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Piedmont
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Explore Piedmont’s Turin palaces, Alpine valleys, UNESCO vineyard hills, celebrated wines and distinctive northern Italian cuisine.

Piedmont occupies Italy’s north-western corner, stretching from the Alpine arc bordering France and Switzerland to the Po Valley and the vineyard-covered hills of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. Its name, Piemonte, means ‘at the foot of the mountains’, an apt description of a region shaped by high peaks, glacial valleys, broad rivers and fertile plains. Turin, the regional capital, provides an elegant urban gateway, while the countryside changes markedly from the rice fields and industrial towns of the east to the wooded wine hills south of the Po.
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Turin is a city of long arcades, spacious boulevards and former Savoy residences. The Mole Antonelliana, now home to the National Cinema Museum, is its most recognisable silhouette, while the Royal Museums and the nearby Venaria Reale reflect the political importance and courtly culture of the House of Savoy. Turin also has a strong modern identity: it was central to Italy’s automotive history, has a respected café tradition and remains a major centre for contemporary culture, design and education.
South of the city, the Langhe and Roero unfold as an agricultural landscape of vine rows, hazelnut woods and hilltop settlements. Alba is associated with white truffles and the wines Barolo and Barbaresco, while smaller communities such as La Morra, Barolo and Neive offer viewpoints, cellars and medieval streets. Further east, Monferrato combines vineyards with castles, village churches and the historic city of Asti. These wine-growing landscapes are recognised by UNESCO for their cultural value as places where farming, settlement and winemaking have developed together.
Piedmont’s mountains offer a different rhythm. The valleys around Susa, Chisone, Varaita and Ossola lead towards hiking routes, ski areas and high Alpine scenery, while the Gran Paradiso National Park extends into the region’s north-western mountains. Lake Maggiore forms a gentler northern setting, with lakeside towns and historic gardens, although some celebrated islands and shore attractions lie across the regional boundary in Lombardy. In the east, the rice-growing plain around Vercelli reveals another aspect of Piedmont’s landscape and cuisine.
Food is central to the region’s cultural identity. Egg-rich tajarin pasta, agnolotti del plin, bagna cauda, vitello tonnato and braised meats reflect both courtly and rural traditions. Hazelnuts from the Langhe, rice from the eastern plain, mountain cheeses and chocolate from Turin complement a wine culture that includes Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, Alta Langa and Asti. Piedmont rewards an itinerary that combines Turin with several rural bases, since the Alps, lakes, rice fields and vineyard hills are too varied to be treated as a single day-trip landscape.

When is the best time to visit Piedmont?

Best: June, August–September · 24–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January645
February840
March1350
April1760
May2175
June (best)2565
July2855
August (best)2860
September (best)2475
October1785
November1165
December655

Getting to and around Piedmont

How to get there

Turin Airport, officially Turin-Caselle, is Piedmont’s principal passenger airport and has domestic and international connections, although routes vary by season. Turin is also reachable by high-speed and conventional rail from Milan, Bologna, Genoa and other Italian cities, with international rail links towards France. Milan’s airports, outside Piedmont in neighbouring Lombardy, can be practical gateways for visitors heading to Turin or the Langhe, particularly when their flight options are better. The region is connected by motorways to Milan, Genoa, Aosta and France; smaller wine and mountain destinations usually require a further road journey.

Transportation

Turin has an urban public-transport network, while regional trains connect the capital with cities including Asti, Alba, Vercelli, Novara and other centres, though not every rural wine village has a station. Buses serve many valleys and towns, but services can be less frequent in dispersed mountain and vineyard areas. A car is convenient for visiting hilltop villages, wineries and Alpine valleys, but drivers should expect narrow roads, limited parking in historic centres and restricted-traffic zones in towns. Cycling is practical on selected routes, and walking is particularly rewarding in the Langhe, Monferrato and mountain valleys when routes are planned carefully.

Top city travel guides in Piedmont

The cities of Piedmont, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Piedmont

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Piedmont

Piedmont’s attractions range from Turin’s royal and cultural institutions to working agricultural landscapes and high mountain environments. In the capital, the Royal Museums, the National Cinema Museum in the Mole Antonelliana and the Egyptian Museum provide different ways into the city’s political, artistic and industrial history. The surrounding Savoy residences, including Venaria Reale and the hunting lodge at Stupinigi, reveal the scale of eighteenth-century court culture. South of Turin, the Langhe and Roero offer vineyard walks, wine estates, food museums and hilltop villages, while Alba is a centre for gastronomy and seasonal truffle culture. Monferrato combines wine country with historic towns and castle landscapes. The Susa Valley and other Alpine districts support hiking, skiing and visits to mountain communities, and Gran Paradiso National Park provides opportunities for wildlife observation and well-marked walks. Lake Maggiore and its Piedmont shore add lakeside scenery and gardens, while the rice fields near Vercelli show the region’s agricultural diversity. Activities and opening arrangements vary by season, particularly in the mountains and at rural estates.

