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International Education
Glendening Hall, Suite 230
240 895-4202
ie@smcm.edu
St. Mary's in ARGENTINA
Speak Spanish, learn about Argentine society and culture, develop writing and research skills, and volunteer in Argentina. Semester program is designed for both non-majors with only one year of Spanish and students with advanced skills in the language.
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The City of Alba
Source:SelectItaly.com
Alba has often been referred to as the "City of 100 Towers." It serves as an entranceway to the Langhe mountains and was originally founded by the Romans, its historical center remains today inside the ancient Roman walls.
This area is home to a series of churches and medieval houses which form a triangle between the Tanaro and Cherasca rivers. Alba has best been known for its elegant wines and exotic truffles.
The precious truffles of this region have been compared to gold because of their cost and delicacy. The official National Truffle Festival of Alba, which is held in mid-October, coincides with another colorful folkloric tradition, the Giostra delle Cento Torri (100 Towers Tournament) also known as the Palio degli Asini or Donkey Race. The race is a spoof on the more serious horserace that nearby Asti, Alba's long-standing rival, runs. While the citizens of Asti have commemorated their legendary defeat of Alba in 1275 with an annual horse race, those in Alba stage a donkey race, complete with medieval pageantry, sword fights, and the unpredictable antics of these stubborn steeds. On the first Sunday of the month the ass-race is held, while on the two following weekends there's the Truffle fair.
Although Alba may be all about truffles and donkeys from October through December, the town is also rich in beautiful sacred and secular architecture. The best way to visit Alba is on foot. Stroll around the most important monuments such as the Duomo, the 15th century Dò family house adorned with fired brick friezes, the 13th century church of La Maddalena (which houses the perfectly preserved body of a nun who died in 1464), and the church of San Giovanni Battista. You can also visit three of the town's medieval towers and imagine what it must have been like hundreds of years ago when Alba reportedly boasted 100 towers. Other treasures include the Gothic church of San Domingo, San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Teatro Sociale, and the Roman ruins.
Alba Music Festival
The Alba Music Festival was built out of the close relationship between the City of Alba and St. Mary's College of Maryland, USA. The Festival was created and is directed by Giuseppe Nova, Jeff Silberschlag, and Larry Vote, renowned artists whose distinguished backgrounds on the international stage contribute greatly to this extraordinary celebration of music. Learn more...
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