Guida Turistica: Regione Piemonte

Piedmont, nestled in the northwest of Italy, is a region where the majesty of the Alps blends with the gentle rolling hills, where historic cities coexist with medieval villages, and where enogastronomic tradition reaches levels of excellence. Covering an area of 25,402 km2, Piedmont offers a mosaic of unique experiences, capable of captivating every type of traveler.

Geography and landscapes: a land of contrasts and beauty
Piedmont is a region of extraordinary geographical variety. To the west, the Western Alps dominate the landscape with iconic peaks such as Monviso, the source of the Po River, and the Gran Paradiso massif. These mountains, bordering France and the Aosta Valley, offer breathtaking alpine scenery, ideal for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.

At the heart of the region lies the Po Valley, one of Europe's most fertile agricultural areas, crossed by the Po River, the longest in Italy. Here, the landscapes become gentle and orderly, with rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see, especially in the Vercelli and Novara areas.

To the south, the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato—UNESCO World Heritage Sites—enchant with their undulating hills, covered in vineyards that produce some of the world's most celebrated wines, such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera. To the east, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta offer romantic atmospheres and stunning lakeside views, while the Prealps provide pristine natural parks and trails.

What to see: monuments, historic sites, and authentic nature
Turin: the Savoy capital
Turin, the capital of Piedmont, is an elegant and refined city, guardian of an invaluable historical and cultural heritage. The Egyptian Museum, the second most important in the world after Cairo's, houses over 30,000 artifacts that tell the story of the pharaohs' civilization. The Mole Antonelliana, the city's symbol, offers a breathtaking panoramic view from its dome, while inside it hosts the National Cinema Museum, a unique immersive experience.

No visit to Turin is complete without seeing Piazza Castello, the city's beating heart, dominated by the Royal Palace and the Sabauda Gallery, which houses masterpieces by artists such as Van Dyck, Rubens, and Rembrandt. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, where the Shroud of Turin is kept, or the Medieval Village, a faithful reconstruction of a 15th-century hamlet.

Castles and royal residences
Piedmont is a land of castles and Savoy residences, many of which are part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Castle of Racconigi, with its English gardens and splendid Diana Hall, was the summer residence of the Savoy family. The Castle of Agliè, with its frescoed halls and centuries-old park, is another jewel of Baroque architecture.

The Castle of Rivoli, now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, is an extraordinary example of medieval and modern architecture, while the Venaria Reale, the largest of the Savoy residences, impresses with its Palace, French-style gardens, and Diana Gallery.

Nature and parks
The Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s oldest, is a paradise for nature lovers. Here, among peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, you can spot the ibex, the park’s symbol, as well as chamois, golden eagles, and marmots. Well-marked trails offer routes for all levels, from leisurely walks to challenging hikes.

The Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato are not just wine country but also enchanting landscapes. The calanques of Rocchetta Tanaro and the springs of the Belbo River offer evocative scenery, while the villages of Barolo, La Morra, and Serralunga d'Alba are stone jewels perched on the hills.

The Sacro Monte of Varallo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a complex of 45 frescoed chapels depicting the life of Christ, nestled in a centuries-old forest. A place of peace and spirituality, where art and nature harmoniously blend.

Surroundings: short-distance excursions
Piedmont is an ideal base for exploring other fascinating destinations. To the north, the Aosta Valley offers the Fort of Bard, a 19th-century fortress hosting exhibitions and museums, and the majestic peaks of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. To the east, Lake Maggiore enchants with the Borromean Islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—and towns like Stresa and Verbania, where historic villas and botanical gardens overlook crystal-clear waters.

To the south, Liguria is easily accessible: in less than two hours, you can reach the Cinque Terre or the city of Genoa, with its aquarium and historic center rich in history. To the west, France is just a stone’s throw away: in an hour, you can reach Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, or the city of Lyon, famous for its cuisine and historical heritage.

Where to stay and how to experience Piedmont
Choosing where to stay in Piedmont means immersing yourself in an authentic experience. In the Langhe, farm stays and charming relais offer hospitality in restored ancient farmhouses, where you can taste local wines and traditional dishes. In Turin, luxury hotels like the NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina or boutique hotels like the Hotel Victoria guarantee comfort and style in the heart of the historic center.

For those seeking relaxation, the thermal spas of Acqui Terme or Lurisia offer wellness treatments in refined settings, while mountain lovers can choose alpine refuges or hotels nestled in natural parks, such as the Grand Hotel Billia in Sestriere.

Our tourism network offers a curated selection of accommodations, from the most luxurious to the most intimate, all chosen to ensure an unforgettable stay. Additionally, you can book unique experiences: wine tastings in historic cellars, guided tours of medieval villages, excursions in natural parks, and much more. Piedmont awaits you: come and discover its treasures, between flavors, art, and nature.