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 Press Kit
Piedmont Geography Sports How to get there Golfers: Piedmont is your course General overview Shopping Mountains, hills & lakes MICE & More Turin, a fashionable city Tourism for everyone The provinces Action! Piedmont Experience -­‐ EXPO 2015 Made in Piedmont 2015 Events in Piedmont Torino+Piemonte, the winning card Art & Culture Links Food & Wine Geography The territory of Piedmont is equally divided across the mountains, the hills and the plains. With a surface of 25,399 square kilometres and eight provinces (Torino, Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Vercelli, Verbania), Piedmont is the largest region in Italy after Sicily. It borders to the west with France, to the north with Switzerland, to the north-­‐west with Valle d’Aosta, to the east with Lombardia, to the south-­‐east with Emilia Romagna and to the south with Liguria. The total resident population is approximately 4,440,000. Forty-­‐one percent of the territory of the region is located on the imposing mountains of the Alpine chain scattered with many internationally famous ski resorts. The Monferrato, Langhe, and Roero hills cover 32% of the region and the remaining 27% is flat and home to Europe’s largest rice fields. The diversified landscapes create alpine and continental climates. During the summer, the maximum average daily temperature is about 27-­‐30° C. In the winter, the maximum average daily temperature is 2 -­‐3° C. How to get there Airports Torino Airport “Sandro Pertini” www.aeroportoditorino.it Cuneo Levaldigi www.aeroporto.cuneo.it Milano Malpensa Airport www.sea-­‐aeroportimilano.it Trains www.trenitalia.com www.italotreno.it Motorways Italian motorway traffic announcements: www.autostrade.it ViaMichelin www.viamichelin.it Road conditions Call Center: 840.04.21.21 Local Public Transportation Pronto TPL Piemonte provides information on local public transport and includes a route planner. www.regione.piemonte.it/ptplweb/index.do General overview Experiencing Piedmont The past and future meet in Piedmont. Here, a powerful productive momentum and careful attention to innovation and new technology coexist with extraordinary natural beauty and landscapes, an array of cultural events and a vast offering of leisure activities. A gastronomic academy, the region’s historical and artistic heritage and its craft traditions stand side-­‐by-­‐side research centres, higher education and industrial districts. Piedmont, the host of the XX Olympic Winter Games, is all this and more. Innovation and tradition live together and strengthen each other: a region that is worth visiting and experiencing. In recent years – and in line with European trends – Piedmont has established new equilibriums in its macroeconomic sectors (farming, industry, services sector), reducing the weight of industry in favour of services.
In every sector, the sound working ethic of the people of Piedmont is turned into production. Piedmont is also the home of research. Innovation, which receives a large portion of the region’s economic resources, is one of the sectors of which Piedmont is most proud. Although agriculture today represents the smallest segment of the regional economy, it is highly specialized, specifically with regards to the area’s many agricultural niche products. The automotive industry has always been the linchpin of the region’s economy; it shaped and allowed the development of the great school of Piedmontese design. World-­‐famed greater designers (Giugiaro, Bertone and Pininfarina) are based here and today create not just cars, but interior design, furniture and decorative items, as well. Another important productive sector is the aerospace industry: Piedmont is home to numerous companies, primarily concentrated in the metropolitan area. Even the sectors that are more traditionally on the borderline between industry and crafts – like textiles (Chieri and Biella), gold and jewellery (Valenza) and the production of musical instruments -­‐ are deeply rooted in various provinces throughout Piedmont and are of fundamental importance to the region’s economic system. Piedmont is also a world leader in the production of a few extremely specialized items, such as luxury mega-­‐yachts and rubber sports flooring. Telecommunications are a strategic services sector. The tradition, the concentration and the quality of companies and research institutes have made Turin one of Italy’s centres of excellence in this sector. ICT is right behind metalworking and construction for economic relevance. The latter sector, which is highly diversified and has varied logistical needs, exploits the region’s well-­‐structured road and railway network. In order to develop its potential, become more competitive, attract business, increase the accessibility of the territory and guarantee more sustainable mobility, the infrastructure needs to be strengthened even more. Important projects are now being carried out. One of these, the high speed/high capacity railway, is part of the European “Corridor 5” project, connecting Eastern Europe with the important ports of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean along the natural corridor of the Susa Valley. The Piedmontese passion – in particular its Olympic passion – has created a network of infrastructures that have changed the face of Turin (railway link, underground metro, sports facilities designed by some of the world’s most famous architects like Piano, Aulenti, Isozaki, Foster and Fuksas) and of the valleys which hosted the Games (ski lifts, hotels). The environment and landscape of Piedmont is dominated by the mountains. As its name suggests, the region is located at the foot of the Alpine range with peaks of extraordinary beauty. 40% of the land is mountainous. Some peaks include Monte Rosa, which is the second highest mountain in Europe, Monviso and the Gran Paradiso massif. The landscape is characterized by soaring peaks and wide valleys, which in the summer are covered with meadows, pastures and larch and fir tree forests, and in the winter are blanketed in snow. These mountains, specifically the ones surrounding Turin (Susa, Sangone and Pinerolo valleys, as well as the Chisone, Germanasca and Pellice), hosted the Winter Games, and were the headquarters par excellence of the Olympic passion. Another typical Piedmontese panorama is the winding landscape of hillsides covered with vineyards and dotted with medieval towns, towers and castles: the hilly territories of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato tucked away between the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Apennines in southern Piedmont. Flat, water-­‐rich plains sprawl between Novara and Vercelli, and are mainly dedicated to rice fields. The Po river, the longest river in Italy (652 kilometres) and also the river with the highest flow, springs from the slopes of the Monviso. There are hundreds of small alpine lakes in Piedmont, as well as important bodies of water, like Lake Maggiore and Lake d’Orta. Millenary history Thousands of years of history form a treasure trove of artistic and architectonic heritage spanning from Roman times (in Turin, Rome’s Augusta Taurinorum, and throughout the region) to la Belle Époque. The most precious treasures of Piedmont are those from the Baroque era: the palaces of the Savoy capital, the churches, the residences and the piazzas designed by Filippo Juvarra, Guarino Guarini, Ascanio Vitozzi and Carlo di Castellamonte, from Palazzo Carignano to the Basilica of Superga. Indeed, the entire region is studded with seventeenth-­‐century jewels. Splendid examples of Baroque architecture are the Royal Palaces, dubbed the “Crown of Delights” and include the Reggia di Venaria, the Palazzina di Stupinigi, the Royal Palace, the Castles of Moncalieri and Racconigi: these summer residences and hunting lodges, exceptional examples of pomp and wealth, were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997. UNESCO awarded this same designation for architectural value to seven of the twelve Sacri Monti (“Sacred Mountains”) in Piedmont, which still today are major pilgrimage destinations. Sacra di San Michele is one of the religious monuments that best symbolises Piedmont. A Romanic complex of exceptional architectonic importance, built between 983 and 987, it contains important holy and lay images, frescoed on its walls or sculpted into capitals, pillars and portals. And then there is the Sanctuary of Vicoforte in Cuneo, with the largest elliptical cupola in Europe. The architectonic heritage supported by a rich system of museums: centuries passed under the reign of the Maison de Savoie have endowed the land with unique collections and masterpieces. The Egyptian Museum of Turin, which has recently been renovated, is the second most important Egyptian museum in the world after Cairo Museum. Contemporary art If one of the pride and joys of the region is its history, the same can be said of its Contemporary heritage. Turin has a highly active network of private galleries, the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (the GAM), the Fondazione Merz and the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo per l’Arte. Rivoli Castle is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Biella has the Cittadellarte-­‐Fondazione Pistoletto. Attention is paid to art and to cinema: Turin has transformed the building that is the symbol of the city, the Mole Antonelliana, into the unique National Cinema Museum, one of a kind in the world. The cultural offering in Piedmont also includes events ranging from music -­‐ classical, contemporary and avant-­‐garde music, jazz and ethnic sounds, as well as the prolific electronic music scene – to theatre, ballet and cinema. Many festivals take place at locations of exceptional architectural or natural beauty, like historic piazzas and courtyards, abbeys and churches, castles, fortresses or the parks of stately homes. Piedmont hosts highly popular, internationally-­‐famous events, like Artissima, the Triennale, the International Book Fair, the Turin Film Festival and the Alba International Film Festival. www.contemporarytorinopiemonte.it The pleasure of living in Piedmont This is the homeland of loisir, and the offering here is top-­‐notch. First and foremost are the pleasures of the palate. With centuries of culinary tradition and meticulous attention to ingredients and quality of local cultivations, Piedmont is the birthplace of Slow Food, the international association for the promotion of the territory’s food and wine culture. Slow Food has founded at Pollenzo, in the province of Cuneo, the first University of Gastronomic Sciences and every other year it organizes an international manifestation, the Salone del Gusto, in Turin. In Barolo, Falletti Castle is the extraordinary seat of the Wine Museum, WiMu. 48,000 hectares of vineyards on Piedmont’s hillsides produce the wines that have made this region world famous: 42 Denominations of Controlled Origin (DOC) labels and 16 Denominations of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG) labels. Famous white and red wines like Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Gavi and Spumante, sell millions of bottles all over the world every year. Two of the most prestigious of these wines, Barolo and Barbaresco, are international symbols not just of this land, but of the Italy as a whole. In restaurants throughout the region, diners can enjoy Piedmontese veal, traditional dishes like “bollito misto” (mixed boiled meats) and “carne all’albese” (paper-­‐thin slices of raw beef), as well as pork salami. And then there are the cheeses: the cheese-­‐making tradition in Piedmont includes many top quality products, and specifically 9 Denominations of Protected Origin (DOP), from the noble Castelmagno to Gorgonzola, Taleggio and Robiola di Roccaverano. Other products of the region’s fertile plains are featured on the table and at many festivals that are held during the year: peppers from Carmagnola, asparagus from Santena and cardoons from Nizza Monferrato are just a few of the region’s most prized – and certified – products of excellence. But the true star of Piedmont’s cuisine is beyond a doubt the Tuber Magnatum Pico, more commonly known as the white truffle of Alba. Piedmont’s white gold – which is primarily found in the Langhe but which can also