The UNESCO sites and cities of Piedmont

Today we tell you about the beauties of Piedmont in a journey through its UNESCO heritage sites, creative cities and intangible assets.

The importance to be Unesco World Heritage

The identification, protection and transmission of the cultural and natural heritage of the world to future generations are among the main missions of UNESCO.

Heritage represents the legacy of the past which we today benefit from and which we pass on to future generations. Cultural and natural heritage is an irreplaceable source of life and inspiration.

The Convention on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972, provides that candidate goods can be entered on the World Heritage List as: “cultural heritage”, “natural heritage”, mixed cultural and natural sites.

FIVE UNESCO sites in Piedmont

The Savoy Residences (1997)

A visit to Turin and its hinterland, in discovery of the splendid Royal Residences that the Savoys had constructed between the 17th and 18th Centuries, is truly an immersion into these historic centers of power, as well as the hunting lodges, vacation resorts and venues of court life. Together, each one makes for a monumental architectural complex that the Savoys, tireless in their construction activities, desired as symbols of their own absolute power.

The Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy  (2003)

The Sacri Monti (plural of Sacro Monte, Italian for “Sacred Mountain”) of Piedmont and Lombardy are a series of nine calvaries or groups of chapels and other architectural  features created in northern Italy during the late sixteenth century and the seventeenth century. They are dedicated to various aspects of the Christian faith and are considered of great beauty by virtue of the skill with which they have been integrated into the surrounding natural landscape of hills, forests and lakes. They also house important artistic material in the form of wall paintings and statuary.

The prehistoric pile dwelling sites of the Alps (2011)

In Piedmont there were stilt houses! The Prehistoric Palafitticoli sites of the Alpine arc are probably the least known by the Savoy themselves. 111 of Italy, Switzerland, France, Austria, Slovenia and Germany are registered

In Piedmont, one is in Viverone, in the province of Biella, can be visited, where around 1970 a pile-dwelling site was discovered which later turned out to be one of the largest in the entire European Alpine arc. Moving slightly towards Lake Maggiore, we find the first site found in Italy, that of the Parco dei Lagoni di Mercurago.

Two interesting destinations to organize a tour to discover lakes and prehistory.

The Wine Landscapes of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato (2014)

How many people have fallen in love with the landscapes of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato? That’s why we shouldn’t lose this beauty!
We told you, to visit through its vineyards in every season, even if we prefer autumn!

Ivrea Industrial City of the 20th Century (2018)

“Ivrea Industrial City of the 20th Century” was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The recognition goes to the humanistic conception of Adriano Olivetti’s own work, born and developed in the Community movement, in which the economic, social and cultural well-being of the collaborators is considered an integral part of the production process. Founded in 1908 by Camillo Olivetti, the industrial city of Ivrea developed most in the period of the 30s and 60s, under the direction of Adriano Olivetti, a period in which the Olivetti company produced typewriters, mechanical calculators and computers. Some of the most famous Italian architects and urban planners of that period contributed to the project, including production buildings, offices, services (nursery, canteen, social services) and residences.Ivrea represents a distinctive example of the experimentation of social and architectural ideas on industrial processes and an innovative experience of world-class industrial production that especially focuses on the well-being of local communities.

UNESCO Creative cities

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is a UNESCO program launched in 2004 to recognize the key role of cultural and creative industries in sustainable urban development, a vision that has been confirmed and consolidated through the implementation of the Convention on the protection and promotion of diversity of cultural expressions of 2005 and through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The cities that are part of the Network, divided into seven areas corresponding to as many cultural sectors (Music, Literature, Craft and Popular Art, Design, Media Arts, Gastronomy, Cinema), develop and experiment innovative methods to include creativity within the territorial strategies and increase the impact of culture on urban development.

All Creative Cities are committed to developing and exchanging innovative good practices to strengthen participation in cultural life and to integrate culture into their development policies. As such, Creative Cities contribute to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In Piedmont:

• Turin Creative City for Design (2014)
• Alba Creative City for Gastronomy (2017)
• Biella Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art (2019)

Biosphere Reserve

The “Man and the Biosphere” Program, Man and the Biosphere – MAB is an intergovernmental scientific program launched by UNESCO in 1971 to support a balanced relationship between man and the environment through the protection of biodiversity and the good practices of Sustainable Development.

Each Biosphere Reserve must include three interdependent areas:

• the “core area”, where human activities are limited and the protection and lasting conservation of the natural habitats and communities within them are pursued as priority objectives;
• the “buffer zone”, a buffer area that surrounds or borders the plants, where only activities compatible with conservation objectives can be carried out, including environmental education, ecotourism, monitoring and scientific research;
• the “transition zone”, where economic and social activities must be directed towards the implementation of projects and good practices of sustainable development, for the benefit of the local population.

