Located in the Roero area, Bra, whose name means "place of delights", was inhabited since the Neolithic Age. During the Roman Period it became an important trade and military centre, thanks to the foundation of Pollentia (today hamlet of the city of Bra). Many archaeological remains were found in the area and are preserved in the Civic Museum.
Bra was probably founded by a group of monks of San Colombano di Bobbio Abbey in 1082. It became a city in 1760
The Zizzola, an octagonal building built in 1840 is the symbol of the city today. The dome of the church of Santa Chiara stands, out, a masterpiece of Piedmont Rococo designed by Bernardo Vittone.
Bra is a city of art that over the last several years has been claiming a strong identity as a centre of fine wines and foods. It was here in Via della Mendicità Istruita that Slow Food was founded in 1989. This international association organizes Cheese, the most important international exhibition and fair dedicated to high-quality cheese.