Valle d'Aosta + Piemont + Liguria

Turin is the capital of Piedmont and was the first Italian capital from 1861 to 1865. The population of the city is about 850.000 while the population of the metropolitan area is estimated at 2.2 million. In the first century BC the Romans founded "Augusta Taurinorum". Turin reached about 5,000 inhabitants at the time, all living inside the high city walls. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the town was conquered by the Ostrogoths and later by the Lombards whose territory in 773 fell into the hands of the Franks under Charlemagne. After the marriage of Adelaide of Susa with Humbert Biancamano's son Otto, the family of the Counts of Savoy gained control. The title of count was held by the Bishop as count of Turin. At the end of the 13th century, when it was annexed to the Duchy of Savoy, the city already had 20,000 inhabitants. Many of the gardens and palaces were built in the 15th century when the city was redesigned. The University of Turin was also founded during this period. The "Basilica of Superga" (officially "Basilica della Natività di Maria Vergine") was built from 1717 to 1731 for Victor Amadeus II of Savoy. This fulfilled a vow the duke had made during the Battle of Turin, after defeating the besieging French army in the War of the Spanish Succession. The church contains the tombs of many princes and kings of the House of Savoy. The architect was Filippo Juvarra (1678 - 1736) one of the main exponents of the Italian Baroque. Under the dome Here are more photos from that region www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/950834

In 124 BC the Romans built a fortified camp here, which eventually evolved into a city named Hasta. Asti become an important city favored by its strategic position on the Via Fulvia, which linked Derthona (Tortona) to Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). The city was crucial during the early stages of the "barbarian invasions". In early 402 the Visigoths had invaded northern Italy and were advancing on Mediolanum (modern Milan) which was the imperial capital at that time. When Honorius, the Roman emperor took refuge in Hasta, the Goths placed Hasta under siege until March when General Stilicho, bringing troops from the Rhine, fought and defeated the Romans at the Battle of Pollentia. From the 6th century, it was a seat for a Lombard duchy until it was conquered by the Franks in 774. In the late Carolingian age, Asti was ruled directly by his bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. Asti was one of the first free communes of Italy, and in 1140 received the right to mint coins of its own from Conrad II. As the commune, however, entered conflicts with the bishops and local feudatories, Frederick Barbarossa, presented under the city walls with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege. Asti was stormed and burnt. Asti recovered and the 13th century saw the peak of economic and cultural splendor. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II in northern Italy, the city chose his side: Asti was defeated by the Guelphs of Alessandria, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against Thomas II of Savoy became fierce: the Astigiani defeated him at the Battle of Montebruno (1255), but Thomas (who had been taken prisoner) replied ordering all traders from Asti to be arrested in Savoy and France. This led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples, but the Battle of Roccavione, ended Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. In the 1290s, after William VII had also been defeated, Asti was the most powerful city in Piedmont. However, internal struggles for the control of trading and banking enterprises soon divided the city into factions. The most prominent faction was the Solari family, who, in 1314, gave the city to king Robert of Naples. The free Republic of Asti ceased to exist. The cathedral's first construction may have begun around the sixth century, and tradition has it that it replaced earlier buildings, including a primitive church built on the crypt of the martyred Saint Secundus of Asti. Around 1070 the cathedral collapsed, partly as a result of a fire started by Adelaide of Susa in a dispute with the bishops. In 1095 the rebuilt cathedral was consecrated by Pope Urban II, who was here to preach the First Crusade. The Cathedral of Asti ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo") that can be seen today is one of the largest churches in Piedmont. It was erected in the 13th/14th century. The tower is older and belonged to the previous Romanesque building.

