Summary of Piedmont Highlights
Are you looking for an authentic and beautiful Italian holiday destination away from the masses? Piedmont, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions, is a true and quite unknown jewel in northwest Italy. The second largest region of the country, there are so many things to do in Piedmont, you’ll be surprised you didn’t think of it sooner. Piedmont has an alpine border to the north with Switzerland and to the west with France.
Top Things to Do in Piedmont, Italy
In the middle of the region lies the flat Po plain housing Piedmont’s biggest cities. The capital Turin, and Novara the region’s second-largest city, are both located here. Novara is just 100km northeast of Turin and is surrounded by large rice fields which is no surprise as Piedmont is the largest rice supplier in Europe.
Translated from Latin, Piedmont means “at the foot of the mountains”. With its rolling hills, majestic Alps, and a multitude of charming towns and villages, its name suits its beautiful setting.
Planning Your Trip To Piedmont, Italy Right Now?
Below are some of the top activities in Piedmont. It’s important to plan ahead when visiting Piedmont, Italy!
Top Activities in Piedmont:
- Turin: Egyptian Museum Tour With Skip-The-Line Entry (Most Popular in Piedmont)
- Langhe: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting (Our Favorite)
- From Turin: Half-Day Medieval Sacra di San Michele Tour
- Turin: Torino+Piemonte 2-Day City Card (Best Deal)
From vineyards and truffle plantations (ideal for gourmets and slow food movement lovers) to historically significant castles and fortresses for culture enthusiasts, to breathtaking natural beauty for outdoor adventurers, Piedmont has something for everyone.
In the hill country, southeast of the region, there is primarily agriculture and viticulture. Among others, the world-famous Barolo wine is produced in this UNESCO-recognized cultural region. The river Po, Italy’s longest river, rises beneath the Monviso mountain (3841m) and flows 652km until reaching the Adriatic Sea. Thus, it is no surprise this region is well-known for its wine culture and delicious food.
1. Turin
Turin is the largest city and capital of Piedmont. In 1861, when the Republic of Italy was founded, Turin was even the capital of the entire country. Today, with a population nearing one million people, it ranks as the fourth largest city in Italy and serves as the most important economic and cultural hub in Italy’s northwest.
A landmark of the city and one of Turin’s most famous buildings is the Mole Antonelliana. Originally built as a synagogue, this intriguing monument now houses the National Museum of Cinema and provides a breathtaking view of the city from the observation deck at the top.
Another significant sight is the cathedral, the Duomo of Turin. It was built in the 15th century and is primarily known for housing the controversial Shroud of Jesus.
Around the picturesque Piazza Castello, one of the central squares of the city, upscale baroque buildings and palaces abound. The royal palace, Palazzo Reale, formerly served as the residence of the kings of Savoy. Visitors can wander through the magnificent rooms, adorned with exquisite paintings, furniture, and artworks, gaining insight into the royal family’s life. The adjacent Palazzo Madama currently functions as an art museum.
The renowned Egyptian Museum is one of the largest repositories of Egyptian art and history, featuring over 32,000 artifacts. At the national car museum, more than 200 vehicles from 85 manufacturers across 13 countries are on display.
Every Saturday, Turin’s Piazza della Repubblica hosts the largest open-air market in Europe. It boasts everything imaginable across a sales area exceeding 50,000 m², from household goods and local produce to watches and jewelry.
2. Residences of the Savoy Family
The House of Savoy, a dynasty from French high nobility, ruled over the territories of Savoy and Piedmont from the 14th century. This dynasty also provided the kings of Italy from 1861 to 1946, extending its influence to parts of western Switzerland, the county of Nice, and Sardinia.
Since 1997, 22 castles and palaces of the House of Savoy have been recognized as “Residences of the Royal House of Savoy” UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Fourteen of these buildings are situated within the city of Turin, including Palazzo Reale, while nine others are strategically located around the capital.
The most renowned Savoy residence in Piedmont is the Reggia di Venaria Reale, just 5km northwest of Turin.
This colossal castle features a magnificent 17th-century palace, a sprawling 60-hectare park, the historic village (borgo) previously designated for castle servants, and the 3000-hectare Parco della Mandria, which was once royal hunting grounds and is now a protected nature and wildlife reserve.
Another architectural gem among the Savoy residences is the Castello di Rivoli, which overlooks Rivoli. Built in the 17th century, it now houses a contemporary art museum.
