Church of the Magdalene

The Church of the Maddalena surprises those visiting Alba who imagine it only as a medieval town: this building, in fact, dates back to the mid-18th century and testifies to the town's prosperity even in the modern era. Commissioned by Carlo Giacinto Roero, it was designed by the Bra-born architect Bernardo Antonio Vittone, one of the leading exponents of the Piedmontese Baroque style. The façade, inspired by that style, is distinguished by its soft, undulating lines, reminiscent of other contemporary examples, such as Palazzo Carignano in Turin.

Curiously, it was never completed: the final cladding was never applied so as not to take away public space from the main street. The site, however, already had a religious vocation: in 1442, Blessed Margherita of Savoy, having chosen monastic life after the death of her husband, founded a Dominican convent here. The Baroque renovation preserves the memory of these origins: the portal features three arrows, the symbol of the Blessed, and inside stands the ark that housed her relics, a place of pilgrimage. The decorative ensemble is of great value, making the Maddalena one of the finest examples of Piedmontese Baroque. The visit can continue in the wooden choir behind it, now used for concerts and exhibitions.