In 124 BC the Romans built a fortified camp here, which eventually evolved into a city named Hasta. Asti become an important city favored by its strategic position on the Via Fulvia, which linked Derthona (Tortona) to Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). The city was crucial during the early stages of the "barbarian invasions". In early 402 the Visigoths had invaded northern Italy and were advancing on Mediolanum (modern Milan) which was the imperial capital at that time. When Honorius, the Roman emperor took refuge in Hasta, the Goths placed Hasta under siege until March when General Stilicho, bringing troops from the Rhine, fought and defeated the Romans at the Battle of Pollentia. From the 6th century, it was a seat for a Lombard duchy until it was conquered by the Franks in 774. In the late Carolingian age, Asti was ruled directly by his bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. Asti was one of the first free communes of Italy, and in 1140 received the right to mint coins of its own from Conrad II. As the commune, however, entered conflicts with the bishops and local feudatories, Frederick Barbarossa, presented under the city walls with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege. Asti was stormed and burnt. Asti recovered and the 13th century saw the peak of economic and cultural splendor. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II in northern Italy, the city chose his side: Asti was defeated by the Guelphs of Alessandria, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against Thomas II of Savoy became fierce: the Astigiani defeated him at the Battle of Montebruno (1255), but Thomas (who had been taken prisoner) replied ordering all traders from Asti to be arrested in Savoy and France. This led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples, but the Battle of Roccavione, ended Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. In the 1290s, after William VII had also been defeated, Asti was the most powerful city in Piedmont. However, internal struggles for the control of trading and banking enterprises soon divided the city into factions. The most prominent faction was the Solari family, who, in 1314, gave the city to king Robert of Naples. The free Republic of Asti ceased to exist. The cathedral's first construction may have begun around the sixth century, and tradition has it that it replaced earlier buildings, including a primitive church built on the crypt of the martyred Saint Secundus of Asti. Around 1070 the cathedral collapsed, partly as a result of a fire started by Adelaide of Susa in a dispute with the bishops. In 1095 the rebuilt cathedral was consecrated by Pope Urban II, who was here to preach the First Crusade. The Cathedral of Asti ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo") that can be seen today is one of the largest churches in Piedmont. It was erected in the 13th/14th century. The tower is older and belonged to the previous Romanesque building.

In 124 BC the Romans built a fortified camp here, which eventually evolved into a city named Hasta. Asti become an important city favored by its strategic position on the Via Fulvia, which linked Derthona (Tortona) to Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). The city was crucial during the early stages of the "barbarian invasions". In early 402 the Visigoths had invaded northern Italy and were advancing on Mediolanum (modern Milan) which was the imperial capital at that time. When Honorius, the Roman emperor took refuge in Hasta, the Goths placed Hasta under siege until March when General Stilicho, bringing troops from the Rhine, fought and defeated the Romans at the Battle of Pollentia. From the 6th century, it was a seat for a Lombard duchy until it was conquered by the Franks in 774. In the late Carolingian age, Asti was ruled directly by his bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. Asti was one of the first free communes of Italy, and in 1140 received the right to mint coins of its own from Conrad II. As the commune, however, entered conflicts with the bishops and local feudatories, Frederick Barbarossa, presented under the city walls with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege. Asti was stormed and burnt. Asti recovered and the 13th century saw the peak of economic and cultural splendor. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II in northern Italy, the city chose his side: Asti was defeated by the Guelphs of Alessandria, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against Thomas II of Savoy became fierce: the Astigiani defeated him at the Battle of Montebruno (1255), but Thomas (who had been taken prisoner) replied ordering all traders from Asti to be arrested in Savoy and France. This led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples, but the Battle of Roccavione, ended Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. In the 1290s, after William VII had also been defeated, Asti was the most powerful city in Piedmont. However, internal struggles for the control of trading and banking enterprises soon divided the city into factions. The most prominent faction was the Solari family, who, in 1314, gave the city to king Robert of Naples. The free Republic of Asti ceased to exist. The cathedral's first construction may have begun around the sixth century, and tradition has it that it replaced earlier buildings, including a primitive church built on the crypt of the martyred Saint Secundus of Asti. Around 1070 the cathedral collapsed, partly as a result of a fire started by Adelaide of Susa in a dispute with the bishops. In 1095 the rebuilt cathedral was consecrated by Pope Urban II, who was here to preach the First Crusade. The Cathedral of Asti ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo") that can be seen today is one of the largest churches in Piedmont. It was erected in the 13th/14th century. The tower is older and belonged to the previous Romanesque building. The "Entombment of Christ" / "Mise au Tombeau"

The town on the south bank of the Tanaro has been under Roman rule since 89 BC. It was a Roman municipium under the name Alba Pompeia. In the early Middle Ages, Alba was conquered by the Burgundians, the Lombards and later the Franks and suffered from the Saracen invasions. In the 12th century, Alba became a free comune and joined the Lombard League of Northern Italian Cities. Several monasteries and hospitals were built in the walled city area. It fell under the rule of the Gonzaga, was conquered and lost three times by Charles Emmanuel I and then fell into the power conflict between France and Spain. With the Peace of Cherasco (1631), Alba fell to the Savoy. Today Alba is world famous for the white truffles that grow here. Medieval tower houses

The town on the south bank of the Tanaro has been under Roman rule since 89 BC. It was a Roman municipium under the name Alba Pompeia. In the early Middle Ages, Alba was conquered by the Burgundians, the Lombards and later the Franks and suffered from the Saracen invasions. In the 12th century, Alba became a free comune and joined the Lombard League of Northern Italian Cities. Several monasteries and hospitals were built in the walled city area. It fell under the rule of the Gonzaga, was conquered and lost three times by Charles Emmanuel I and then fell into the power conflict between France and Spain. With the Peace of Cherasco (1631), Alba fell to the Savoy. Today Alba is world famous for the white truffles that grow here. The earliest structure have been built on the site at the end of the 5th century. A subsequent Romanesque structure was built on its ruins. The current structure originally dates to the first half of the 12th century but was reshaped. It was restructured into late Gothic architecture n the 15th century by bishop Andrea Novelli who arrived in Alba in 1484. The most important renovation dates to 1652 to repair the damage caused by earthquakes in 1626. The last major restoration was undertaken in the 19th century.