The World Network of Biosphere Reserves includes 19 reserves in Italy. In Piedmont:

• MAB Ticino Val Grande Verbano (2002, expanded in 2018)
• MAB Monviso (2013)
• MAB Collina Po (2016)

UNESCO World Geoparks

Within the “International Program of Geosciences and Geoparks” launched in 2015 by UNESCO, the  UNESCO World Geoparks have been recognized , individual geographical areas whose sites and landscapes of international geological value are managed according to a holistic concept of protection, education, Sustainable Development. In Geoparks, whose primary objective is the protection of geodiversity, conservation is combined with sustainable development and involves local communities.

In Piedmont we can find Geopark Sesia Val Grande (2013)

Need some inspiration for your next travel project? Choose ELT!

Whatever your ideals of a journey, just focus on the emotions you want to live.

We’ll take care of the rest.

ELT offers:

• unconventional itineraries,
• thematic tours,
• charming accommodations, 
• local flavors with the authentic taste

Our tailor-made services allow you to relax and have an exclusive luxury vacation.

ELT offers solutions for any travel need: leisure, business or blesiure tourism!

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The medieval style of these historical buildings has become one of the hallmarks of this amazing territory that was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe–Roero and Monferrato”.

ELT offers you to discover together this charming world suspended between innovation and tradition, with a wide range of outstanding experiences.

We talked about it among the things not to get lost in a visit to Piedmont in the autumn.

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A small list of places to visit and taste!

Cellars of Barolo

The Langhe region is famous above all for its superb red wines. Probably the best known red wine is Barolo, which is a wine based on Nebbiolo grapes from the enchanting town of Barolo, located south-west of Alba.

So a visit to an authentic Barolo wineries and producers is an opportunity that can’t be missed among the tours or wine tastings that are respected.

We can offer you a sensory journey in selected family-run cellars of Barolo, where it is possible to discover Barolo through different labels.

Cellars of Barbaresco

Another renowned red wine produced with Nebbiolo grapes in the Piedmontese Langhe is Barbaresco.

This type of characteristic wine comes, you guessed it, from the city of Barbaresco, which is located north-east of Alba, always in the splendid mountainous area

The cellars of Barbaresco are among the best wineries to visit in Piedmont, precisely because of their unique variety of Nebbiolo red wine.

Both Barolo and Barbaresco are the cornerstones of the Langhe wine industry, promoters of its fame and notoriety all over the world. Yet surprisingly, they represent just 3% of the region’s total wine production. The fact that these limited reds are so famous is a testament to their extraordinary quality.

Alta Langhe DOCG White Sparkling Wine

In addition to the famous red wines of the Langhe, there are also excellent white wines and sparkling wines to be enjoyed in the north-west of Italy. From Moscato Bianco to Cortese and Arneis, the Langhe have a lot to offer to lovers of white wines.

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That is why during a trip to Piedmont, food and wine experiences are a must to make your stay in this region unforgettable.

In our itineraries through the Piedmont, visits to the most famous wineries for tours and wine tasting are always included. We also include truffle hunting and food experience.

[vc_single_image image=”501″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” title=”The landscape of Piedmont is no less beautiful and rich!”]

Need some inspiration for your next travel project? Choose ELT!

Whatever your ideals of a journey, just focus on the emotions you want to live.

We’ll take care of the rest.

ELT offers:

• unconventional itineraries,
• thematic tours,
• charming accommodations, 
• local flavors with the authentic taste

Our tailor-made services allow you to relax and have an exclusive luxury vacation.

ELT offers solutions for any travel need: leisure, business or blesiure tourism!

Contact Elite Luxury Tours

Turin: the secret gem of Italy

Turin is the first capital city (1861)of Italy.

Equally elegant and hip, the Piedmont capital of Turin is one of Italy’s most surprising cities.

Fanciful tree-lined avenues lead to art deco cafes and Renaissance, baroque, rococo, and neoclassical facades. Splendid art galleries and opera houses serve as the cherished repositories of northern Italian culture.

And public squares, neatly tended gardens, stately castles and grand palaces that were built between the 16th and 18th centuries recall Turin’s heyday as the glittering capital of the House of Savoy.

The city is crossed by the river Po, the longest river in Italy, which cuts north from Turin to Venice.

The culture in Turin is very rich; full of monuments, museums, art galleries, restaurants, beautiful palaces, gardens and the list goes on.

For those who choose to visit Piedmont for the first time, Turin is certainly a must.

When visiting Turin, it is important to explore and experience every corner that the city offers.

The list certainly consists of more than one cultural place in Turin. There are many elements of culture that you will be interested in and want to know more about.

City of nobles and sovereigns, Turin is famous above all for the beautiful royal residences that hosted the Savoy Royal Family and their entire court.

In 1997 UNESCO included 14 of these magnificent royal residences in Turin and Piedmont in the World Heritage List. As example: La Reggia (Venaria Reale) and Stupinigi which are both just 20 min. far away by car from Turin down town.