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Best landmarks in Piedmont

Piedmont’s most recognisable landmarks express the region’s royal, urban, religious and agricultural histories. Turin’s Mole Antonelliana dominates the city skyline, while the Palazzo Madama, Turin Cathedral and the long arcades of the historic centre reflect different stages of civic and courtly development. The Basilica of Superga, set on a hill above the city, is both a major architectural work and a Savoy memorial church. Outside Turin, the Sacra di San Michele occupies a dramatic mountain position above the Susa Valley and has become a defining symbol of Piedmont’s medieval heritage. Venaria Reale and Stupinigi represent the ceremonial architecture of the Savoy court, while the castle and village silhouettes of the Langhe and Monferrato give the vineyard landscape its distinctive form. In the north, the Borromean Islands are outside Piedmont in Lombardy, so visitors should distinguish them from the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore. The hills themselves, especially around Barolo and Monferrato, are significant cultural landmarks shaped by centuries of cultivation.

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Best restaurants in Piedmont

Piedmontese cooking is grounded in rich sauces, handmade pasta, seasonal produce and the produce of both mountains and plains. Turin is known for its historic cafés, chocolate traditions and aperitivo culture, while trattorias across the region serve agnolotti del plin, tajarin and vitello tonnato. Bagna cauda, a warm anchovy, garlic and oil dip, is associated with communal autumn and winter meals, often accompanied by vegetables from the surrounding countryside. The Langhe and Monferrato bring hazelnuts, mushrooms, truffles and celebrated wines to the table, while rice from the Vercelli plain supports dishes such as risotto. Mountain districts contribute cheeses, cured meats and hearty polenta-based cooking. Menus often reflect the agricultural calendar, so autumn is particularly important for truffles, mushrooms and new wines. Restaurants range from informal osterie and village inns to contemporary dining rooms, with local Barbera, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Roero Arneis, Asti and Alta Langa among the wines commonly encountered.

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Best bars in Piedmont

Piedmont’s evening life is varied but rarely dominated by large-scale clubbing outside Turin. The regional capital has a long café and aperitivo tradition, with wine bars, cocktail venues, breweries, live-music rooms and late-opening restaurants concentrated in central districts and around student areas. Historic cafés remain part of Turin’s identity, while former industrial spaces and contemporary cultural venues add a more modern dimension. In Alba, Asti and the principal towns of Monferrato, evenings usually centre on wine bars, osterie and seasonal public events rather than a dense nightclub scene. The Langhe and Roero are well suited to vineyard tastings followed by a relaxed dinner, and many rural communities become quieter after the evening meal. Mountain resorts may offer more seasonal bars and live music during winter or summer holidays, but opening patterns vary. Booking transport after rural tastings is important, since taxis and public services may be limited outside larger towns.

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Best nightclubs in Piedmont

Piedmont’s evening life is varied but rarely dominated by large-scale clubbing outside Turin. The regional capital has a long café and aperitivo tradition, with wine bars, cocktail venues, breweries, live-music rooms and late-opening restaurants concentrated in central districts and around student areas. Historic cafés remain part of Turin’s identity, while former industrial spaces and contemporary cultural venues add a more modern dimension. In Alba, Asti and the principal towns of Monferrato, evenings usually centre on wine bars, osterie and seasonal public events rather than a dense nightclub scene. The Langhe and Roero are well suited to vineyard tastings followed by a relaxed dinner, and many rural communities become quieter after the evening meal. Mountain resorts may offer more seasonal bars and live music during winter or summer holidays, but opening patterns vary. Booking transport after rural tastings is important, since taxis and public services may be limited outside larger towns.

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Best shops in Piedmont

Shopping in Piedmont combines Turin’s established urban streets with the markets and specialist producers of smaller towns. Turin offers historic food halls, bookshops, contemporary design, chocolate makers and independent boutiques, alongside regular markets whose character varies by district and day. Alba and Asti are useful places to look for wine, hazelnut products, preserves, regional cheeses and seasonal food, while villages in the Langhe and Monferrato have cellar shops attached to local producers. Vercelli and the eastern plain provide opportunities to buy rice and other agricultural products, and Alpine towns stock cheeses, woollen goods and practical outdoor equipment. Look for gianduja and other Piedmontese chocolate specialities, locally bottled wines, ceramics and small-scale crafts, checking labels for producer and origin. Markets are often more rewarding for regional food than for generic souvenirs, but opening days and seasonal availability differ, particularly in smaller communities.

