giovanni Battista and an outstanding viewing platform.

Just above the parish church, you will have an imposing 360 degree view over the Langhe.

My Visiting Info: By car you will find a free of charge parking right next to the church. Alternatively, there are additional parking spots along the main road. For a tour of Diano d’Alba you need no more than an hour.

Eines der schönsten Dörfer der anghe und ein absolute Piemont Sehenswürdigkeit ist Diano d'Alba
Diano d’Alba

Best places to visit in the Piedmont wine region

Castello di Grinzane Cavour

The majestic castle of Grinzane Cavour towers not far from the town of Alba on a hill from which it overlooks the spectacular landscape of the Langhe hills.

This Piedmont landmark was probably built around the middle of the 11th century in place of a watchtower that was already there.

Its current appearance is the result of restorations begun in 1961 on the occasion of the first 100 years of the Italian state.

Within the mighty castle walls is the Enoteca, founded in 1967, the first ever in Piedmont and the second in Italy. In the medieval surroundings of the former rooms of Count Cavour there is a restaurant offering Piedmontese and Provencal cuisine.

The highlight of a paid tour of the castle is the ceiling in the Sala delle Maschere.

This consists of 157 panels with representations of heraldic coats of arms, animals, allegories, and portraits painted on the occasion of the wedding of Pietrino Falletti. Today, for example, the prestigious Alba White Truffle World Auction, are taking place here.

Visiting info: Just below the castle, there is a small, free parking lot that fills up quickly in the summer.

Passing a small church, the wide stone driveway leads to the large square in front of the castle, from which the surrounding vineyards can be admired free of charge and the spectacular panorama can be marveled at.

Around the castle a beautiful visitor path “Vigna di Cavour” has been created, where you can get comprehensive information about the grape harvest and vineyards of the region.

Without visiting the castle from the inside, one hour is quite enough for your visit.

Opening times: Wednesday – Monday from 10:00 – 19.00hrs
Ticket: € 8.00 per person / Free of charge with the Torino Piemonte City Card

Linda in front of Castle and vineyards of grinzane cavour, one of the best places to visit in Piedmont
Castello di Grinzane Cavour

Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

The most beautiful fortresses and monasteries of Piedmont

Anyone who travels through Piedmont will quickly discover how many outstanding fortresses and monasteries the region has to offer. Here you will find only a small but fine selection:


Sacra di San Michele

An absolute must-see in Piedmont: at the entrance to the Susa Valley, about 40km west of Turin, the Sacra di San Michele monastery towers high above the valley.

It is the symbolic monument of the Piedmont region and one of the most important religious architectures of the entire Alpine area. Moreover, the abbey is also one of the most important monuments in Italy.

At 962 meters above sea level, the bulbous structure is perched on Monte Pirchiriano, framed by the towns of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino and Chiusa di San Michele at the foot of the mountain.

The building, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, is said to have inspired Umberto Eco to write the best-selling book “The Name of the Rose”.

The castle-like abbey of the Benedictine order and was founded between 983 and 987 and can be visited today.

You can see the staircase of death as well as the basilica and the Torre di Bell Alda. Free of charge is the outstanding view into the valley and in good weather as far as Turin, before the entrance gate.

Visiting info: You can drive your car almost to the front of the monastery and park in Piazzale Croce Nera for € 2.00 per hour (max. € 6.00 for the whole day). From there it is a 10-minute walk along a paved road.

Alternatively, there are outstanding walks from the valley up to the monastery and a popular via ferrata.

Without paying to visit the inside of the Sacra, one hour is enough to visit the outside area of this Piedmont attraction.

Opening times: From March – October daily between 9.30 – 17.30hrs, in Winter until 16:30hrs
Ticket: € 8.00 per person / Free of charge with the Torino Piemonte City Card

The impressive monastry Sacra di San Michele is one of the main sights of Piemont
Sacra di San Michele

Forte Fenestrelle

A highlight among the best places to visit in Piedmont is definitely the impressive Fenestrelle Fortress.

The huge fort is located in the middle of the Chisone Valley, about 85km west of Turin and offers many superlatives: It is the largest alpine fortress in Europe and after the Great Wall of China, also the next largest wall.

Already from afar you can see the fortress as it stretches to almost 700 meters in altitude over a rock in the narrow valley. The three fortresses are connected by a 3km long outer wall, in which Europe’s longest covered staircase with 4000 steps is located.

The construction of the Fenestrelle fortress began in 1728 and lasted about 120 years. Built to defend the borders, however, it was mainly used as a prison.