The town on the south bank of the Tanaro has been under Roman rule since 89 BC. It was a Roman municipium under the name Alba Pompeia. In the early Middle Ages, Alba was conquered by the Burgundians, the Lombards and later the Franks and suffered from the Saracen invasions. In the 12th century, Alba became a free comune and joined the Lombard League of Northern Italian Cities. Several monasteries and hospitals were built in the walled city area. It fell under the rule of the Gonzaga, was conquered and lost three times by Charles Emmanuel I and then fell into the power conflict between France and Spain. With the Peace of Cherasco (1631), Alba fell to the Savoy. Today Alba is world famous for the white truffles that grow here. The earliest structure have been built on the site at the end of the 5th century. A subsequent Romanesque structure was built on its ruins. The current structure originally dates to the first half of the 12th century but was reshaped. It was restructured into late Gothic architecture n the 15th century by bishop Andrea Novelli who arrived in Alba in 1484. The most important renovation dates to 1652 to repair the damage caused by earthquakes in 1626. The last major restoration was undertaken in the 19th century.

The town on the south bank of the Tanaro has been under Roman rule since 89 BC. It was a Roman municipium under the name Alba Pompeia. In the early Middle Ages, Alba was conquered by the Burgundians, the Lombards and later the Franks and suffered from the Saracen invasions. In the 12th century, Alba became a free comune and joined the Lombard League of Northern Italian Cities. Several monasteries and hospitals were built in the walled city area. It fell under the rule of the Gonzaga, was conquered and lost three times by Charles Emmanuel I and then fell into the power conflict between France and Spain. With the Peace of Cherasco (1631), Alba fell to the Savoy. Today Alba is world famous for the white truffles that grow here. The earliest structure have been built on the site at the end of the 5th century. A subsequent Romanesque structure was built on its ruins. The current structure originally dates to the first half of the 12th century but was reshaped. It was restructured into late Gothic architecture n the 15th century by bishop Andrea Novelli who arrived in Alba in 1484. The most important renovation dates to 1652 to repair the damage caused by earthquakes in 1626. The last major restoration was undertaken in the 19th century. St. Theobald (aka "Teobaldo Roggeri") was a shoemaker known for his simple lifestyle and dedication to the needs of the poor. He also worked also as a porter, carrying sacks of grain from place to place. Roggeri died in 1150 and was buried on an unmarked piece of land between the two churches of San Lorenzo and San Silvestro. His tomb became a place of pilgrimage and miracles, but after several decades his tomb darkened and was lost. His remains were rediscovered in 1429 by the Bishop of Alba and are now kept in Alba Cathedral. Here is the reliquary bust, made in 1430/1450. It was stolen from the cathedral in 1983 but was rediscovered in Minneapolis/USA in 2011 and returned to Alba a year later.

The Romanesque chapel of San Nazario is located in the hamlet of Prata a Lesegno. The building, first mentioned in 1013, has a rectangular plan with a single nave and a cylindrical apse. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was renovated and its interior walls were frescoed several times.

The Romanesque chapel of San Nazario is located in the hamlet of Prata a Lesegno. The building, first mentioned in 1013, has a rectangular plan with a single nave and a cylindrical apse. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was renovated and its interior walls were frescoed several times.

Vespa scooters were developed and designed in Italy after WWI and latest, when in 1952, Audrey Hepburn side-saddled Gregory Peck's Vespa in the feature film "Roman Holiday" for a ride through Rome, the Vespa hit the world. Italy is pizza. And Vespa..

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga. Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory. Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers, the tallest of which, the Torre del Comune, built around 1300 by a noble family, is more than 60 meters high.

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga. Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory. Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s. It is surrounded by the old family towers.

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga. Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory. Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s. It is surrounded by the old family towers.

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga. Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory. Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s. Only a kind of complex frame has survived the times in the center of the facade.

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga. Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory. Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s. The frieze on the facade is badly damaged - it appears that some specific symbols have been knocked out, while some others (the pig or bear) appears untouched.

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga. Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory. Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s.

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga. Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory. Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s. Guarding the door and supporting the lintel.