be found throughout the region’s hilly territory – is shaved into thin slices to ennoble “plain” food like poached eggs or rice (another delicacy of Piedmont), and it can turn a dish of “tajarin” (fresh handmade pasta) or raw beef into something exquisite. Alba’s International White Truffle Fair does this delicious tuber well-­‐deserved justice. This voyage among the pleasures of the palate cannot end without mentioning chocolate, in particular that combination of cocoa and hazelnuts that gave rise to the inimitable gianduiotto of hand-­‐made tradition and to another famous product, Nutella. By the side of more classic pleasures, there is also the custom of meeting for an aperitif before dinner, which originated here in Piedmont. Antonio Benedetto Carpano, from Turin, is the inventor of vermouth, a mixture of dry white wine (traditionally Moscato) and alcohol plus an infusion of absinthe and herbs, which became famous under the Martini and Cinzano trademarks. But loisir is not only fine wining and dining. Piedmont also offers many opportunities for relaxation and fun. Enjoy charming hospitality in a chalet nestled in an alpine forest or in the elegant atmosphere of an eighteenth-­‐century lakeside villa; relax in at a spa and pamper yourself with a wine therapy session; let loose amongst the locals at Turin’s Movida or dedicate yourself to sports. The region offers an extraordinary chance to combine physical activity and nature – in summertime (mountaineering, kayaking, rafting, golf or mountain bike excursions) and in the winter. Over fifty ski resorts are located on Piedmont’s mountains, with 1,300 kilometres of ski slopes and over 300 ski lifts, funiculars, cable cars and chairlifts. Mountains, hills & lakes lakes Mountains Snow capped peaks, slopes, mountain passes and tunnels… Piedmont (“Foot of the Mount”), as its name suggests, is the epitome of a high-­‐
altitude region where geography become etymology. There are more than 400 kilometres of mountains surrounding Turin, from the Maritime Alps to Monte Rosa. This is the Olympic District, with the famous Via Lattea skiing resort surrounded by the Susa, Sangone, Chisone, Germanasca and Pellice valleys and Pinerolo. With a total of almost 600 kilometres of pistes and 91 ski lifts, skiers can enjoy the breathtaking slopes in places like Pragelato, San Sicario, Cesana, and Sestriere. The floodlit slope named after Giovanni Alberto Agnelli in Sestriere, where the men and women’s slalom events were staged, looks like an open-­‐air stadium at night. The variety in the landscape offers skiing opportunities for experts and beginners alike, dog sledding, frozen waterfall climbing, free riding, heli-­‐skiing, and cross-­‐country skiing. Of course, all of this is meant to be combined with a stop in one of the many wellness centres in the area. The peaceful Lanzo Valley, dominated by a Gothic archway known as the “Devil’s Bridge”, is best visited on snowshoes trekking across the panoramic Colle del Lys, Usseglio and Pian della Mussa. Snowboard and freestyle enthusiasts will be certain to appreciate the Olympic Half-­‐pipe and the Bardonecchia Snow Park in, where the 2006 Olympic Winter Games snowboard competitions where stages. Along with other venues in the area, Bardonecchia was the headquarters of the 2007 Turin Winter Universiade, a sporting event in which student athletes and will-­‐be champions challenge each other. The snow of the Province of Turin conceals a heritage awaiting to be discovered all year round. Nature rules at Gran Paradiso National Park in the upper Canavese area. Valsesia and Val d’Ossola have a variety of hiking trails and mountain bike paths criss-­‐crossed only by streams for canoeing and kayaking and cliffs for hang gliding and paragliding. That is not all. Art and history abound in the military fort of Fenestrelle, with an impressive, three-­‐kilometre wall climbing over the ridge of Monte Orsiera, and at Fort Exilles, which since 1713 has been defending the borders of the Dauphiné. Worth mentioning are the frescos in the chapels at Millaures and Melezet, home to a famed intaglio school. The Chaberton Fort standing at 3,158 meters is the highest in Europe. Working one’ way down the mountains, you will find Pinerolo and Susa, an area of unique of historic interest with 30 bell towers and 85 castles. This all only a stone’s throw away from Turin, a city protected by mountains of this gold-­‐medal region. www.piemonteneve.com Hills Another typical Piedmontese landscape is that of rolling hills covered with vineyards and sprinkled with medieval hamlets, towers and castles: the hilly terrain of Langhe-­‐Roero and Monferrato, nestled in the Maritime Alps and Ligurian Apennines of southern Piedmont. The vineyard landscapes of Piedmont – Langhe-­‐Roero and Monferrato – were added to the list of World Heritage Sites in June 2014. Langhe, Asti and Monferrato are the lands of Alba’s white truffle, the protagonist of autumn and early winter tables with its intense flavour capable of exalting Piedmontese traditional dishes, and of great and renowned wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco and Moscato d’Asti, Barbera, Dolcetto, Brachetto d’Acqui, Gavi and Roero. In addition to wines, another pillar of the territory is cheese: Bra, Raschera, Murazzano, Robiola di Roccaverano. Here the Slow Food movement was born, Pollenzo’s University of Gastronomic Sciences and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners were created. This is the land where it is possible to walk along the Wine Trails and discover the refined wine shops situated in important castles and historical palaces. Visiting local cellars, nice and cosy farmhouses, trattorias and restaurants is a must to enjoy the excellent local dishes: dozens of starters like “vitello tonnato” and raw meat salad made with the precious meat of Razza Bovina Piemontese, recognized internationally as the best cattle breed for its nutritional properties; handmade pasta like “ravioli del plin” and “tagliolini”, risotto with truffles, “bagna caoda” and “brasato al Barolo”, “marron glacé” and “zabaione”, “gianduiotti”, made with Piedmontese hazelnuts and chocolate, are some of the examples of Piedmontese cuisine, leader in the world also thanks to the several Piedmontese Michelin star-­‐awarded chefs. These great food products are also the stars of hundreds of festivals and fairs organized in the hills throughout the year. At springtime in Alba, “Vinum”, the most important appointment dedicated to wine tourists with over 250 wine producers from Langa and Roero, Piedmont and other Italian regions, and then Borsa Internazionale del Turismo Enogastronomico, an important showcase for international tour operators. “Douja d’Or” (beginning of September in Asti) is a national wine contest with hundreds of prestigious brands, concluded by the famous “Palio” (horse race) run in the central Alfieri square. Cheese from all over the world is the protagonist of “Cheese”, held in Bra in September and organized by the Slow Food association every two years. And finally, in October and November the “Alba International White Truffle Fair”, known by gourmets all over the world and culminating with Alba’s white truffle international auction. Lakes Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in Italy, famed for its beauty and mild weather, has always been a tourist destination. Over the past few years, however, it has been rediscovered and new interest is being devoted to the many villas and gardens of the area. Today, visitors can stay at some of these chateaus which have been turned into hotels and B&B, or at a luxury hotel and wellness centre. The three Borromeo islands – the jewels of the lake – are famous throughout Europe for their spectacular garden landscapes with over 2,000 different plant varieties. In Arona, on the Piemontese bank of the lake, there is a colossal statue of San Carlo Borromeo (popularly known as the “Sancarlone”, the “Big Saint Charles”), the second tallest statue in the world after the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Malpaga castles stand at Cannero Riviera, on the small islands fortified during the Middle Ages. Lake Orta offers a more discrete setting to visitors and encourages slow, relaxing walks. The most important town and focus point of the area is Orta, with its local craft shops and delicatessens lining the narrow streets and stairways leading up to the Baroque churches and towers. The symbol of the lake is the island of San Giulio and its remarkable Basilica. This is one of the most important Romanesque monuments in the region, it was founded by Saint Julius himself in the fourth century. Lake Mergozzo is a peaceful place where to engage in water sports and fishing. It is owned by the Verbano Cusio Ossola province section of FIPSAS (Italian Fishing & Underwater Sports Federation). For some the water of Piedmont is not meant for relaxation. The Lake District is an open-­‐air gym for many outdoor activities, such as trekking, mountaineering, and climbing in nature reservations, the Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in Italy, and in the Natural Parks of Veglia Devero, Mottarone, and Lagoni di Mercurago. The Toce waterfall with its 145 drop is the symbol of the Formazza valley and a popular destination for mountain hikers. It is one of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls in Europe. Lakes Maggiore, Orta, Viverone, Avigliana and Candia in addition to artistic and culture tours, musical events and international festivals (like the Music Weeks in Stresa from mid July to mid September) offer opportunities to test one’s sailing and windsurfing skills. Not only about leisure: the region has excellent convention services in unique settings for successful, stress-­‐free business meetings. Turin, a fashionable city
From former capital to new lifestyle Turin has an ancient, noble heart, and a young, fashionable face: nightlife is full of occasions for meeting, dancing, and clubbing, in discos and wineries in the old town centre, in the “Quadrilatero Romano”, along river Po at Murazzi or in Borgo Dora and San Salvario districts. While during the day you can stroll under the 18 kilometres of arcades admiring designers shop windows, visit craftsman and artist shops, wander in the several markets like Porta Palazzo, the biggest outdoor market in Europe, and visit the famous flea and antique market called “Balon”. In 2008 Turin was awarded three stars by the Michelin Verde Guide, maximum recognition for a city which “deserves to be visited”, just like Venice, Verona, Ravenna and Milan, because of its rich historical and cultural heritage, glamorous 4 and 5-­‐star hotels and its incredible unique lifestyle made of art, culture, food & wine. Here, the aperitif tradition born in 1786 still goes on today in the several venues around the city: under the arcades downtown, in the historical heart of the city or along river Po, where typical Piedmontese cured meat and cheese appetizers and served along-­‐side multi-­‐ethnic dishes. But Turin also means chocolate, a passion which has lasted for 450 years thanks to great confectioners and artisans. Turin is the perfect balance of different characteristics: you can step out of the second biggest Egyptian Museum in the world and walk into an historical café or attend a world-­‐class sport events in the modern Olympic facilities, admire a work of art and enjoy a gianduja cream delicacy, go shopping in a designer shops and then visit a royal palace, and finally end up in a fashionable lounge bar with acrobat bartenders, dance floor, DJ and videos. Visiting Turin is easy and fun on the red double-­‐decker “City Sightseeing Torino” bus: a great way to discover and admire the many souls of the city. Other alternative means of transport include the panoramic lift of Mole Antonelliana, symbol of Turin and tallest masonry building in Italy (167 m), commanding a stunning view of the city, the hills and the mountains and the historical Sassi-­‐Superga cableway climbing three kilometres up the green hills to Juvarra’s Superga Basilica and the Savoia family graves. The “historical tram” is a great way to discover interesting historical and cultural routes in the city, while ferryboats take visitors for tours on the river with five different landing spots to admire the hills, the traditional rowing clubs, the parks