Some tips for your visit:

• The Royal Palace: Designed by the architect Amedeo di Castellamonte, it was the residence of the Savoy Family until 1865. in architectural style reminiscent of Versailles, with the throne room, the dining and dance halls, the tapestries that cover the walls.
• The Cathedral: Near to the Royal Palace is the Cathedral of Turin dedicated to St. John the Baptist. In the Cathedral, inside a chapel closed to the public, the Holy Shroud is kept.
• Mole Antonelliana: La Mole Antonelliana is the symbol building in Turin, in the historic center. The name derives from the architect who conceived it, Alessandro Antonelli. With a height of 167.5 meters, it was the tallest masonry building in the world from 1889 to 1908.
• Museo Egizio: The Egyptian Museum of Turin is the oldest Egyptian museum in the world, founded in 1824, and second in importance only to that of Cairo. Dedicates to the art and culture of ancient Egypt. For the importance of the collections in the museum, Turin is considered the city where Egyptology was born.
• Valentino’s park and castle: it is the largest public park in the city of Turin and is located beside the Po river. Inside the park it is possible to admire the reconstruction of a medieval village and the royal palace of Valentino. Valentino Castle is site of the faculty of Architecture of the Polytechnic of Turin, its was conceived as a fluvial residence of the royal family, therefore originally with its entrance from the Po river side.
• Many Mseum for different experiences: Turin is many cities in one, the former capital of Italy, the Italian “Motor City”, and a cultural hotspot with great art, archaeology, architecture & design museums.
  Find its most diverse cultural offer, ranging from one of the world’s largest museums of Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art galleries to some of the best museums of design and technology in the country.

In Piazza Castello, the heart of the city, stand the Royal Palace from where we suggest to start your city tour. Walking through the streets of the center of Turin, you will be enchanted by the noble palaces and the large squares that follow one after the other.

A particularity of this city are the colonnades that adorn the most important streets and the main squares of the city.

Stop at San Carlo square, one of the most beautiful squares in the city where one of the best historical cafés is located (Stratta) and where you can taste the chocolate symbol of the Piedmont region: the Gianduiotto.

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What about surrounding?

When someone thinks of the Italian hills rich in vineyards and historical villages, they immediately think of others destinations.

The landscape of Piedmont is no less beautiful and rich!

Just think of the wines produced in this region, to understand how important Piedmont is regarding vineyards.

Langhe, Roero and Monferrato, the Piedmont countryside areas are of unique beauty and its hills are protected by the UNESCO as World Heritage site.

First of all the wine cellars

This territory is one of the richest in vineyards in Italy and a perfect destination for wine lovers.

The wines produced in those areas are among the best in Italy and famous throughout the world for their quality. Just think of Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto or Nebbiolo to realize how much this region can offer.

Wine is not the sole best product of the Piedmont countryside.

Another very prestigious ingredient grows right on these beautiful hills: the truffle.

It is considered the most expensive and prized truffle in the world, the Alba white truffle has an unmistakable flavor and it is appreciated by the greatest chefs.

Last but not least

two further products of the Piedmontese land should be mentioned: the cheese and the hazelnut.

Every town and mountain in Piedmont produces its own fermented milk specialty.

The name Nutella remind you of something? Piedmont is where this amazing chocolate cream was born from the Ferrero family in Alba.

That is why during a trip to Piedmont, food and wine experiences are a must to make your stay in this region unforgettable.

In our itineraries through the Piedmont, visits to the most famous wineries for tours and wine tasting are always included. We also include truffle hunting and food experience.

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Piedmont and its lakes

Piedmont is a perfect destination for lake lovers.

Lake Maggiore, the largest lake in Italy, is divided between Piedmont and Lombardy. This lake offers breathtaking views and wonderful villas.

It is famous for its island called Isola Bella which is home to one of the most interesting historic residences in the area: the villa of the Borromeo family, one of the families that marked the history of Italy. If you are in the area, do not miss the tour of Stresa and its islands.

We can offer private day tours departing from Turin or Milan.

Another lake which is worth a visit if you are in Piedmont: Lake Orta. Lake Orta is not among the most popular lakes in Italy and perhaps this is also its charm.

Must to visit the small towns such as Orta San Giulio, a real jewel to be discovered with its enchanted central island.

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Need some inspiration for your next travel project? Choose ELT!

Whatever your ideals of a journey, just focus on the emotions you want to live.

We’ll take care of the rest.

ELT offers:

• unconventional itineraries,
• thematic tours,
• charming accommodations, 
• local flavors with the authentic taste

Our tailor-made services allow you to relax and have an exclusive luxury vacation.

ELT offers solutions for any travel need: leisure, business or blesiure tourism!

Contact Elite Luxury Tours