The Palazzina di Stupinigi is another striking example of Savoy residence architecture, constructed in the 18th century and known as King Victor Amadeus II’s preferred castle. Visitors can explore the stunning interiors and stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens.
3. Lago Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s largest lakes, spanning the regions of Piedmont in the west, Lombardy in the east, and northern Switzerland. The Piedmont shore of the lake offers numerous charming spots and landscapes to explore.
One of the most delightful villages is Stresa, celebrated for its stunning gardens and architectural wonders. The offshore Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore are a truly enchanting destination. Visitors can tour the magnificent Borromeo Palace and its beautiful gardens on Isola Bella, admire a remarkable collection of exotic plants on Isola Madre, or savor local specialties, particularly fish, on Isola dei Pescatori.
Cannobio is another picturesque destination on Lake Maggiore, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant Sunday market.
The Rocca di Angera, a medieval castle perched majestically on a hill, offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit landmark.
Just beyond the quaint coastal villages begins the Val Grande nature reserve, which is one of Europe’s largest untouched forested areas, providing abundant opportunities for walking, hiking, and cycling along the waterfront while soaking in views of the majestic Alps.
4. Langhe, Monferrato, Roero
The rolling hills of Piedmont are not only recognized for their stunning beauty but also for their culinary delights. Here, visitors can sample some of Italy’s finest wines, such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Dolcetto, in addition to a variety of cheeses, including Castelmagno and Robiola.
This region is renowned for its truffles, especially the highly coveted white truffle, one of the most expensive ingredients worldwide. Engaging in truffle hunting can be an enjoyable experience, leading to delicious dishes for your table.
The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato wine regions were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014, further affirming their cultural significance.
In addition to the famous truffle market, the charming town of Alba boasts numerous historical attractions, including the 15th-century Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the 13th-century Church of San Domenico. This town serves as an excellent base for wine tasting and exploring nearby vineyards.
The small village of Barolo is the hub of its namesake wine and showcases the acclaimed wine museum, the Museo del Vino. Additionally, Barolo is home to the picturesque Castello Falletti di Barolo, which is now a museum offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The quaint town of La Morra is famous for its spectacular vistas overlooking vineyards and the Alps, making it an ideal spot to sample local gastronomic delights, including hazelnuts and the prized Barolo wine.
Bra, another small city in this area, is recognized as the heart of the slow-food movement, where the international movement originated.
Other charming towns include the medieval village of Monforte d’Alba and the town of Dogliani, known for its excellent wines. Another highlight is Grinzane Cavour Castle, an imposing 13th-century castle functioning as a museum that offers insights into 19th-century life in Piedmont.
5. Sacra di San Michele
Thirty kilometers west of Turin lies the impressive Abbey Sacra di San Michele, dramatically positioned on a rocky outcrop. This abbey stands as the symbolic monument of the Piedmont region and is one of the most important religious architectures in the entire Alps, as well as one of the most significant national monuments in Italy. Founded in the 10th century, it was a vital pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages, providing overnight accommodation for those journeying to Rome via the Western Alps.
Perched at an elevation of 960 meters, this former Benedictine abbey offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, the Susa Valley, and even Turin on clear days. The fantastical architecture of Sacra di San Michele inspired renowned author Umberto Eco to pen his celebrated novel “The Name of the Rose”.
The impressive complex comprises various structures, including the famed “Staircase of Death” and the basilica that houses the sarcophagi of the royal Savoy family. Its unique location and architecture certainly make it a must-see for visitors to Piedmont, if only for the views alone.
6. Limone Piemonte and Colle di Tenda
The quaint mountain village of Limone Piemonte and its surrounding area remains an undiscovered treasure, even for Italians. Limone Piemonte offers excellent skiing opportunities in winter and is a hiker’s paradise during the summer months. This charming town is situated in the southern part of the Piedmont region, approximately 120km south of Turin.
Nestled within the Maritime Alps, Limone Piemonte shares a border with France, linked to the Ligurian Riviera and the Côte d’Azur via the Colle di Tenda international tunnel. The town is a proud member of the alpine pearls, a collective of picturesque towns in the Alps dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism.
Winter sports enthusiasts will find 15 lifts and gondolas serving 80km of slopes at the “Riserva Bianca” ski resort. In summer, a vast network of trails is ideal for hikers and mountain bikers. Particularly along the Colle di Tenda mountain pass, 14km south of the village center, various stunning trails abound.