and the majestic bridges. In 2012, two new museums were opened, the Juventus Museum, a multimedial path dedicated to the football team history and the Museo del Risparmio (Savings Museum) dedicated to young children, teenagers and their families, where it is possible to approach to the concepts of savings and investment with a simple but not banal language. Lastly, the city of FIAT could not lack the Automobile Museum, which was re-­‐opened in 2011 following a radical transformation of the building and the exhibition. Space designed by the set designer François Confino. The provinces Alessandria Land of wine, battles and aristocracy, with hills, mountains and plains. This land is characterized by multifarious traditions, such as the goldsmiths in Valenza Po, a world-­‐class centre of excellence for the craft, the spas at Acqui Terme, famed since ancient Roman times, confectionery industry in Novi Ligure and the ancient town centre of Casale, where Umberto Eco (born in Alessandria) told of a siege in his novel “The Island of the Day Before”. The area has many very interesting archaeological itineraries, from the ancient Libarna (ruins of the amphitheatre, thermal springs and the forum) to the tombs, dwellings, and Roman swimming pools carved out of rock in Acqui. An important stop on a religious tour is at the Basilica della Madonna della Guardia, a sanctuary built in the 1930s by Father Orione, who founded his first boarding school for boys in Tortona. Dubbed “the land of colours”, Monferrato is a blaze of gold (wheat and corn fields), autumn shades and bright red (Brachetto d’Acqui and Dolcetto d’Ovada grapevines), and vibrant tones (strawberries and cherries). Local delicacies include typical biscuits like “amaretti”, “krumiri”, “baci di dama” and “canestrelli”, particularly in the Tortona valley. The green woods, where locals go to gather chestnuts and mushrooms, and nature reservations full of plants and animals, such as the one on the banks of the Orba stream. If you close your eyes on the Monferrato hills and let your imagination fly, you can still hear the powerful strokes of cycling legend Fausto Coppi, who made Italians dream in the forties and fifties. The Regional Cycling Museum in Novi Ligure honours the unforgettable local champion. Asti The rolling hills of Asti are studded with towns, castles and bell towers. The multi-­‐colour vineyards stretching for miles offer marvellous views that changes throughout the year with seasonal shades and tones. Other produce of this internationally famed wine land include white truffles, red and yellow bell peppers, and crunchy white cardoons. Wines and typical ingredients are skilfully combined in traditional cuisine and blend with the flavours of local dishes: such as finely chopped raw veal, rabbit pâté, risotto cooked in Barbera wine, bagna caoda (a hot anchovy-­‐
based sauce in which cooked and raw vegetables are dipped), bollito reale (a selection of mixed boiled meats), and of course desserts, like amaretti almond biscuits from Mombaruzzo. Wining and dining combines nicely with tours to the castles of Piea and San Martino Alfieri, with its splendid 19th century building, and the towns of Castell’Alfero, Montiglio, and Costigliole, which was once residence of the Countess of Castiglione. The Traditional Arts and Crafts Museum at Cisterna features craft workshop dioramas and features activities which are no longer practiced. Biella The splendour of the peonies in bloom at the botanical garden of Oropa at the beginning of May marks the flowing of time. Silver firs, rhododendrons and hydrangea add colour to the Oasi Zegna, ideal for long mountain bike rides and mushroom searching from mid-­‐August to the end of September. The attraction of the Biella area includes nature tours in parks, valleys and chestnut groves and historical-­‐artistic destination. Well worth a visit is the so-­‐called “Wool Road” leading from Biella to Borgosesia. The history of the Italian textile industry is told along these fifty kilometres, the history of a land that was once full of wool factories where working hands wove legends that have endured time. The Sella family, wealthy wool merchants and industry pioneers, were the leaders of the textile boom at the beginning of the 1800’s and were the first to build industrial wool working factories in the middle of the 19th century. Many of these factories have been lost in time but some can be refurbished by the local community’s renewed interest in industrial archaeology. One example is the former Trombetta wool factory which is today is the home to the Cittadellarte -­‐ Fondazione Pistoletto, a Contemporary Art learning centre where conventions, exhibitions, shows and concerts take place. This is proof that industrialization does not always automatically spell degrade, but rather combines progress and the landscape, keeping historic values and beauty intact. Cuneo The rest of Italy calls it the “Cuneese”, but in dialect it is simply “La Provincia Granda” (the Big Province). Here, trails following the scent of the white truffle, the pungent aroma of Castelmagno cheese, and the perfume of the Barolo and Dolcetto wines cross the paths of the history of the Savoy kings (Racconigi and the Castle of Casotto). The Valle Pesio Natural Park has an infinite number of nature walks, as the areas around Frabosa, Limone Piemonte, Prato Nevoso and Artesina. Among the hidden treasures are the Bossea caves, in the bowels of the earth from where the healthy waters of the Lurisia and Garessio springs gush to the surface. One of the main towns of the area is Mondovì which is split into three very different parts: Piazza (perched on Monte di Vico and with the splendid panoramic Belvedere), Breo (the modern shopping district along the Ellero stream), and Altipiano (a residential neighbourhood on the other side of the stream). Visits must include Francesco Gallo’s Baroque treasures, the medieval tower and a lighthouse, that served as a point of reference for those crossing the valley. Novara Lake Orta, one of Novara’s most alluring destinations, has inspired many poets and writers and has been a privileged destination for international tourism. San Giulio island stands like a pearl on the lake and has an early Christian basilica founded by St. Julis in the 4th century. This basilica contains a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque art: the splendid pulpit carved out of black marble from Oria dating back to the 11th century.
The province of Novara also known for its rice fields and castles, surrounded by an unspoiled landscape. The Ticino Natural Park, bordering with Lombardia, is home to otters and herons. The Sacro Monte of Orta Natural Reserve combines nature and the devotional attraction of one of the major sanctuaries of the region. Dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Arona, a town dominated by a colossal copper statue of St. Charles, stand on the Novara banks of Lake Maggiore. Agriculture and industry flourish in this corner of Piedmont, bordering with Lombardia: typical produces are flowers and taps and valves for residential and industrial applications made by the local precision mechanical industry. Star of the major wines produced in the area include Ghemme, a ruby red wine ideal for accompanying meat and tasty cheese, like local strong, creamy and piquant gorgonzola, which is exported worldwide. Verbania Cusio Ossola Get on a ferryboat and discover the charm of Piedmont’s lakes, surrounded by magnificent gardens and elegant historical palaces. Lake Maggiore, one of the best international tourist destinations and source of inspiration for writers and poets such as Dickens, Stendhal, Flaubert and Hemingway, with its Borromean islands (Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre) and the beautiful towns of Verbania, Baveno, Stresa and Arona. Lake Orta with the island of San Giulio and the 11th century monastery; Mergozzo Lake and the adventurous emotions recalled by the rocky holms of Cannero, in a quiet piece of land. Cannero Riviera and Cannobio Lido were also awarded the European Blue Flag 2013 by the Foundation for Environmental Education for the quality of its water, clean beaches, efficient services and accommodation facilities. Not far from the lakes, the natural parks of Val Grande, Veglia Devero, Mottarone and Lagoni di Mercurago, Toce’s waterfall in the uncontaminated Formazza Valley, Mount Rosa and the hundreds of hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as wild streams for canoeing and kayak. Genuine taste lovers can find rarities such as the Vigezzo Valley’s smoked ham, Ossola Valley’s mortadella, mountain pasture cheese Bettelmatt and the great DOCG wines, made with Nebbiolo grapes, Ghemme and Gattinara. In spring and summer the blossoming parks and gardens are real explosions of colours and beauty. Take a walk along the Flower Trails in guided tours along the Road of Camellias on Isola Madre, unique in the world for its varieties, or the Road of Rhododendrons which at Villa San Remigio can reach huge dimensions. At Villa Taranto, in a park of 16 hectares, the gardens present 20,000 plants of botanical relevance and over 15,000 border plants. Twenty hectares of flowery paths, age-­‐old trees and a wonderful botanic garden are the attractions of Villa Pallavicino, with over 50 species of mammals and exotic birds living wild. And then the Alpinia Botanic Garden, with a surface of 40,000 sq metres and one thousand botanic species set in a stunning landscape, overlooking a spectacular view of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands and the surrounding mountains. The shores of Lake Maggiore are home to some of the best congress facilities in Piedmont. In addition to professional services and cutting-­‐edge technology for business meetings and conferences, visitors can spend their spare time in the golf clubs overlooking the lake and the several wellness centres. For an unforgettable experience, take a dip in the hot water outdoor tub at Premia’s spa, in Antigorio Valley, surrounded by snow. Vercelli “Land of water. Land of emotions.” These words can well describe the province of Vercelli surrounding the entire course of the Sesia river from the spring on Monte Rosa to the Po river. An extraordinary variety of natural environments, as well as very interesting historical and artistic monuments. Kilometre after kilometre of rice fields on the plains make the land even more fascinating as the seasons change. Winter is dominated by dark colours, spring is the moment of reawakening and the water that starts filling the rice fields turns them into an oversized mirror; summer reflects the green of the rice plants growing, and in autumn, the rice ready to be harvested turns gold. The work on the rice fields today is entirely mechanized, but the memories of manual labour – featured in Giuseppe De Sanctis’ the unforgettable film “Riso Amaro” in 1949 – are still alive. The film was nearly entirely shot on location in the Vercelli countryside, and specifically at a farm house Veneria di Lignana. Actress Silvana Mangano played a rice weeder. After the plains come the hills where Gattinara and Bramaterra wines are produced. The Sesia valley – dubbed the “greenest valley in Italy” – attracts thousands of canoe and kayak enthusiasts every year, trekkers and hikers in the warmer months and skiers to the resorts at the foot of Monte Rosa in winter. Art and culture buffs will enjoy the Sacro Monte in Varallo, the most ancient Sacro Monte in northern Italy and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compound includes fifty or so chapels depicting the passion and death of Christ. Paintings and life-­‐sized statues are by great artists, like Gaudenzio Ferrari and Tanzio da Varallo. Another interesting destination is the Walser Museum in Alagna Valsesia which tells the history and Culture of the Walser people who, between the 13th and 14th centuries, moved from Switzerland to colonize this valley. Piedmont Experience -­‐ EXPO 2015 ont ont Are you planning your trip to Italy for EXPO 2015? Piedmont is your perfect destination, a stone's throw away from the pavilions of EXPO Milano. The land of good wine and good food, the backdrop for large cultural and artistic events, full of beautiful landscapes to explore, as well as four World Heritage sites. The Royal Residences represent a history of political prestige and refined court life: a glorious urban and architectural jewel of the House of Savoy which has left the region with a “Crown of Delights”. There are many buildings representing power, religion, summer residences and hunting, all of which are surrounded by magnificent gardens. The religious trails and places of devotion and defence of Christianity have played a key role in the creation of the Sacri Monti sacred mounts (seven in Piedmont and two in Lombardy). The groups of chapels and sanctuaries erected between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and nestled in between the hills, forests and lakes in this natural environment provide an important point of call for the faithful and for art lovers. The wine-­‐making terrain of Langhe-­‐Roero and Monferrato in southern Piedmont is one of a kind, thanks firstly to the landscape which has been skilfully modelled into row after row of vines, and secondly to the ability of those who transform these excellent grapes into fine wine. Monviso Park is a Biosphere Reserve, as recognised by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MaB). It is a cross-­‐border Italian-­‐French project to protect biodiversity and promote the environment in the context of a symbiotic relationship between man and earth. 