Alpette Live Cam

Piedmont occupies the northwestern corner of Italy, nestled along the edge of the Alps (hence its name, which literally means "foothill"). Its capital is a renowned industrial center (see Turin), but this is largely a rural area of tiny alpine villages, gently rolling hills and broad fertile farmlands. A gourmand's paradise, it produces many of Italy's great red wines, along with the best tartufi (white truffles) in the world. Sample them in October, in practically any restaurant or trattoria in the Langhe region, centered around Alba, a medieval town with several impressive towers.

In the vicinity of Alba, stop in Roddi to sip some sparkling dolcetto in its lovely main square. Then go on to Cherasco, where the imposing bastions of the fortress contrast sharply with the extravagant baroque Belvedere Arch. Across the Tanaro River, a beautiful belltower hovers over the piazza of Monforte, where you'll want to see the baroque oratory of S. Elisabetta church. Just a few miles away is the town of Barolo, which gave its name to one of the world's great red wines. Farther on is La Morra, a fan-shaped medieval town offering panoramic views across the vineyards. On the outskirts of town, visit the former Benedictine abbey at S. Martino di Mercenasco.

To the north of the Langhe is Monferrato, an area known for its castles, its delicate fried foods and its sparkling white wines. Asti is the headquarters for the latter; a few miles north is Villadeati, worth visiting to see its breathtaking castle. This is the edge of Italy's rice country. From Vercelli to Novara you'll drive through a veritable sea of green, centered around the town of Arborio. Nearby, in Rovasenda, is one of the most spectacular castles you'll ever see. Lovely frescoes adorn the S. Silvano abbey in Romagnano.

Head eastward now, to Ivrea, gateway to the Alps. It has a fine romanesque cathedral and forboding castle. As you continue on to Piedmont's northeastern border, you'll be climbing into the foothills toward Carema, a picturesque fortress town built right into the rocks. Outside of Strambino is beautiful Valperga castle, which hosts the remains of Arduino d'Ivrea, who in 1002 was Italy's first king.