Bra is located among the hills of Roero and is renowned for its culture, history and gastronomic specialties. Its origins date back to the Neolithic period, but its history is linked to the Roman Empire and the Savoy dynasty, which left visible signs on the territory.
From the top of the hills, it is possible to read the entire urban history of the city and from the dark red tile roofs of the historical centre, emerge the Ghibelline merlons of Palazzo Traversa, the last significant medieval building; the bell tower of the primitive church of S. Andrea; the slender bell tower of the church of Santa Trinità; the oriental-style bell tower of S. Giovanni Decollato and the coquettish one, with a triangular base, of the small church of Santa Croce; the parish church of S. Andrea, built on a project by Bernini.
Luminous due to the recent restoration, the dome of Santa Chiara, masterpiece of Vittone, dominates.
The town is watched over by a bizarre villa: the Zizzola, the very symbol of Bra, on whose esplanade the Masche del Roero are said to gather for their periodic sabbaths. Walking through the town you can admire some Baroque masterpieces, such as the round facade of the Town Hall and the Church of Santa Chiara, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Archaeology and Art and the Toy Museum. Bra is also famous for its gastronomic specialities and for the numerous wines produced in the area, known all over the world.