2015 Events in Piedmont ont ont Ready to be blown away by exhibitions and shows on spectacular stages and indulge in excellent quality food and wine that make your taste buds go wild? You are the guest of honour at the art and design exhibitions; music, dance and theatre performances; and enogastronomic events. 2015 is also the year of the EXPO in Piedmont, with the opening of museums and gardens, attractions in themselves, often home to permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Religious celebrations and historical re-­‐enactments make for extraordinary events of true grandeur. If you are a foodie, be sure not to miss the initiatives taking place across the region; the largest are dedicated to specific products and organised as fairs and markets. 6 -­‐ 31 January and 1 -­‐ 8 -­‐ 12 -­‐ 13 -­‐ 14 -­‐ 15 -­‐ 16 -­‐ 17 -­‐ 18 February: Historical Carnival of Ivrea -­‐ 208th Edition A unique event in the world that, every year, since 1808, has brought to the streets and squares of the town the famous and spectacular Battaglia delle Arance (Battle of Oranges): a moment of immense involvement. Ivrea (Turin) www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it March -­‐ June: Monet The exhibition of works by the great French artist at the Modern Art Gallery. Turin, GAM -­‐ Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art www.gamtorino.it From 1 April: Inauguration of the new Egyptian Museum The climax of an important development project, which sees the Egyptian Museum, second in importance only to the one in Cairo, opening its doors to the public with a new layout. Turin, Egyptian Museum www.museoegizio.it April -­‐ May: Vinum A great wine exhibition which opens the season for eno-­‐tourism in Italy. Vinum also provides a window for the winemakers who have contributed to Piemonte’s unique position in the world of oenology. Alba (Cuneo) www.vinumalba.com Until the end of August: Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco 19 April -­‐ 24 June: Shroud of Turin on display Celebrations and events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Saint John Bosco in Castelnuovo d'Asti. www.bicentenario.donboscoitalia.it The sacred linen will be on display to the public once again, after five years. 21 June: Visit from the Pope Turin www.sindone.org April -­‐ October: Modus Vivendi 18 -­‐ 31 May: Giro d’Italia Fashion and cars, past, present and future: a journey through design at the National Car Museum. Turin, MAUTO -­‐ Turin Car Museum www.museoauto.it Stage 18: 28 May, Melide-­‐Verbania, 172 km; Stage 19: 29 May, Gravellona Toce-­‐Cervinia, 236 km; Stage 20: 30 May, Saint Vincent-­‐Sestriere, 196 km; Stage 21: 31 May, Turin-­‐Milan, 185 km. 14 -­‐ 18 May: 28th International Book Fair The largest event devoted to publishing, reading and culture in Italy and one of the most important in Europe. Turin, Lingotto Fiere, Via Nizza 280 www.salonelibro.it 17 May -­‐ 28 June and 6 -­‐ 27 September: “Flowers Landscape”: flowers, fabrics and recipes A special exhibition dedicated to floral fabric art. Travel through the centuries, exploring the most beautiful reproductions and unique works. Trivero (Biella), Casa Zegna www.oasizegna.com 29 May -­‐ 2 June: 4th Torino Jazz Festival An occasion not to be missed, the crown jewels of Turin's great music and jazz artistic tradition. Amazing concerts, DJ sets and special stars from the local and international music scene. Turin, various venues www.torinojazzfestival.it May -­‐ September: Novara Baroque An exhibition dedicated to the Baroque treasures of Novara, in the historic centre. Novara, Palazzo dei Vescovi www.turismonovara.it 1 May -­‐ 31 October: Casale Monferrato in lights for EXPO Second half of June: Assedio di Canelli The excellent location that is Monferrato Castle lights up for EXPO 2015. The Castle will in fact be the doorway to the whole Casale Monferrato area for EXPO Milano and for the UNESCO site. The collection of candelabra of the Jewish Art, History and Culture Foundation in Casale Monferrato in eastern Piedmont will be entirely on display for the first time since its creation in 1994. The collection of contemporary-­‐art Chanukiahs currently stands at 200 pieces, displaying many different projects created by global artists. Casale Monferrato (AL), Monferrato Castle www.casalebraica.info More than two thousand in traditional clothes meet to revive the historic siege suffered in 1613. Canelli (AT) www.assediodicanelli.it The Passion has been enacted here every five years since 1816, and involves 400 actors and extras. Sordevolo (BI) www.passionedicristo.org 6 -­‐ 26 July: Vignale Danza 6 June -­‐ 27 September: Passion of Christ July: Traffic Free Festival The festival dedicated to the independent music scene welcomes important European artists. Turin, various venues www.trafficfestival.com 37th International Dance and Integrated Arts Festival. Vignale Monferrato (AL) www.vignaledanza.com 22 July -­‐ 4 September: Stresa Festival September: Cheese The 54 Music Week in Stresa and Lake Maggiore is an international event which, for decades, has attracted a passionate global audience to listen to and experience the extraordinary blend of music, art, culture and the region. Stresa and various venues (VCO) www.stresafestival.eu The biennial international event dedicated to milk in its different forms, organised by the city of Bra and the Slow Food Movement, to present products and discuss challenges in the market, new and old. Bra (CN) www.cheese.slowfood.it th
30 August: Mangialonga
A non-­‐competitive walk in the wonderful hills and vineyards of La Morra. A festive and gourmet appointment to join friends and taste the typical products of the Langhe and prestigious wines. La Morra (CN) www.mangialonga.it September: MiTo Settembre Musica 9th edition of the international classical and contemporary music festival that brings the cities of Milan and Turin together for grand showcases of musical events, featuring internationally renowned artists and groups. Turin and Milan, various venues www.mitosettembremusica.it September: Turin Dance Festival A rich calendar of dance shows presenting new styles and international trends this September. Turin, various venues www.torinodanzafestival.it th
First part of September: 48 Douja d’Or and Festival delle Sagre in Asti Great food and wine, traditions, culture and art are the magic ingredients of Douja d'Or, the prestigious event organised by the special section of the Asti Chamber of Commerce every year in September. Douja d'Or is a September classic in Asti, and the time to celebrate the tantalising smells and the flavours which contribute to making Asti and its surroundings so attractive. The Festival delle Sagre Astigiane (the Asti Fair Festival) will be held on the second Sunday of September during Douja d´Or. Teams representing many surrounding towns will be parading during the morning through the streets of the centre of Asti. The characteristic parade has been dubbed as “the most truthful representation of peasant life”. The festival will culminate in Piazza Campo del Palio, where local recipes, dishes and wines will be served in a jubilation of smells and flavours. Asti www.doujador.it www.festivaldellesagre.it 5 September -­‐ 8 December: The Gardens of Paradise. Taste and beauty from the garden to the table An art exhibition from the sixteenth century to today, dedicated to the garden as a place of beauty, but also a place where food is grown. Caraglio (CN) www.marcovaldo.it 17 -­‐ 20 September: Palio di Asti The oldest recorded bareback horse race in Italy. The central Piazza Alfieri turns into a racetrack and an historic procession takes place, with over 1200 characters wearing medieval costumes, including the traditional flag-­‐wavers parading through the streets of the ancient centre of the town. Asti, various squares www.palio.asti.it 11 October -­‐ 15 November: 85th Alba International White Truffle Fair. On Saturday and Sunday One of the most important events dedicated to the famed white truffle of Alba, a delicacy for gourmands worldwide. Alba, Palatartufi, Piazza Medford 3 www.fieradeltartufo.org Second part of October: 17th National Chestnut Fair Enogastronomy, culture and education are the exclusive focus with spaces dedicated to artisan works, folklore and local specialities from Italy and Europe for this event, now in its seventeenth edition. Cuneo www.marrone.net Second part of October: 61st National Truffle Festival The exhibition will be hosted in the little town of Moncalvo and will focus on enogastronomic delicacies, like the prestigious truffle. Moncalvo (AT) www.comune.moncalvo.at.it November: Cioccolatò Cioccolatò, Turin’s major event dedicated to chocolate pays homage to the food of the gods: a schedule of tasty treats, fun, culture and shows, with an eye to fair trade, to promote a shorter supply chain (from cocoa to chocolate) and ensure that the right compensation is paid to raw material producers. Turin www.cioccola-­‐to.it
First week of November: National Exhibition of The White Truffle of Monferrato High quality and refined products are presented to the visitors who can taste and try the different specialties from Monferrato walking among the stands. Montechiaro (AT) www.montechiaro.info 6 -­‐ 8 November: Artissima 22nd International Contemporary Art exhibition in Turin. An exclusive list of top galleries, renown for fame and quality of the exhibited artists. A privileged vantage point for observing up-­‐and-­‐coming international art and cultural events that cannot be missed. Turin, various venues www.artissima.it 15 November: Turin Marathon The 29th edition of the Turin Marathon will give the opportunity to discover the beauties of our territory from a completely new perspective: all participants will enjoy a technical and fascinating route made of history and culture. Turin and its metropolitan area www.turinmarathon.it Second part of November: Golden Truffle Fair This famous food fair dedicated to truffle comes back to this ancient town and hosts historical costume parades, animation activities in the streets and the prize-­‐giving for the best Tuber Magnatum Pico exemplars. Murisengo (AL) www.fieradeltartufo.com Second part of November: National Truffle Fair November 2015 -­‐ January 2016: Luci d’Artista -­‐ Artist Lights The event is dedicated to white and black truffle from the Curone, Grue and Ossona valley. The visitors can also taste local wines and typical dishes. San Sebastiano Curone (AL) www.alexala.it The city squares and streets are light up with art and imagination: a major "open-­‐air museum" project, that grows year after year, with new artwork and the contributions of international famed and up-­‐and-­‐coming artists. Turin, various streets and squares www.turismotorino.org November: 33rd TFF Torino Film Festival This international event returns after the extraordinary success of the 2014 edition among critics and the public. Turin www.torinofilmfest.org November: Club to Club Torino International Festival of Electronic Music and Arts. 15th edition of the event hosting international showcases, national premiers, projections, sound installations, performance and theme lectures. Turin, various venues www.clubtoclub.it First part of December: 105th Fiera del Bue Grasso The “Fat Ox Fair” is an irresistible event-­‐ a living mix of local traditions, excellent food, competition, good wine, colorful people from bull breeders to bull buyers, markets and emotions held in the picturesque Langhe wine region. Carrù (CN) www.cuneoholiday.com www.piemonteitalia.eu