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Piedmont essentials

Currency and Payment
Piedmont uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Italy. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Turin, larger towns, hotels, museums and established restaurants. Carry some cash for small cafés, village businesses, market stalls, parking machines and rural services, since acceptance and connectivity can be less consistent away from urban centres. Italian payment practices and receipts apply throughout the region, and visitors should not rely on exchanging foreign currency in small villages.
Safety
Piedmont is generally suitable for ordinary independent travel, but normal precautions are sensible in crowded stations, central Turin and busy visitor areas. In the countryside, take care on narrow mountain roads and when walking near vineyards, ravines or Alpine terrain. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, while heat, thunderstorms and slippery paths may affect lower-level walks. Respect marked routes and private agricultural land, use official parking areas, and check local conditions before higher-altitude hikes or winter activities.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number 112 can be used in Piedmont for police, fire and ambulance assistance, with operators able to direct calls to the appropriate service. In the mountains, provide a precise location or use an official trail reference when requesting rescue, since mobile coverage can be intermittent in valleys. For urgent incidents on or near Lake Maggiore, follow local emergency instructions. Keep identification, travel insurance details and essential medication information accessible, and do not assume that a rural pharmacy or medical service will be open at all times.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches and religious sites, and follow photography restrictions in museums, palaces and historic interiors. In restaurants, meals are generally unhurried; ask about regional dishes and any cover charge rather than expecting a single fixed dining format. Tipping is not compulsory in Italy, although rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is appreciated. Do not drive into restricted historic-centre zones without checking the signage, pick grapes or truffles without permission, or treat working vineyards and mountain paths as unrestricted recreational space.
Local Tips
Turin’s arcaded streets make sightseeing more comfortable in changeable weather, while the Langhe and Monferrato are best understood through several linked villages rather than one headline town. Asti and Alba can serve as practical bases, but rural accommodation may be more convenient for winery visits. In the eastern plain, rice landscapes around Vercelli offer a different perspective on Piedmont from the vineyard hills. For Alpine excursions, confirm seasonal lifts, refuge arrangements and trail conditions locally, as access changes substantially through the year.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCiao[chow]
GoodbyeAddio[ah-dee-oh]
YesSì[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePer favore[pehr fah-voh-reh]
Thank youGrazie[graht-see-eh]
Excuse me/SorryMi scusi[mee skoo-zee]
How are you?Come stai?[koh-meh stah-ee]
Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?[beh-neh. eh too]
Do you speak English?Parli inglese?[par-lee een-gleh-seh]
I don't understandNon capisco[non kah-pees-koh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore[vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
I don't eat meatNon mangio carne[non mahn-joh kar-neh]
Cheers!Salute![sah-loo-teh]
I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore[vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aiuto![ah-yoo-toh]
Go away!Vai via![vai vee-ah]
Call the Police!Chiama la polizia![kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsee-ah]
Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore![kee-ah-mah oon doht-toh-reh]
I'm lostMi sono perso[mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
I'm illSono malato[soh-noh mah-lah-toh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...[vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
I'm just lookingSto solo guardando[sto soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
How much is it?Quanto costa?[kwahn-toh koh-stah]
That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro[eh troh-poh kah-roh]
Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?[pwoh-ee ahb-bah-sah-reh eel pret-soh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Che ore sono?[keh oh-reh soh-noh]
It's one o'clockÈ l'una[eh loo-nah]
Half past (10)Dieci e mezzo[dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsoh]
MorningMattina[maht-tee-nah]
AfternoonPomeriggio[poh-meh-reed-joh]
EveningSera[seh-rah]
YesterdayIeri[yeh-ree]
TodayOggi[oh-jjee]
TomorrowDomani[doh-mah-nee]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Due[doo-eh]
3Tre[treh]
4Quattro[kwah-troh]
5Cinque[cheen-kweh]
6Sei[say]
7Sette[seht-teh]
8Otto[oht-toh]
9Nove[noh-veh]
10Dieci[dee-eh-chee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Dove c'è...?[doh-veh cheh]
What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?[kwal eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?[pwoh-ee moh-strahr-mee (soo-lah mahp-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?[kwahn-doh pah-sah eel proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)[oon bee-lyeh-toh (pehr ....)]

