Alba is situated at about 61 km. South west from the capital Turin, 60 km from the provincial capital of Cuneo, 16 km from Bra, 27 km from Asti and 30 kms from Carmagnola (TO), Most of the town is built on the right bank of the river Tanaro, on a large valley surrounded by wonderful hills rich in the vineyards of Langhe and Roero.
In the shape of a polygon, the town is rich in history with remains of a fortified gate with boundary wall and some old buildings with mosaics and marbles.
Via Cavour and Via Vittorio Emanuele (the latter called Via Maestra by the people of Alba) are the most beautiful of the town thanks to the historic medieval towers and old small medieval palaces in baroque style.
Alba is also known as the town of the hundred towers all built in the XIV and XV century.
Today you find the remains (the best preserved are those in piazza del Risorgimento and Via Cavour) and among those left many have been lowered to the roofs level or incorporated in the buildings.
As well as a traditional agricultural centre Alba is also a very important wine and gastronomic centre.

Its economy is prosperous because based on a very famous confectionery industry, on a well known publishing house, and on well established textile industry and on many other companies of medium and large capability.
Alba is famous for its white truffle, so much that every year the renowned Truffle Fair is held during the month of October.Le vie Cavour e Vittorio Emanuele (quest'ultima comunemente chiamata dagli Albesi "Via Maestra") sono le vie più belle della città grazie alle suggestive quinte create dalle belle torri medievali e dai tanti palazzotti di orgine medievale e barocchi.
Nota anche come città delle cento torri, tutte costruite nel XIV e XV secolo.
Oggi ne rimangono poche (le meglio conservate sono quelle tra piazza Risorgimento e Via Cavour) e fra quelle rimaste molte sono state abbassate al livello dei tetti o incorporate negli edifici.
Oltre alla tradizionale agricoltura, Alba è un centro vinicolo molto importante nonché un rinomato centro gastronomico.
La sua economia è comunque molto florida potendo contare su un' industria dolciaria di fama mondiale, su una nota casa editrice,  su un'affermata industria tessile e su moltre altre realtà industriali medio-grandi.
Alba è poi famosa per i suoi tartufi bianchi, tanto che vi si svolge l'annuale Fiera del Tartufo.