Art & Culture Two thousand years of history and style, from the Romans to PalaIsozaki, an extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage Piedmont is history, art, culture and an extraordinary architectural heritage, from the Roman ruins, Romanesque and art nouveau masterpieces to the contemporary styles of futuristic buildings. But the most impressive style is Baroque, with the great sobriety and stateliness of Turin’s buildings and squares designed by famous architects called by the Savoy family to decorate the capital of the kingdom. And then the noble villas and the historical buildings declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO, the Sacred Mounts, but also the prestigious Savoy palaces, “Crown of delight” of Subalpine aristocracy, culminating with Venaria Reale Palace, rich and sumptuous residence which best represents the magnificent art and architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. In Turin, World Capital of Design 2008, ages and styles have blended in over two thousand years of history: Porte Palatine and the Roman “Quadrilatero”, palaces and basilicas, Mole Antonelliana, Lingotto fair area and 2006 Winter Olympic Games facilities, such as Palasport by Arata Isozaki, Oval, the ice arena by Gae Aulenti and Arnaldo De Bernardi. Some of the best and most renowned Piedmontese towns are: Alba, with its medieval centre and its “one-­‐hundred” towers; Asti, with its medieval and 18th century buildings; Casale Monferrato, with its Baroque centre; Cherasco, with its 16th century walls, defined by Napoleon Bonaparte as the “most beautiful strip of Italy”; Saluzzo, with its ancient walls; Cuneo and Novara with the Basilica of S. Gaudenzio, designed by Antonelli, and the nice ancient squares; Vercelli with the Basilica of S. Andrea, a unique masterpiece of Romanesque-­‐Gothic art; Varallo and its Sacred Mountain; Biella and the Medieval Ricetto (shelter) of Candelo; Acqui Terme and the Cities of Charme in the province of Turin. And then the splendid lakes with the Borromean Islands and the village of Orta. Villages, castles and fortresses are many and different. Further in Piedmont two " Prehistoric stilt villages of the Alpine arc " have been recognised as Unesco World Heritage sites. The region hills are dotted with forts, while the main defensive strongholds situated on the borders are Fenestrelle Fortress, the widest masonry construction after the Chinese Wall, and the austere Exilles Fort. And then abbeys and sanctuaries, where incredibly talented artists created works which have become the symbol and expression of the great Piedmontese cultural heritage. Along the Francigena route, in the Susa Valley, visitors stop at the age-­‐old Sacra di San Michele, situated on mount Pirchiriano, the monumental symbol of Piedmont. Other important abbeys are Fruttuaria in San Benigno Canavese, Vezzolano in the province of Asti, Lucedio surrounded by Vercelli’s rice fields, Certosa di S. Maria in Pesio Valley, dating back to the late Renaissance period. Venaria Reale and the Baroque splendour of Savoy Palaces Visit to the “Crown of delights” of noble pastimes A journey into the golden world of Subalpine aristocracy. Princes and warrior kings fond of art, elegant royal ladies keen on theatre and music. And then a rich court of architects, painters and literary men, ceremonies and feasts, hunting and leisure, parks and gardens which became a legend for most European courts. Piedmont’s Savoy Palaces, declared World Heritage by UNESCO, were considered the “Crown of delight” of Subalpine aristocracy, an efficient system of hospitality and amusement for the court, but also of power and control over the territory. When these palaces were completed in the mid-­‐18th century, the new and elegant Turin was surrounded by a ring of imposing royal palaces, first and foremost Venaria Reale Palace, a rich and sumptuous residence representing the magnificence of 17th and 18th century art and architecture. Venaria is a unique environmental-­‐architectural complex including: the old town, “Borgo Antico”, full of history and now seat of ancient craftsman shops, bars and restaurants; the imposing Baroque palace, the “Reggia”, with its huge gardens, and La Mandria Park, one of the greatest areas under European environmental protection where different species of wild and domestic animals live freely and where you can go trekking, horse and bike riding. These magnificent palaces are the ideal location for events, ceremonies, conventions and the perfect setting for prestigious shows. Moreover, visitors can find at a stone’s throw some of the best golf courses in Piedmont. Piedmont’s Royal Palaces also present important tourist and cultural attractions at international level. Some of these palaces host the famous “Piedmont’s stars” chefs (Rivoli, Venaria, Pollenzo) and great shows like “Teatro a Corte”. They also keep prestigious art collections (paintings, furniture, tapestries, sculptures and various furnishings) in unique architectural areas, surrounded by historical gardens and parks and charming ancient villages. In Turin visitors can admire the Royal Palace and Madama Palace, Villa della Regina, Valentino Castle, and Carignano Palace, seat of the Museum of Risorgimento. In the province of Turin: Moncalieri Castle, Agliè Castle, Rivoli Castle, seat of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Stupinigi hunting house. In the province of Cuneo: Racconigi, Pollenzo and Govone Castles and Valcasotto Royal Castle in Garessio. Sacri Monti The Sacri Monti (“Sacred Mountains”) are groups of chapels and buildings developed from the XVI to the XVII century and dedicated to various aspects of the Christian faith. In addition to their symbolic and spiritual significance, they are considered of great beauty by virtue of the skill with which they have been integrated into the surrounding natural landscape of hills, forests and lakes. They also house very important artistic material in the form of wall paintings and statuary. For these reasons, the Sacri Monti were inscribed as World Heritage Sites in 2003 by UNESCO. The sequence of chapels, statues, painting and frescos which re-­‐evoke episodes and mysteries of sacred life and are perfectly combined with the surrounding environment and jointly define the features of each monumental complex. Remarkable examples of landscaping, the Sacri Monti are important places of interest for worshipers and art enthusiasts alike. Some information on the devotional buildings is provided below:
Sacro Monte di Crea Construction began in 1589 on bequest of Costantino Massino, prior of the existing sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the Monferrato hills. The chapels dedicated to the life of Mary are arranged along a rather steep slope which leads from the church to the Paradise Chapel. The complex was significantly restored followed partial destruction at the beginning of the 19th century. Sacro Monte di Oropa A vast, striking group of buildings consisting of nineteen chapels devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and depicting local devotional episodes, surround the Sanctuary. The treasure is the Black Madonna, a 13th century wooden statue covered in gold and jewels. Sacro Monte di Varallo This is the oldest of the Sacri Monti. The first chapel (the “Sepulchre”) was built in 1491 as perfect image of the Holy Place in Jerusalem. Over twenty-­‐one chapels were built in less than 25 years with painting and sculptures which represent the places of the Holy Land. Architecture, statues and frescos were made using typical local traditional techniques and materials. A wall was constructed during the mid 16th century separates the landscaped park from the surrounding natural woods. Sacro Monte di Orta A religious complex of twenty-­‐one chapels built from the XVI to the XVIII century, with frescoes and terracotta figures narrating events from the life of Saint Francis. Sacro Monte Calvario The history of the Mattarella hill where the complex stands is very ancient. Two Capuchin monks from the Domodossola monastery decided to build the Sacro Monte to re-­‐evoke the passion of Christ during Lent of 1656. Construction of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Crucifix started two years later. A large entrance arch, pulled down in the 1800s, marked the beginning of the Way of the Cross. Other chapels, the Oratorio della Madonna delle Grazie and Santa Casa di Loreto were built later. Sacro Monte della SS Trinità di Ghiffa The Sacro Monte is located in a magnificent position overlooking Lake Maggiore at an altitude of 360 metres above sea level. The unfinished baroque complex appears to relate to Borromeo concept and the architectural model of Sacro Monte di Orta. The oldest part consists of the sanctuary devoted to the Holy Trinity built on the walls of an ancient 12th-­‐13th century oratory. A nature reserve of approximately 200 hectares develops on the slopes of Monte Cargiago, criss-­‐crossed by paths delimited by dry stone walls and characteristic votive chapels. Sacro Monte di Belmonte Essential expression of Franciscan rigour, the complex overlooks the Canavese plains from a hill. Monastery during the first years of the 11th century, the complex because a sanctuary and then a convent before becoming a Sacro Monte in 1712. Formed by thirteen chapels, each dedicated to a Station of the Cross, it was built at the initiative of a Franciscan monk who called local artists and craftsmen to work free of charge as demonstration of faith. Food & Wine
Piedmont is the leader of Italian cuisine with its white truffles, chocolate, hazelnuts, Castelmagno and Robiola cheeses, and Barbaresco, Nebbiolo and Barolo wines. Each area of the region has its own palette of tastes and each valley its own harmony for the palate. The menu is endless but some examples are Costigliole d’Asti and Carmagnola bell peppers, Cervere leeks, Ivrea onions, Santena asparagus, Nizza Monferrato cardoons, lamb and veal, tultei and fondue, finanziera (giblets), rhum chocolates from Cuneo, krumiri biscuits from Casale, hazelnut chocolate cream and Nutella of Alba, and finally bônet, a dessert made with almond biscuits, cocoa, eggs, milk and sugar ideal with a glass of Passito wine. The culinary tradition of Piedmont offers unlimited opportunities for gourmands. By no chance, the region is the home of the Slow Food movement and the University of Gastronomic Science, which defends and promotes healthy food, provides education on good food and preserves traditional recipes. The heritage which is worth preserving is indeed very vast, and includes white truffles, 9 DOP cheeses, 16 DOCG wines and 42 DOC wines: the stars of local tables. The Piedmont Food Basket Piedmont was the first region in Italy to prohibit the farming of genetically modified organisms. Being the most careful at controlling the entire food production chain and can therefore can count on a bounty of varied and articulated specialties. The enormous array of products include meat: the “bull and daisy” trademark identifies breeders and butchers who sell excellent local cuts, such as the Piedmontese, celebrated for its white coat and for low cholesterol content. Cuts of this meat are the ingredients of specialties such as “bollito misto” (mixed boiled meat) and hand-­‐chopped raw meat. These two recipes are featured in the annual trade fair “Bue grasso” in Carrù (Cuneo). The Region’s pastures produce cheeses as well. Of note are Gorgonzola, Taleggio and the highly esteemed Castelmagno, a crumbly cheese which is produced in only three towns on the high peaks of Grana valley, Raschera, Bra, Murazzano, and Robiola of Roccaverano. After the cheese cutting board come the cold meats and salami. Many of Piedmont’s pork haunches are sent to Emilia to become raw ham of Parma, but those which stay in the region becomes cooked or raw salami like the “baciato” fillet of Acqui Terme. Meat and sausages are also used as stuffing and condiments for the tastest dishes like the “tajarin” (narrow egg pasta excellent with Castelmagno or Raschera cheese). Stuffed pasta (agnolotti), are usually served with a roast sauce. These meats also nicely accompany dishes made with rice grown in Vercelli, Italy’s major rice producer (extraordinary varieties include Carnaroli, Baldo and Sant’Andrea). And finally, there are the desserts: Piedmont hazelnuts, honey and cocoa, (which first reached Turin at the end of the 1700s). These are the ingredients of the mass-­‐produced Nutella, which has taken Piedmont to all the ends of the earth, but also of the traditional artisanal chocolates. And to accompany all of these delicacies are the wines. In the forefront are Barolo and Barbaresco, followed by 16 DOCG wines (together with the previously named two are Asti and Moscato d’Asti, Brachetto, Gavi, Gattinara, Gemme, Roero, and Roero Arneis) and 42 regional DOC wines. Salone del Gusto and Cheese Fair University of Gastronomic Science in Pollenzo Salone del Gusto takes place in Turin in October every two years and is a unique event because besides being a commercial fair, it is a privileged opportunity to become familiar with, learn about, and study the agro industrial business. The Cheese Fair is one of a major attractions: dairy products are taken to Bra from all over the world during the last 10 days of September in every other year. Visitors are invited to tasting events, meetings, debates and shopping at the market. Slow Food endorses many initiatives aiming at developing the intelligence and culture of food, which include activities for schools, “Taste Workshops”, conventions on food education, the publication of educational manuals, the Jesi Regional Cookery School and Master of Food. Recently, and supported by the Piedmont and Emilia Romagna regional authorities, Slow Food has taken on the task of opening an Academy of Gastronomic Science in two prestigious locations: the Agenzia in Pollenzo and the Palace in Colorno on the outskirts of Parma. Passion and science run deep here while agronomy, animal husbandry and technology combine with the study of food from a humanistic viewpoint. Pollenzo has become the leading international centre for the industry, a meeting point for culinary disciplines and a centre for restaurant and food professionals to perfect their trade. The agency was founded on January 27th, 2003 and has a Scientific Board formed of a group of university professors under the guidance of Carlo Petrini, President of Slow Food. A private academy, the University of Gastronomic Science in Pollenzo, develops programmes and educational activities with the support of the Associazione Amici dell’Università di Scienze Gastronomiche, an independent, non-­‐profit group governed by an assembly of its members (public authorities and individuals that contribute to the aims of the University) and by an Administrative Board made up in part by its founding members including Slow Food, the Region of Emilia Romagna, and the Region of Piedmont. An important role is given to companies and individuals who actively take part in the development and success of the project, contributing financially and organizationally as needed. The headquarters of the University is in the splendid Tenuta Reale in Pollenzo (near Bra), in a Neo-­‐gothic building built in 1833. The Truffle Fairs Gioacchino Rossini called it the “Mozart of the mushrooms” and Byron kept one on his desk to nourish his imagination. The ancient Romans believed it to be the legendary son of lightning. Truffles remains a black and white mystery, the noblest of the mushrooms, the most fragrant of the night fruits, the true king of Piedmont gastronomy. As rare as it is aromatic, this secret gem is able to rouse a gold rush every year – and not only metaphorically given its high monetary value. The key truffles events are: Alba International White Truffle Fair (Cuneo) This is the leading truffle fair that features the White Truffle of Alba. In October and November, the city streets fill up with stalls. The heart of the event is the truffle market set up a courtyard where truffle searcher sell their goods. Regional Truffle Fair in Asti Perhaps not as famous as the Alba fair, this fair in San Secondo square every October is second to none. Truffles are tasted and purchased. World Auction of the White Truffle of Alba in Grinzane Cavour (Cuneo) It may not be the most representative happening but it is surely the most glamorous. A charity auction is held every two years in November, in the Castle that was the ancient residence of Count Camillo Benso. Each year the auction is attended by personalities and celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, culture and sports. Hollywood stars, like Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone, bid for the largest truffles. Sports Outdoor Sports When Carlo Magno traversed the Susa valley to surprise the Longobard army from behind, he could not have imagined that those 60 kilometres of mule track would one day be the destination of peaceful groups of hikers. Generations of mountain dwellers who grew up in the Monviso valleys have seen a steady increase in the number of mountaineers climbing up to places deemed inaccessible by Virgilio, Dante and even Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Piedmont has Alpine peaks over 4,000 meters high, splendid riverside paths, trails immersed in nature and a system of parks and natural reserves that covers a surface area of 160,000 hectares. The range of activity is well-­‐rounded, and includes horseback riding, free climbing, daily excursions and hiking. There are approximately 60 stops in Piedmont of the ”Grande Traversata delle Alpi”, the grand Alpine trail across eight European countries, offering adventure, splendid landscapes and contact with local culture. Piedmont is also the land of cyclists. Climbing. In Piedmont, the new sport of climbing started becoming very popular during the ‘70s and since then the number of equipped routes in every mountainous area has grown. The selection is formidable with regards to development, difficulty and morphological characteristics in a terrain that is alternately plated and dihedral, with fissures and precipices. It is a festival of worked limestone, rough quartz, polished serpentinite, and solid gneiss. Recommended sites include Mongioie in Tanaro valley, Vallone di Bourcet in Chisone valley, Vallone di Forzo in Orco valley and Mottarone in Verbano. Cycling. In Piedmont and in particular in the provinces of Cuneo, Biella, Asti and Alessandria, the history of cycling was made by rudimentary bicycles, white roads and real pioneers, unforgettable protagonists of Italian and international cycling. Piedmont is the home of many important athletes of the past: Giovanni Gerbi, also known as “Asti’s red devil”, Costante Girardengo, the first “campionissimo”, and Fausto Coppi, a all-­‐time legend. And on the legendary mountains of these great champions, every year thousands of cycling lovers come to see Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. For this reason, the world “on two wheels” feels at home in Piedmont. Here you can find a wide range of routes, for road and mountain bike, at all levels, in every type of environment and with top quality services such as bike hotels, bike rentals and guides. “Champions’ slopes“ and “Le vie alpine del Giro d’Italia” (The Alpine trails of Giro d’Italia), with the possibility of trying chrono-­‐tests, and the legendary Colle delle Finestre which links the Susa Valley with the Chisone Valley by crossing mountain passes full of history and surrounded by great panoramas. With family or friends, the offers range from itineraries in Turin with its 200 kilometres of cycle tracks, Savoy Palaces, Canavese castles, and river Po parks, to the blooming lake shores, the hills of Asti and Langhe with their villages and typical food and wines, the Wine and Cheese Trails, the Francigena route from Ivrea to Pavia, the 250 kilometres of mapped trails in the province of Biella and the motorcycle trial and mountain bike courses in Valsesia. Situated on Turin’s Olympic Mountains, Alpi Bike Resort is dedicated to mountain bike lovers with routes, events and specific services for Freeride, Downhill and North Shore trails served by modern lifting systems, Bike and Skill Parks, dirt areas, mountain bike schools and a Junior Park. In summer in the province of Cuneo, Prato Bike Land turns ski slopes into the reign of bike lovers with the use of ski lifts, and it is the only one equipped with night lighting. Those interested in the history of cycling can visit Museo dei Campionissimi (Museum of great champions) in Novi Ligure, and in Castellania (province of Alessandria) the home where Fausto Coppi, great Gino Bartali’s rival in the post war period, was born and which has now been transformed into a museum. Water Sports Piedmont has no sea but that doesn’t stop people from enjoying water sports. The region is home to the source of the Po, Italy’s most important river, and where hundreds of torrents and streams flow. In 1863, eleven young men founded the first rowing club and now many rowing associations use the river, some even offering free trials. The rowing clubs organise a torchlight procession on the river during the celebrations for St. John, the patron saint of the city of Turin, and once a year teams from the University and from the Polytechnic challenge each other in a heated competition reminiscent of the races between Oxford and Cambridge. Those who want an extra thrill, brave the currents and rapids of the mountain torrents. They can kayak or riverboard in Valsesia (Vercelli) or Stura valley (Cuneo), go canyoning, walking down riverbeds or exploring otherwise inaccessible ravines, waterfalls and gorges. In high season, the Maggiore, Orta and Mergozzo lakes are frequently visited by foreigners who enjoy sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. Kayak, riverboarding and rafting. Narrow ravines cut into the rocks and waterfalls intrude on the peaceful flow of the streams. The Piedmont Alpine mountain range is full of streams which attract white water and adventure buffs. The best places in the region to raft, kayak or riverboard are Stura valley, Susa valley, Valsesia and Ossola valley. Beginners and who wants to give it a try, can turn to classes and clubs which supply the necessary equipment and instructors for their first experience. Fishing. Everything needed for freshwater fishing is available in Piedmont. Streams in the woods, great rivers in the plains, small mountain lakes and large lakes abound. Natural beauty ranges from the majestic mountains to the gentile hills. In Valsesia, you can walk to a charming mountain lake, called Lake Rimasco, at an altitude of 2,000 meters. In a different, again at high altitude, in Cuneo a recommended stop is at Certosa di Pesio, an amazing 17th century building that serves as the entryway for the Parco Naturale Alta Valle Pesio e Tanaro. This corner of paradise provides a relaxing atmosphere for trout fishing. Air Sports Some say that bungee jumping was created 1,500 years ago when in New Hebrides, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, a woman threw herself into the void in order to escape from her violent husband. From that moment on, the concept of hurling oneself from above tied to a vine or an elastic rope has become an obligatory rite of initiation for some local populations. For the Western world, it is a trendy activity for thrill seekers. The first Italian Bungee Centre was founded in 1993, near Biella. Jumpers from all over Italy flock to the centre: its high launch area is particularly appreciated. From jumping to flying, Piedmont is particularly well equipped for air sports. There are many important parachute clubs in small airports and numerous landing fields. Da Vinci challenged the laws of gravity but today some design boards to carve the air with sky surfing, some hurl themselves into the void, and some who can only appreciate a landscape when they are strapped to a paraglider. Gliders. Fly freely in the air. Learn to exploit the wind and recognize invisible corridors in the sky formed by air currents. Take advantage of thermals. These are instructions contained in Leonardo Da Vinci’s precious “Treatise upon the Flight of Birds” compiled in 1506 and preserved in the National Library of Turin. Glider enthusiasts can turn to one of the many airfields, structures and schools present in Piedmont. Hang gliding and Paragliding. The great thermals in proximity to the Alpine mountain range and the superb views are irresistible attractions for wind flying fans. There are many sites in the Lanzo and Biella valleys, and the mountain ranges in Cuneo, which are perfect bases for the modern versions of Da Vinci’s “flying machines”. Many clubs and schools welcome beginners. Parachuting. Throughout the years, parachuting fans have exploded in number, organizing various events with internationally famous champions. Today, the sport can be practised in Cumiana, Garzigliana, Turin, Casale Monferrato, Novi Ligure, Asti, Vercelli and Cuneo. Many of these clubs also offer the chance to try new flying disciplines, like free-­‐flying and sky-­‐