Visiting info: There is a free parking lot at the entrance to the lowest fortress, Fort San Carlo. Without an entrance fee and a guided tour, you can only move around in the castle courtyard, but unfortunately you won’t get much further then.

Guided tours are exclusively in Italian and cost from € 5.00 per person, depending on the length.

I do recommend doing the self-guided “Amici-Tour” which does cost € 3.00 per person. It does include a short stroll through the covered staircase.

Without a guide, you should plan about 30 minutes for this Piedmont sight.

Opening times: In July & August daily between 9.00 and 18.00hrs with lunch break. During the rest of the year from 10:00 bis 17:00hrs with lunch break.
Ticket: from € 3.00 per person (depending on the tour) / Free of charge with the Torino Piemonte City Card

Festung Fenestrelle, eine der Piemont Sehenswürdigkeiten
Forte di Fenestrelle

Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

Other outstanding castles and monasteries of Piedmont

Piedmont has an incredible number of beautiful castles and monasteries to offer. Here not described in detail, but still worth mentioning, because absolutely worth seeing, are the following buildings, churches, monasteries, and castles:

My Tip: Around Turin there are a total of 9 impressive and imposing castles and palaces, which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

Among them, the impressive Racconigi Castle and Reggia di Venaria Reale, Italy’s second-largest castle. Here you can find all the information about these residences of the Royal House of Savoy in Piedmont

Die Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cavour, eine schöne Steinkirche im Piemont
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cavour, close to the village of Cavour

Best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

The most beautiful lakes in Piemont

Lago Maggiore

The Lago Maggiore is Italy’s second-largest lake. Covering an area of over 200 km², the upper Italian lake is divided between the regions of Piedmont in the west, Lombardy in the east and the Swiss canton of Ticino in the north.

The popular lake, is definitely one of the Piedmont highlights that most people do not know is located in this unique region.

The magnificent villas and splendid parks along the lakeshore are a witness to the popularity of Lago Maggiore with the moneyed aristocracy from the 18th century onwards.

Today, many of these historic buildings are outstanding luxury hotels, such as the sophisticated Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac or the majestic Regina Palace.

The picturesque town of Stresa, just one of several spas on Lake Maggiore, and the Borromean Islands off the coast are known and loved far beyond the country’s borders. The postcard motif, the Italian baroque garden with its botanical treasures from Isola Bella, is world-famous.

Further north along the western side of the lake, the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto are worth a visit. On more than 16 hectares, Scots who emigrated in the 1930s created this beautiful seasonal garden, with plants from all over the world.

Shortly before the border with Switzerland, the also very popular town of Cannobio, with its winding streets, coarse cobblestones and balconies decorated with flowers, invites you to linger. Dolce Vita Pure!

Visiting Info: If you visit Lago Maggiore, you should definitely plan for several days. After all, it is not only the lakeshore that is worth visiting, but also the hilly mountain world behind it.

For example, the beautiful mountain village of Premeno, at 800 meters above sea level, from which you have a fairytale panorama of Lake Maggiore and the Alps behind it.

If you can, you should go to Lake Maggiore outside the high season in summer to avoid the stress of the many drivers on the narrow roads!

One of the main Piedmont sights is Isola Bella, a beautiful small island in the middle of Lago Maggiore
Isola Bella, island in the Lago Maggiore

Best lakes to visit in Piedmont Italy

Lago d’Orta

The more peaceful, western neighbor of the great Lago Maggiore, it is said to be the most romantic lake in Italy.

Lago d’Orta is only 13.4km long and is nestled to the east in the hills that separate it from its dominant neighbor. The highest point here is Monte Mottarone at 1491m.a.s.l..

The western side of the lake is more impassable and mountainous. The main town on Lake Orta is the charming Orta San Giulio.

Above the town is the Sacro Monte d’Orta Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its 20 pilgrim chapels depicting the life of St. Francis.

In the middle of the 18,2 km² large (or small) Lake Orta, is the island of San Giulio. The walk around the sweet islet, with its magnificent basilica and a Benedictine monastery, is only 650m.

My Visiting Info: A nice way to explore this Piedmont sight is by bike. On the 35,5km long path “Giro Lago” the beautiful lake can be circumnavigated and explored. Good starting points for exploring Lago d’Orta are Gozzano, a little further from the lake, or Orta San Giulio.

For the visit of this Piedmont highlight, you should plan two days to be able to explore the lake from all sides without stress.

Lago d'Orta in Piemont
Lago d’Orta

Conclusion on the best places to visit in Piedmont Italy

The beautiful region of Piedmont in the northeast of Italy is definitely worth a visit. From charming and interesting towns and villages, to beautiful lakes and historically significant cultural monuments, Piedmont has everything to offer your heart desires.