WONDERFUL PIEDMONT
Piedmont is a land of mountains, forming the border between Switzerland and France.
The region’s name also refers to the mountainous landscape, as “pied” stands for foot and “mont” for mountain, describing perfectly its position at the foot of the Alps, with over 1,350 kilometers of slopes dedicated to snow sports and 50 skiing stations located in stunning scenery with the highest peaks and largest glaciers in Italy! Set at the foothills of the Alps in the northern part of Piedmont, the lake district counts a number of water bodies of glacial origin such as Lake Maggiore and Orta Lake. With the opening of the railroad line going to Switzerland in early 1900, Lake Maggiore become a trendy international destination with luxury hotels and beautiful botanical gardens, set around the town of Stresa and Pallanza, and immersed in the middle of the lake, the marvelous Borromeo Islands become famous for their splendid palaces, ancient villas and gardens made up of over two thousand varieties of different species. Prominent guests stayed there throughout history, including Napoleon, royal families, and Hemingway. Many illustrious guests arrived with the Orient Express that stopped at Stresa’s train station on the line London- Paris-Milan-Venice-Istanbul line, bringing elite tourism. Piedmont is also renowned for the incredible succession of vineyards blanketed hills dotted with castles and small towns in Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato recognized UNESCO World Heritage sites. The world-famous vineyards represent one-sixth of the total vineyards in Italy. This prosperous territory offers rich wines, and aromatic wine truffles along with a remarkable mouth- watering selection of exquisite cheeses and chocolate threats. The local food’s savor and wine can be experienced everywhere in the region: in one of 46 Michelin-star restaurants, traditional trattorias, wine bars, wine cellars, historic cafes, or high-altitude refuges. But it is not yet over! The natural heritages include 96 protected areas and UNESCO has declared multiple sites in the Region, such as the residences of the Royal House of Savoy, the Sacri Monti of Piedmont, and Lombardy a group of chapels created between the 16th and 17thcenturies, dedicated to the Christian faith and integrated into the surrounding natural landscape of hills, forests, and lakes. UNESCO also includes Prehistoric Pile dwelling around the Alps. And, of course, Turin, the former capital of Italy, is unmissable for its world-class museums! The Royal House of Savoy left a notable historical inheritance and influence throughout the city with prized works of architecture and stunning museums that include the world’s first museum of Egyptian artifacts, and the Automobile Museo, which the Times magazine rates among one of the 50 best museums in the entire world. As well, as Turin the birthplace of Italian Cinema. The iconic Mole Antoneliana stands as a symbol of the city itself and holds the stunning museum of the Cinema, considered by many the very best of the multitude of museums in Turin. An awesome collection of royal palaces and museums, top wines and food elegant cafes, 5 UNESCO sites, and beautiful landscapes sceneries with rolling hills, vineyards, lakes, and snow-capped mountains made Piemont one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. What are you waiting for?