surfing. Hot-­‐air Ballooning. Apparently from the lucky few, hot-­‐air ballooning is really child’s play. Many clubs organise flights every day of the year. Most of the departures are from Mondovì, Bene Vigienna, and Barolo, flying over the spectacular hills and vineyards of Langhe. Football Football was imported to Italy from England and quickly reached Turin where, on March 15th, 1898, the Italian Football Federation, which would later became the Italian Football Federation (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio), was founded. In the beginning of the 1900’s, the so-­‐called Piedmont “foursome” (teams from Vercelli, Novara, Casale Monferrato and Alessandria) dominated the championship. In Turin, Juventus was founded in 1897 and a group of fans gave life to Torino Calcio in 1906. Football quickly became extremely popular and took on epic dimensions with the contribution of some of the sport’s great champions born and bred in Piedmont, like Borel, Piola, Gabetto, Parola, Boniperti, Rivera and Bettega. There is no need to play professionally to enjoy a good match. Just contact one of the many associations that organize tournaments for amateurs or simply gather some friends and book a football field for a few hours. Snow sports Rushing down the slopes on fresh snow while the sun lights up the mountains like in an American Technicolor film, and then skiing long into the night under the stars. Thousands of tourists visit the 50 plus skiing resorts in Piedmont: they come to relax and enjoy winter sports. This region offers not only entertainment but also the chance to get to know the Alpine valleys along with their food & wine traditions and their typical products. The mountains that hosted the 2006 XX Olympic Winter Games offer hundreds of ways to have fun on the snow. Besides skiing, there is dog sledding, climbing frozen waterfalls in Valsesia, and free riding through the valley. For die-­‐hard mountain fans, there are the sites and glaciers far from the mass tourism of Valsesia and Susa valley that can be reached by helicopter. A suggestion is to tracks of the ibex and the white hare on snowshoes. The website “Piemonteneve” provides with weather forecast, information on snow conditions, ski lifts and slopes at the skiing resorts of the region. Snowboarding. Piedmont has a fantastic set-­‐up for snowboard enthusiasts with its high-­‐quality slopes and facilities. Bardonecchia was chosen as the snowboard venue for the 2006 Winter Olympics, Alagna is one of Europe’s cult destinations for free riding and Prato Nevoso was assigned the Junior World Championship for the discipline. Skiing. Many words are used to describe the Piedmont mountains in winter, such as the “Milky Way” and a “skiers paradise”. Skiing in Piedmont means choosing from 50 skiing resorts and more than 1,300 kilometres of slopes in an unspoilt natural environment. Both beginners and experts can venture out without ever getting bored. Fun is assured even at night when in some places floodlights are turned on and skiers can descend into the valley under the stars. www.piemonteneve.com Golfers: Piedmont is your course
Over 40 clubs in wonderful landscapes Coming to Piedmont to play golf means finding a wide range of landscapes: from the Olympic Mountains to Langhe, from Lake Maggiore to Turin, Novara, Alessandria and Asti, with over 40 top level clubs, including four out of the best ten ranking in Italy: Le Betulle in Biella, Castelconturbia in Novara, Golf Torino and Royal Park & Country Club in Turin. With 9, 18, 27 and 36 holes, the most beautiful greens are set in incredible landscapes, such as Barolo and Asti Spumante vineyards, Cuneo and Biella mountains, Lake Maggiore or the millenary abbey Sacra di San Michele. Golf courses are also to be found not far away from the charm of Venaria Reale Palace, the most refined Savoy residence, or from the exciting atmosphere of Sestriere which, at a height of 2000 metres, is one of the highest in Europe and where a cutting-­‐edge indoor golf facility is available in winter, with 10 positions and a sophisticated simulator. Piedmont is the leader on the Italian golf scene. From Piedmont are brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari, as well as Emanuele Canonica. An important recognition of the region’s prestige was the choice of the Circolo Royal Park I Roveri to hosted the BMW Italian Open for four years and the Circolo Golf Torino that in 2013 and 2014 hosted the 70th and 71 st Italian Open editions. The Opens took place in the former Savoy hunt reserve, La Mandria park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the most beautiful courses in Italy. Mountain, countryside, town and hills, to make every golfer’s dream come true: waking up in the morning, opening the bedroom window and being on the green. Fourteen golf courses also offer “stay and play” holidays in small and medium-­‐sized hotels, some situated in ancient villas or restructured farmhouses, where excellent Piedmontese cuisine is served. Since the Winter Olympic Games in 2006, the region has increased the efficiency of hospitality and services with top quality accommodation solutions, such as luxury hotels, charme hotels, farm holiday centres and bed & breakfast. Shopping
In order to understand people’s habits, tastes and wishes you needs to know where they do their shopping. Shopping in Piedmont means going to one of the many local antique markets, like the historic Balon in Turin, mentioned by Fruttero and Lucentini in La Donna della Domenica, or the market in Cherasco. The fun is in rummaging through the stalls for curiosities and one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐
kind items. A good eye and plenty of time are requisite for finding unique, bizarre objects in the flea markets or original decorations in the Christmas street markets. In Piedmont, there are many traditional crafts workshops: goldsmiths in Valenza Po, furniture-­‐makers in Saluzzo, potters in Mondovì and Castellamonte, and delicatessens. Piedmont awards the work of some workshops with the seal of excellence in craftsmanship. Other attractions for shoppers in Piedmont are the outlet stores. The first Italian outlet was opened in Serravalle Scrivia, in the province of Alessandria, hundreds of others followed suit. Last but not least are the shopping malls, for shopping, strolling, stopping for a coffee, listening to music and perhaps even going to the movies. Outlets Serravalle Designer Outlet “McArthur Glen”
The largest and most impressive outlet in Europe, Serravalle Designer Outlet covers more than 37,000 m2 with 180 stores that include some of the world’s leading names in fashion. With luxury, designer and premium brands at savings of up to 30-­‐70%, the Centre offers services for international travellers, an exceptional shopping environment, free parking spaces, cafés, restaurants, a children play ground and a year-­‐round calendar of fashion-­‐led events. Via Della Moda 1 -­‐ 15069 Serravalle Scrivia (AL) Ph. +39.0143.609000 Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.mcarthurglen.it/serravalle Vicolungo The Style Outlets A shopping mall with over 150 stores selling top brand clothing to linens. Piazza S. Caterina, on the corner of Via Papa Giovanni XXIII 28060 Vicolungo (NO) Ph. +39.0321.835032 Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. http://vicolungo.thestyleoutlets.it The Place Luxury Outlet This is the outlet for the most prestigious Italian designer labels like Ermenegildo Zegna, Agnona, Gucci and La Perla It is located in Sandigliano, near the city of Biella, and covers over 1,500 square meters. Vast selection of clothes, shoes and accessories for men and women, multi-­‐lingual staff that is ready to cater for the needs of international customers, an playground for children and an excellent restaurant specialized in local cuisine. Via Cesare Battisti 99 -­‐ 13876 Sandigliano (BI) Ph. +39.015.2496199 Open every day, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.theplaceoutlet.com Mondovicino Outlet Village A world within a world, a village with more than 85 shops in one of the largest shopping parks in Italy, created to please all the family. Fashion, accessories, sports apparel, furniture and decorative items are on sale with discounts ranging from 30 to 70%. All products are guaranteed by the manufacturer. Trademarks: Ferré and GF Ferré, Galliano, Just Cavalli, Alviero Martini. A6 Turin /Savona motorway -­‐ Mondovì exit. Piazza Giovanni Jemina, 47 -­‐ 12084 Mondovì (CN) Ph. +39.0174.553035 Open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.mondovicino.it Flea markets and antiques Province of Turin -­‐ Antique Market -­‐ Avigliana (second Sunday of the month) -­‐ Il mercantico -­‐ Carmagnola (second Sunday of the month except August) -­‐ Mercà d´la roba veja e antica -­‐ Chieri (fourth Sunday of the month) -­‐ Mercà d´la tola -­‐ Chivasso (last Sunday of the month except December) -­‐ Tesor e cianfrusaje -­‐ Ciriè (third Sunday in April, June and September) -­‐ Flea Market -­‐ Giaveno (fourth Sunday of the month) -­‐ Rabadan an piassa -­‐ Moncalieri (first Sunday of the month) -­‐ Flea Market -­‐ Rivoli (third Sunday of the month except August and December) -­‐ Belle Epoque -­‐ Venaria (third Sunday of the month) Province of Alessandria -­‐ L´officina delle Memorie -­‐ Alessandria (first Sunday of the month except August) -­‐ Mercatino Novantico -­‐ Novi Ligure (fourth Saturday of the month) -­‐ Cantanà e Cantaj -­‐ Tortona (last Sunday of April, September and November) Province of Asti -­‐ Antique and used object market -­‐ Asti (fourth Sunday of the month) Province of Biella -­‐ Antique Market -­‐ Biella (last Sunday in March, June and September) Province of Cuneo -­‐ Il Trovarobe -­‐ Cuneo (last Saturday of the month) -­‐ Antique Market -­‐ Mondovì (fourth Sunday of the month) Province of Novara -­‐ Antique Market -­‐ Novara (first Saturday of the month) -­‐ Antique Market -­‐ Arona (last Sunday of the month) -­‐ Antique Market -­‐ Domodossola (fourth Saturday of the month) -­‐ Cose d’altri tempi -­‐ Oleggio (last Sunday of the month) Province of Verbania -­‐ Il vecchio in piazza -­‐ Omegna (third Saturday of the month) Province of Vercelli -­‐ C´era una volta -­‐ Crescentino (first Saturday of the month) -­‐ Mercatino Valsesiano dell´antiquariato -­‐ Serravalle Sesia (third Saturday of the month except August) MICE & More Piedmont, land of meetings and organizational excellence The several congress centres with great hotels, meeting rooms, including those with over 500 seats, organisational excellence in the form of skilled professionals and an efficient transport system are some of the characteristics which make Piedmont the ideal destination for congresses, fairs, events and incentive trips. There are many reasons for choosing Piedmont: the exclusive atmosphere of charming historical palaces, perfect for top level meetings, opportunities for visiting the historical and cultural heritage of the region, the exceptionally beautiful natural landscapes of the Alps, the hills full of vineyards and truffles and the enchanting lakes. But not only: Piedmont is famous also for its authoritative study, research and experiment centres, active international relations and for its local cuisine, with food and wines appreciated all over the world. For Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games, many futuristic facilities were created which continue to be used today: the Oval, built for speed skating and now turned into a trade fair centre of 20,000 sq m; Palaolimpico, built for hockey and now one of the most advanced centres in Europe for world events. But one of the historical sites is the Lingotto Congress Centre with its equipped conference rooms, the 4-­‐star hotel and the trade fair area where important events are held. Charming are also the historical palaces which can be used as exclusive locations, like the sumptuous Venaria Reale Palace. And for spare time, Turin offers a lot of attractions to congress participants: the architectural and artistic treasures of the Savoy Palaces, the Egyptian Museum and National Museum of Cinema, important contemporary art spaces, theatres and concert rooms, historical cafés, prestigious restaurants and exciting shopping roads. The lake district is another important congress area with 5-­‐star luxury hotels and elegant congress centres surrounded by period villas and magnificent gardens. The region’s connections are excellent: Malpensa Airport, situated at 123 km from Turin’s centre and served by an efficient motorway network, Caselle Airport, 15 km North of Turin, and Levaldigi Airport in the province of Cuneo. There is also a railway system of over 2,000 km and the TGV line between Milan and Lyon, as well as a widespread motorway network for quickly reaching the major cities in Italy, France and Switzerland. Tourism for everyone
