- for who: all ages, suited to strollers
- when: year round
We recommend starting in Piazza Medford, where there is ample, free parking within “noseshot” of a certain Italian company famous for its chocolate and hazelnut spread. From here, cross Piazza Garibaldi towards the centre of town and head down Via Cavour, a street that features a number of historical buildings that point to the city’s medieval origins. Turn right onto Via Toppino, right before a medieval tower, and continue into Piazza Pertinace, where you will find the remnants of a Roman temple protected beneath plexiglass flooring.
For example, on your left you will see the medieval Casa Fontana, which features a curious frieze in terracotta depicting figures dancing all across its facade. Further on, at Via Vittorio Emanuele II no. 19, you will find a large doorway that opens onto a vast, inner courtyard and Alba’s Museum of Archaeology and Natural Sciences. This courtyard is also the site of the World Truffle Market during the International White Truffle Fair, as well as of many other events for the city and its residents. During the warmer months, you will also find a fun playground here.
Continuing along Via Vittorio Emanuele II, you will reach Piazza Michele Ferrero, a lovely Italian square featuring buildings and porticos in 19th-century style along its two longest sides, whereas the main structure of the square is more modern. The square is closed to vehicle traffic and is well worth a longer stay, as children will enjoy playing in this colourful square, free from the chaos of city life. Along the sides of the square, there are few sculptures, while at the Viale Italia end there is a wonderful fountain dedicated to Giovanni Ferrero, who, together with his brother Pietro, founded the Italian confectionery business that bears their name. Long ramps run alongside the pools of the fountain, inviting children to run and play.
From here, take Via Manzoni to the right and continue along Via Vernazza until you reach the parking areas at Piazza Guglielmo Marconi and Piazza Senatore Cagnasso. Keep to the right onto Corso Nino Bixio and continue on for about 700 meters (about half a mile) to Via San Rocco on your right and Piazzale Cesare Pio, which marks the start of the Tanaro River Park. The park runs along the banks of the Tanaro River and features a lovely walk of about one kilometre (0.6 mi) along dirt roads. Here you will find grass to play on, benches to rest on, and beautiful views of the river. Take the lower road to the right from the parking area to reach the playground.
After a stop at the park, take the stairs up a dirt road that continues slightly downhill to the right beneath a curious gallery formed by a giant, metal tube, where children will have fun playing on and beneath the grass-covered bridge. Continue along past the skate park and follow the road to the left around the golf course, parallel to the river. Continue straight on alongside a clearing dedicated to Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout movement and back up onto the riverbank. From here, continue to the right, past the sports facilities, and come out onto Via Generale Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa. Turn left here and continue along a section of Via Tanaro to the right, passing through the area of the sports facilities. At the roundabout, take Corso Matteotti to the right, which will take you back to Piazza Medord.
There are also a great many fresh local cheeses, such as Robiola d’Alba. Dessert treats include Alba’s chocolate and rum pralines, cakes made with the local Tonda Gentile cultivar of hazelnuts, which children will love, or the typical torrone d’Alba.