History of Piedmont

Prehistoric settlements and Roman Piedmont

Piedmont’s valleys and plains were occupied by pre-Roman peoples, including Celtic and Ligurian communities, before the area was incorporated into the Roman world. Augusta Taurinorum, founded in the late first century BC on the site of modern Turin, became an important settlement with a regular street plan. Roman roads linked the Po Valley with Alpine passes and helped connect agricultural communities and military routes. Remains of Roman urban planning, gates and archaeological finds survive in Turin and other towns, although much of the region’s later appearance was shaped by medieval and early modern development.

Medieval communes, monasteries and Alpine routes

After the Roman period, Piedmont became a mosaic of bishoprics, local lordships, communes and monastic territories. Towns such as Asti, Alba and Vercelli prospered through agriculture, trade and control of routes across the western Alps. Monasteries and religious foundations helped manage land and travel, while castles and fortified settlements reflected competition among regional powers. The Sacra di San Michele, dramatically positioned above the Susa Valley, belongs to this wider medieval landscape of pilgrimage, defence and cross-Alpine movement.

Savoy and the rise of Turin

The House of Savoy gradually consolidated its authority in western Alpine territories and made Turin its capital in 1563, shifting the political centre of the dynasty from Chambéry. Turin was remodelled with planned streets, arcades, squares and palaces, especially under the architects Guarino Guarini and Filippo Juvarra. The Savoy court also developed a network of residences around the city, including Venaria Reale, Rivoli and Stupinigi. These buildings express the dynasty’s ambition and later form part of the UNESCO-listed Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.

The Risorgimento and Italian unification

Piedmont played a decisive role in the nineteenth-century movement for Italian unification. The Kingdom of Sardinia, ruled by the Savoy dynasty from Turin, became the political base for diplomacy, military campaigns and constitutional reform. Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, a leading statesman and prime minister, helped guide alliances and negotiations that culminated in the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Turin served as Italy’s first capital until 1865, leaving important civic and political associations in the city and throughout the region.

Industrialisation and the making of modern Turin

From the late nineteenth century, Piedmont’s economy changed through engineering, textiles, food processing and transport. Turin became particularly associated with automobile production after the foundation of Fiat in 1899, drawing workers and encouraging rapid urban expansion during the twentieth century. The city’s industrial history influenced architecture, migration and working-class culture, while other parts of Piedmont retained agricultural economies based on vineyards, rice and livestock. This contrast between metropolitan industry and rural production remains an important part of the region’s identity.

Resistance and post-war transformation

During the Second World War and the German occupation, Piedmont’s mountains and foothills became important areas of partisan resistance. The region also experienced repression, deportation and wartime destruction, and its valleys preserve memorials and museums connected with these events. After 1945, industrial growth and internal migration reshaped Turin and other towns, while rural districts faced depopulation before later developing new forms of wine, food and heritage tourism. Piedmont’s contemporary image therefore combines industrial modernity with renewed appreciation for agricultural landscapes and local traditions.

Wine landscapes and cultural recognition

The vineyard areas of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato reflect centuries of cultivation, settlement and changing wine-making practices. Their hills are not simply scenic countryside: villages, castles, churches, farmsteads and cellar traditions form a cultural landscape created by agricultural communities. UNESCO inscribed the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont in 2014, recognising the historical relationship between people and vineyards. The designation has strengthened international attention towards local wine, food and heritage while keeping the working nature of the landscape visible.

Piedmont in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of Piedmont

The closest regions to Piedmont, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Piedmont

Discover Piedmont with Evendo: A 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your trip effortlessly and enjoy local tips.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich sets of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your all-in-one travel companion for exploring Piedmont, Italy. This free app offers detailed insights into attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and activities, making trip planning a breeze.

  • History of Piedmont and essential travel information.
  • Local advice to maximize your visit.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and city.
  • 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Planning a trip to Piedmont, Italy? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app designed to make your journey unforgettable. Piedmont is a region rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, and Evendo ensures you don’t miss a thing. From the majestic Mole Antonelliana in Turin to the serene vineyards of Langhe, our app covers all the iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Dive into detailed descriptions and stunning images of top attractions like the Royal Palace of Venaria, the Sacred Mount of Crea, and the charming Piazza Castello. Savor the flavors of Piedmont by exploring renowned restaurants like Piazza Duomo in Alba and Del Cambio in Turin. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, and even tickets to local experiences, all in one place.

Whether you're interested in nightclubs, bars, or shopping, our app has you covered. Use the 'Near me' feature to discover what's around you, no matter where you are in Piedmont. Plus, our curated local tips offer insights into experiencing the region like a true local. Evendo also provides essential travel information and the history of Piedmont to enrich your visit.

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