In Piedmont, top quality hospitality for guests with special needs Where tourism is for everyone, hospitality must be top quality. This a lesson that Piedmont learnt with Turin 2006 Paralympic Games, thus developing tourist offers accessible for everyone and an innovative project of special hospitality to people undergoing dialysis in Alba, Bra, Langhe and Roero, an area renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and food & wine. At San Lazzaro hospital in Alba, visitors under dialysis can stay in a comfortable environment, with air conditioning and dialysis areas equipped with TV sets and last generation equipment, following a shift system specifically developed for those willing to enjoy the several tourist opportunities of that area. To meet other special needs, Piedmont offers a few thematic itineraries in various geographic areas, with accommodation and tourists facilities highlighted according to the level of accessibility by users with special needs: motion to sensory disabled people, those requiring constant medical care, those suffering from allergies or food intolerances, elderly people and young children. These offers, perfect to organize a tailor-­‐made holiday, cover the whole region and in addition to local accessibility, visitors can also benefit from the presence of skilled personnel, specific menus in restaurants and aids in museums. So visitors will find out that in Sestriere and Oulx, in the Olympic Valleys, there are ski, mountain bike and hand-­‐bike schools specialized in courses for disabled, that in many hotels hospitality is for everyone, as well as in farm centre holidays and mountain refuges, and that to reach Sacra di San Michele there is a modern lift allowing anyone to enjoy this architectural jewel dating back to the year 1000. In Langhe, regional wine cellars and shops, homesteads and farms organize tasting and pleasant stays to discover farmers’ work, while trails accessible by riding horses, bicycles and hand-­‐bikes make it possible to know typical products, history and landscapes. Along the lakes, from the light blue water to the green Vigezzo Valley, it is possible to travel by ferryboat and train between Stresa and Locarno, to admire the luxuriant shores of the Borromean Islands, the botanical gardens and then, in Formazza Valley, the stunning Toce waterfalls. Turin offers museums -­‐ from the Egyptian museum to the Gallery of Modern Art and Rivoli Castle, historical cafés, great events in modern sporting facilities and important fairs like Salone del Gusto, but also green areas like Valentino’s Park along river Po. Novara is famous for its old town centre and natural attractions, such as the wildlife park La Torbiera and the Safari Park with Siberian tiger and white lion cubs, but also the Jurassic Park with life-­‐sized dinosaurs. www.turismabile.it Action! Turin, second Italian film-­‐making city with the National Museum and a successful “Cineport” The sequence of “The Italian Job”, the English 1968 film starring Michael Caine, is a real piece of history: the daring escape of the gold bars robbers in their Mini Coopers across Turin’s old town centre, passing Gran Madre church, Murazzi, Michelotti dam and the roof of Palazzo a Vela is unforgettable. As well as the Turin setting of “War and Peace” of 1955 with Henry Fonda, Audrey Hepburn and Vittorio Gassman. But in the movie history of Turin, these are only two of the many occasions on which the city was turned into a set: in recent years many TV serials, films, documentaries, animation films and commercials have been shot in Piedmont, chosen for its charming views, important locations, skilled professionals and a deep-­‐rooted movie culture. Turin is the seat of the National Museum of Cinema, situated inside Mole Antonelliana, the symbol of the city, with the rich collection of Adriana Prolo, the queen of Italian films and owner of the pre-­‐cinema machines displayed in the first rooms of the exhibition. The displays were designed by Swiss architect François Confino and visited by 567,977 thousand tourists in 2013. But the capital of Piedmont, where Italian cinema was born and has successfully developed since the early 20th century, is also the seat of Film Commission, Torino Film Festival, Festival Cinemagay, Festival Cinemambiente, Virtual Park – where cutting-­‐edge audiovisual production and post-­‐production technologies are used –, the Faculty of DAMS, where students learn the first principles of movie making, and the recently built Cineport, the biggest and most equipped movie centre in Europe. Cineport extends over a surface of 9,400 square metres – of which 6,400 indoors – completely dedicated to the cinema and television industry. Capable of hosting six productions at the same time supporting producers and movie makers with excellent logistics and organization all supplied on a turnkey basis, the centre has independent and equipped office rooms, meeting rooms and tooling rooms, shared facilities for viewing dailies, casting areas, carpentry workshops and laundries. On request, cinema lovers can take guided tours to Turin roads, squares and locations used as film settings, to evoke the images and music of famous films. These tours are recommended to all those interested in learning about the history of cinema in Turin, from the creation of the first studios in via Luisa del Carretto to the recent national and international productions. Made in Piedmont Land of great international brands: creativity and innovation Barolo, FIAT, Martini & Rossi, Borsalino and Valenza’s goldsmiths. In Piedmont, creativity and technology have always produced great international talents, with specializations whose expertise and entrepreneurial abilities are renowned: Biella, the most important wool and cashmere manufacture area in Italy (Loro Piana, Zegna, Piacenza); the province of Verbano, an area famous for the manufacture of small electric appliances and kitchen design objects (Alessi, Lagostina); Novara and Vercelli produce 50% of the rice consumed in Italy and 30% of the rice consumed in Europe; and then the world leadership in car design (Pininfarina, Giugiaro, Bertone), robotics and industrial automation. Some of the most important fashion companies in Italy are also based in Piedmont: Brooksfield, Kappa, Superga, Invicta, Tacchini, Diadora and Miroglio. The region is indisputably a leader in the food and wine sector: Piedmontese products include Alba’s precious white truffle, an icon for gourmets; Nutella Ferrero, the most famous hazelnut cream in the world; 27,000 wine-­‐making companies, led by the excellence of Barolo (“king of wines, wine of kings”) and Asti Spumante created in the mid-­‐19th century; Menabrea beer whose Biella’s plant was founded in 1846; and then the oldest food packaging industry founded in 1856 in Turin by Francesco Cirio, the first to introduce an innovative canning technique. A wide and varied panorama which has inspired the tourist itineraries of “Tour the Excellent!” dedicated to top quality products Made in Turin, with the possibility of discovering their manufacturing methods and secrets. From Turin’s Province Association of Bakers to Caffarel, the famous “gianduiotto” producer, from coffee producers like Lavazza and Vergnano to Galup, renowned “panettone” producer. But not only: visitors can discover the secrets of chocolate maker Guido Gobino, of Martini & Rossi aperitif and of colourful Leone sweets. Automotive and design plants have opened also their doors to visitors (FIAT Group Automobiles, Iveco, New Holland Construction, IED, Pininfarina), and finally the aerospace industry (Alenia Aeronautica, Selex Galileo, Thales Alenia Space), and pen manufacturers (Aurora and Lecce Pen). A new-­‐entry in 2009 are luxury brands: Azimut Yachts from Avigliana, fashion designer Kristina Ti, Mattioli jewellers and perfumer Laura Tonatto, who was won the Creativity Award 2008 in the UK as a symbol of Italian creativity abroad. www.turismotorino.org Torino+Piemonte, the winning card
company visits of “Made in Torino. Tour the Excellent” and discounts in sports facilities, outdoor activity and amusement parks, guided visits, concerts, theatre and opera shows and much more. One card, lots of benefits, discounts and special offers Torino+Piemonte Card gives tourists the virtual keys to the city and the whole region to discover the stunning marvels in a practical and cheap way. Various versions are available: 2, 3, 5 days and 2-­‐day Junior Card. Torino+Piemonte Card gives free access to 200 cultural sites: museums, exhibitions, monuments, castles, fortresses and the Royal Palaces in Turin and Piedmont. It also allows free use of tourist services run by GTT transport company and offers also discounted ticket on the CitySightseeing Torino panoramic bus and reduced fare on Sadem bus connecting Torino Airport to the city centre. It also grants cheap, exclusive car rental discount deals, free admission to the Torino+Piemonte Card is available all year round and can be purchased at € 28.00 (2 days), € 32.00 (3 days), € 37.00 (5 days), € 13.00 (2 days Junior) in the IAT offices of Turismo Torino e Provincia, Piedmont’s Local Tourist Agencies, online at www.turismotorino.org/shop_online and in selected shops. Further information on the website: www.turismotorino.org/card Links Regione Piemonte www.piemonteitalia.eu www.tourismpromotionpiemonte.org Regione Piemonte-­‐Piemonteitalia.eu @piemonte_italia PiemonteItalia Photos/piemonteitaliaeu Local tourism agencies Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale di Alessandria&Monferrato “ALEXALA” www.alexala.it ALEXALA -­‐ Tourist Board Alessandria & Monferrato @ATLALEXALA Atlalexala ALEXALA-­‐Tourist Board Alessandria & Monferrato Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale di Asti “Astiturismo” www.astiturismo.it Astiturismo A.T.L. @AstiturismoAtl Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale di Biella www.atl.biella.it biella turismo @BiellaTurismo Biella Turismo Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale del Cuneese www.cuneoholiday.com www.festivalestivo.com ATL Cuneese ATLCuneese Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale delle Langhe e del Roero www.langheroero.it TuLangheRoero @Tu.LangheRoero Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale della Provincia di Novara www.turismonovara.it Agenzia Turistica Locale Novarese @ATLNovara Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale “Turismo Torino e Provincia” www.turismotorino.org turismotorino @turismotorino turismotorino photos/turismotorino Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale “Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, Monti e Valli” www.distrettolaghi.it Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, Monti e Valli @laghiemonti Agenzia di Accoglienza e Promozione Turistica Locale “Turismo Valsesia Vercelli” www.atlvalsesiavercelli.it ATL Valsesia Vercelli @ATLValsesiaVC