In Piedmont (Italy), whose photo is striking in the splendor of nature and picturesque views, one can find occupation and beauty both in winter and summer. This distinctive region of Italy has everything you need for a good holiday: the sun, mountains, fine wines and cuisine, magnificent nature and cozy old towns. That is why Piedmont is becoming an increasingly popular destination among tourists who dream of combining different types of recreation in one round.
Geographical position
The very name of Piedmont speaks of where this province is located - "at the foot of the mountains." Indeed, the region is surrounded on three sides by mountains - the Alps and the Ligurian Apennines. The highest point in the region is Mount Monviso (3841 m). The province occupies a place in the north-west of the country and borders on such regions as Lombardy, Liguria, Valle d'Aosta, and countries France and Switzerland. Piedmont Square - a little over 25 thousand square meters. km, it is the second largest in size among the provinces of Italy. The relief of the region is mountainous, with comfortable valleys turning into fertile plains and high mountains. Here begins the largest river in Italy - the Po, also this region is rich in beautiful, clean mountain lakes. The main city of the province of Piedmont (Italy) is Turin.
Climate
Piedmont (Italy) is located in two climatic zones: in the mountains - this is a moderate mountain, alpine nature of the weather, and on the plain - moderate continental. On the plain there is a very long and hot summer, with little rain, it begins in May and ends at the end of September. Such weather conditions are very favorable for the cultivation of quality grapes. Winter comes in November and lasts 2.5 months, it is characterized by a large amount of rainfall, especially closer to the mountains. The average temperature at this time of year is minus 2 degrees. Spring (March - early May) and autumn (late September - mid November) are characterized by mild conditions and average rainfall.
History of the region
The first documented references to the Piedmont region (Italy) date back to the 13th century. In those days there were many small feudal estates, there was no single government and culture. Only in the 15th century did these lands form part of the Duchy of Savoy. In the 18th century, Piedmont formed the basis of the Sardinian state, the capital of which was Turin. At the beginning of the 19th century, the region was ruled by France for some time. But since 1820 it has gained independence and has become one of the most developed and prosperous areas of Italy. It was the locals who became the main driving force in several Italian revolutions. It was around Piedmont (Sardinian kingdom) that Italy was unified into an integral country in 1860.
Orientation
The province of Piedmont (Italy) includes 8 districts: Asti, Verbano-Cusio Ossolu, Biella, Vercelli, Novara, Alexandria, Turin, Cuneo. The capital of the region is Turin. It is connected by well-developed highways with all the settlements of the region, as well as with the major cities of the region: Milan, Piacenza, Savona, Aosta. The uniqueness of Piedmont lies in the fact that ideal conditions for different types of recreation are created here. In winter, some of the best ski resorts in the country operate here, and in summer you can relax and improve your health at the thermal resorts, as well as all year round you can enjoy food, wine, ancient architecture and beautiful views.
Major Attractions
If there are regions that fully reflect all the charm of the country, then one of them is, of course, Piedmont (Italy). The sights of the province are diverse and unique. The capital of the region is the real kingdom of baroque. There are many worthy sights here, the most important of which is Piazza San Carlo with two magnificent temples and a bronze statue. In Turin, it is also worth visiting the Royal Basilica of Di Superga, the Citadel, the Alfieri Theater, the Palace of the Academy of Sciences, the Palazzo Madama, the Victor-Emanuel the First Bridge.
The city has a lot of interesting squares and buildings, so it should take at least a few days. Piedmont is remarkable for the fact that here each town has retained its unique atmosphere, and each has its own attractions. The most famous of them include the Palazzo Alfieri in Asti, the castles of Grillano, Racconigi and Tagiolo, the churches of San Secondo and Sacro Monte St. Francis, Villa Crespi, Palace of the Commune. The capital of each district is a unique historical complex with a surprisingly calm atmosphere and a special spirit. Therefore, you can simply travel slowly around Piedmont, and for a very long time.
What to see
Turin is the main city (Piedmont, Italy), which is not just worth exploring with a guided tour, you should definitely walk along it slowly to penetrate its soul and character. The second significant place in the region is the unique city of Asti, which has preserved the architectural ensemble of the Middle Ages. Piedmont is also famous for its villages, 11 of them are included in the list of the most beautiful rural settlements in Europe. This is a unique village on the island of Orta San Giulio, Ostan, Jarecio and others. It is also worth seeing the traditional wineries, beautiful lakes, for example, Marjore. There are more than 50 national parks in the region, it is worth seeing at least the most beautiful: Mont Avik and Gran Paradiso.
Things to do
Piedmont is a place where there is always something to entertain yourself. Many tourists come here specially to taste the famous wines of Piedmont (Italy). There are more than 40 wine-growing regions, each of which has several distilleries making different types of wines. To learn to understand them, it seems, there will not be enough life. But you can arrange a wine tour and in a couple of weeks become, if not an expert, then at least moderately knowledgeable person in this matter. Or you can just enjoy tasting different varieties and enjoy the views. In addition, Piedmont is a famous place where beautiful truffles grow. Experts from all over the world come here in the season of their collection. The region is also famous for its hazelnuts and chocolate and, of course, excellent Italian cuisine.
Between meals in Piedmont, you should visit the famous baths that will help restore digestion after heavy feasts, as well as cure some diseases and rejuvenate the body. In winter, the kingdom of skiing begins in Piedmont, there are excellent tracks for athletes of all levels. No wonder the Winter Olympics took place in Turin.
Practical information
Piedmont is sometimes called Tuscany without tourists, although their number is growing every year. But while the prices for accommodation here are more sparing than those of the famous competitor. Travelers are offered a large hotel base of various levels, always excellent food and good service. Piedmontese are not helpful people, but always welcoming to their guests. Getting to the region is easy. Turin has an international airport, and it is also easy to get here from Milan. Russians will need a Schengen visa, which Italians issue with a minimum of requirements.
Tourists reviews
Piedmont (Italy), reviews of tourists about which are always full of enthusiastic epithets, attracts with its atmosphere, they come here for the real spirit of Italy, which still remains sincere and pristine. The high season in the region is winter, so in summer there are much fewer tourists than in the popular Italian provinces. Therefore, the prices here are more attractive, and life is much more comfortable. Tourists are advised to be based in Turin and travel to other cities for 1-2 days, for special wine lovers interesting 3-day tours of wineries are offered.