Along the scenic border ridge sit six remarkable military fortress ruins from the 19th century, which are open for hikers and occasionally inhabited by chamois. Mountain bikers can even ride to the Mediterranean Sea via the “Via del Sale”, an ancient salt route that follows beautiful military paths along the watershed.
7. Forte di Fenestrelle
Located 85km west of Turin lies the stunning Fenestrelle Fortress, one of the largest fortifications in Europe. Covering an area of 1.3 square kilometers, the fortress ascends through a height difference of 635m, making it the second-largest masonry complex in the world after the Great Wall of China. This complex consists of three independent fortresses: San Carlo, Tre Denti, and Delle Valli, connected by a tunnel that also features Europe’s longest covered staircase. In total, there are nearly 4000 steps throughout the fortress complex.
Visitors can explore the Fenestrelle Fortress through a self-guided tour or an (Italian) guided day tour that encompasses all sections of the impressive complex.
8. Gran Paradiso National Park
The stunning Gran Paradiso National Park is situated northwest of Piedmont and extends into the nearby region of Valle d’Aosta. As Italy’s oldest national park, established in 1922 to safeguard the ibex population, it stretches over approximately 70,000 hectares and consists of five valleys, creating a true haven for nature enthusiasts.
The mountain Gran Paradiso, peaking at 4061m, lends its name to the park. Notably, it is the highest point in Italy that is completely contained within the country.
More than 60% of the national park falls above 2200 meters altitude, providing habitat for a rich diversity of animal and plant species. Visitors may encounter rare wildlife, including golden eagles, chamois, marmots, and alpine ibex.
The Nivolet plateau, situated at 2600m, serves as the park’s centerpiece and starting point for many breathtaking hikes. In the summer, the charming mountain village of Ceresole Reale offers free shuttle service to all hikers wishing to access the plateau via winding mountain paths. Exploring Gran Paradiso and Val Grande National Park is an unforgettable experience, showcasing spectacular views of the Alps and their mesmerizing beauty.
How To Get To Piedmont
The only international airport in the region is Torino Caselle, located north of Turin. However, it is relatively small. A better and often more economical option is to fly into one of the three airports in neighboring Milan. Trains run every 30 minutes between the two cities, taking less than an hour, and regular direct buses also connect Milano Malpensa Airport with Turin city center.
Getting Around Piedmont
Piedmont’s larger cities are easily accessible via train or bus; however, accessing the countryside or remote areas may pose challenges using public transportation. To thoroughly explore Piedmont, after discovering all that Turin has to offer, it’s ideal to rent a car. A fascinating road trip could include a loop through Val di Susa and Val Chisone, while additional spectacular drives wind through the scenic vineyards of the Langhe Hills.
Best Time To Visit Piedmont
Piedmont is a beautiful destination worth visiting at any time of the year. In spring, the weather is pleasant, often warm, while elsewhere in Europe still experiences winter’s chill. Additionally, numerous alpine flowers bloom in the mountains and lavender fields flourish in the southeast. Summer tends to be hot, creating the perfect conditions for outdoor activities like excursions, hikes, and mountain bike tours in the Alps.
Autumn signifies grape harvest season, transforming the landscape into a canvas of rich reddish hues. Conversely, winter visitors can explore numerous ski slopes, particularly the popular ski area surrounding the mountain resort of Sestrière. The “Via Lattea” Ski resort is among the largest ski resorts in the world.
Where to Stay in Piedmont
Your choice of accommodation in Piedmont largely depends on your personal interests, given the region’s expansive size. Generally speaking, Turin serves as an excellent starting point for sightseeing in the city and excursions towards the north and west, though city traffic must be navigated.
If you prefer hiking or exploring the wine region, the town of Cuneo, positioned 100km south of Turin, makes a suitable launchpad. It’s ideally situated to discover several exquisite alpine valleys in the western part of Piedmont, with the wine regions around Alba and Asti within an hour’s drive.
Why Should You Visit Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont is a must-visit destination regardless of whether you seek a cultural getaway or an exhilarating outdoor adventure. This northern Italian region is perfect for those wanting to avoid crowded tourist hotspots while immersing themselves in fantastic cities and awe-inspiring landscapes, all complemented by some of the world’s finest cuisine.
