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Getting Around: Airport to Ivrea
From the door of our apartment to the airport is literally about 35 minutes and is almost all highway. It is a super easy ride. Additionally, getting a rental car at the airport is really easy as well. The car rental return and pick up is right there at the airport. In Italy, they drive on the right side of the road, so no worries about driving. You need to be prepared for toll roads. I usually keep some Euros on me, however, you can use credit cards in the tolls as well. Generally, when you get to the toll, you will get a "biglietto" or ticket. You then take that and keep it with you until you get to the next toll, and then you insert it and pay. Make sure you don't get in the "fast pass lane". The signs are usually pretty well marked.
Getting Around Ivrea
Ivrea is a very easy city to navigate. "Il centro storico" or the historic center is the main center of Ivrea and basically, roads make a circle around it. Our apartment is located in the historic center, so you'll be close to shops, restaurants, churches, and other walkable sights! Additionally, because of its location, you can easily get to lots of other cool places and things that aren't far from Ivrea as well!
PARKING
Our apartment does not have a parking space, and via Arduino is not able to be driven on without a permit, or you will be ticketed by the police. Not to worry though...parking is located very close and is free. We park in a lot by the castle and the lot sits up above the street looking out to the mountains with the castle behind it. Sometimes there are pan handlers in the parking lot looking for money if you let them help you find a space. You should ignore them and find your own space. The lot will often fill up on a weekday and empty out by evening. Additionally, if the lot is full, there is another free lot on the same street just a bit down the road, still a quick walk to the apartment. Be prepared for small cobble stone streets and a hill going up and down to get to the apartment.
CENTRO STORICO
The historic center has two main streets: Via Palestro, which runs from the rotary down near the large parking lot and the carousel up past the first piazza to the second piazza, which is the municipal piazza. From the municipal piazza all the way up the hill to a small square is Via Arduino. Our address is 10 via Arduino, however, the actual entry way is to the left of #10. It is a metal green grilled door that leads into an interior exposed hallway. Via Palestro and Via Arduino are largely pedestrian streets. Lots of shops line the streets along with small restaurants, coffee shops and other places of interest.
DINE IN IVREA
DINE IN IVREA
Faro pizza is a staple in Ivrea and literally is a stone's throw from the apartment. You can walk in and order a pizza (the sign with all the different types is on the wall over near the pizza oven. It probably takes 10 minutes or less for a really GREAT pizza!
This trendy little restaurant is literally only 2 minutes, if that, from the apartment. Fresh pasta, typical Canavese dishes, and menus in English if you need them. The food is AMAZING...one of my absolute favorites! Luca the owner is super nice! Go here!
Just off of via Palestro, maybe a 4 minute walk, this place is tucked away on a side street. Great pizzas and other dishes that you will love! Gets busy in the evening, but always a great meal here! This place has been in Ivrea forever...you won't be disappointed!
When I came to Ivrea almost 30 years ago, I stayed here. They are a 2 minute walk from the apartment, and food is a typical Canavese style food. I love the comfortable and laid back atmosphere. Not fast moving, but food is delicious! Just off of via Palestro!
Caffe Rosso, as I call it, is located in the piazza right by the apartment. Friendly staff, amazing pastries, and during the summer, an outside dining area. They can understand some English, and if you can speak a little Italian, they'll love you! Less than a one minute walk!
Of all the coffee shops, Petit Bar is the closest to the apartment. If you walk out onto the street from the apartment, it is 2 doors away. Very friendly, speaks some English...tell them you're staying at the American's Apartment. Great pastries in the AM, especially if they are warm!
Great little coffee shop, outside seating, and pastries in the morning. You can also get some other light food here, but mostly a coffee shop. This is located almost at the end of Via Palestro...step out of the apartment onto the street, turn left, and maybe walk for about four minutes at the most.
You ABSOLUTELY cannot miss going to Balla for the amazing and famous torta novacento or "tort 900". Be sure to get a coffee with it (remember, no cappuccino after 11:30am) and bring an empty stomach. You can buy a whole torta to bring with you, or eat inside and get a slice! You will LOVE this!
Want to get your steps in AND grab a cup of coffee? Check out Caffe Gioberti, which is located at the very top of Via Arduino! Go out of the apartment, turn right, and walk all the way up the hill to the little square at the top. This caffe has beautifully vaulted ceilings and is quite quaint!
Tutto Gelato da Aurelio
Located on via Palestro, less than a four minute walk from the apartment. If you crave gelato, this is the place to go! Tons of flavors, absolutely delicious, and quick to get to. This gelato shop will not disappoint...you'll know why the Ivreans love it so much!
This local gastropub is just off of via Palestro not far from Piazza Ottino. Their food and meals are a bit more "American like" if you're looking for that kind of experience. They have a nice bar and a pretty active night scene if you want to venture out for a cocktail or two!
Not feeling super adventurous for Italian food, or homesick for something more "American"? Check out Ocio! Just a short walk from the apartment towards the train station, this small restaurant makes great burgers and the staff are SUPER friendly!
This great little restaurant and wine bar is less than a ten minute walk from the apartment and the food and wine is amazing! Located along the street leading to Bennet's, you won't be disappointed with the food, service or ambiance of this restaurant!
Map
SHOP IN IVREA
SHOP IN IVREA
Bennet
Bennet is like a smaller, Italian version of Walmart. You can get everything there from tires, to prosciutto! If you need anything, this store can be easily walked to (I've walked many a time) and they've got some pretty cheap wine! Map directions are for driving.
Need some inexpensive clothes while you're in Ivrea? You can get some specialty items at the boutiques on via Palestro and Arduino and get some less expensive items at OVS. It's a seven minute walk (if that)down via Palestro, just beyond the merry go round!
MAP
Caddy's
Similar to a Walgreens or CVS, you can get a variety of sundry items here like you would in the US at a drug store. Personal care items, perfume, deodorants, toothpaste, etc. can be found here. Take a right at the end of via Palestro...right there!
SIGHTSEE IN IVREA
SIGHTSEE IN IVREA
The largest of five lakes, Lago Sirio has absolutely beautiful views and is a great place to walk, jog, or bike ride and take in the local scenery. You can easily visit the other four lakes which are in close proximity to Lake Sirio, and get a bit of nature while visiting historic Ivrea!
Only in Italy could you have a castle that is a 3 minute walk behind your house! The castle, built in 1358 is not open to the public, but has a large presence in the city. It is great for night time photos, and across from it, an awesome look out over the city of Ivrea and its red tiled roofs!
This tower, which was once part of a monastery, was built in 1044. It is about an 8 minute walk from the apartment and sits inside a park close to Balla pastry shop. You can see a historic site and grab a piece of the Torta Novacento while you're over that way!
Literally a five minute walk and right behind the apartment, this beautiful cathedral is the most prestigious church in Ivrea. Complete with a crypt, beautiful art work and architecture and right next to the castle, you'll want to go in and check it out!
Ivrea was the home of Olivetti Typewriters and Computers! See the history of how this family and company influenced Ivrea and the cultural and economic standing of the city.
Once part of a church in a small village, all that is left is this impressive bell tower standing in a field. Slightly on the periphery of Ivrea, it is a quick drive and the views are amazing! You may need to park and walk just a bit. You won't see things like this in the states!
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