PRECIOUS ALESSANDRIA - ITINERARY 1 ALESSANDRIA

Day 1

Arrive in Alessandria in the afternoon and time to visit the exhibition Alessandria Preziosa at Palazzo Monferrato

Alessandria Preziosa is divided into seven sections composed by close to eighty works, in which the protagonists are the precious metal sculptures, highlighting the decisive role played by the sumptuous arts, from goldsmithing to metalworking, from the art of armourers to the carving of semi-precious stones. The goal of the exhibition is two-fold: on one side to outline the advent of international mannerism harbinger of a new sense of reality and shape, through a selection of jewellery and objects in metal, but also canvas and panel paintings and sculptures in wood and marble which better dialogue with the precious arts; the second focus of the project is that of displaying and showing how the current territory of the province of Alessandria was a place where strengths and different cultures converged, which did not pale in comparison with other more glorious cities of the Po Plain, but rather represented a happy exception, in which Nordic influences measured themselves against those from Florence and Rome.

Followed by walk in the historic centre of the city and Wine Cocktail Experience to discover one of the 5 drinks with the most famous wines of the province of Alessandria: Dolcetto di Ovada, Derthona Timorasso, Cortese Gavi, Grignolino and Brachetto d'Acqui (in association with the Regional Wine Bars of the Province of Alessandria).
Dinner at leisure and overnight accommodation in 4* central hotel.

Day 2

The exhibition Alessandria Preziosa, un laboratorio internazionale al tramonto del Cinquecento, continues its itinerary in Alessandria inside Palatium Vetus, the ancient town hall of the medieval city, currently seat of the Fondazione CRA. Independently, or through guided tours, the visitor can discover a museum with representative and interesting paintings of the local territory contemporary to the works on show in Alessandria Preziosa, just a short distance from Palazzo Monferrato. In particular, on the top floor of the Broletto of Fondazione CRA, the paintings which have been part of its collection from the middle of the 16th century to the early 17th century dialogue with the masterpieces of the exhibition, offering the opportunity of a free visit to the many precious artifacts, some of which granted on loan for the exhibition of palazzo Monferrato, such as Santa Margherita or the devoted image of Our Lady of Crea, both by the painter Guglielmo Caccia aka il Moncalvo. From Gaudenzio Ferrari, with his depiction of Christ and the Samaritan Woman, a precise iconographic choice with respect to the religious crisis which will result in the Council of Trent, continuing with the panels by Defendente Ferrari, Bernardino Lanino to the works of Moncalvo and the large altarpiece of Crivelli commissioned for the Church of San Marco in Alessandria, it will be possible to take a walk in art and embark on a journey through time in Alessandria, a crossroads of different identities and cultures.

Lunch in osteria of the centre to discover the dishes of the local tradition including the “rabaton”.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the Civic Museum of Palazzo Cuttica. In Alessandria, the “Percorsi del Museo civico” at palazzo Cuttica in the Corali room preserve the liturgical-musical books commissioned by Pope Pius V – born in Bosco Marengo – at the pontifical scriptorium then dominated by the artistic standing of the Croat Juri Klovicic (whose name was romanized to Giulio Clovio), who had entered into the service of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, grandson of Paul III.

Visit the Borsalino Museum with more than 2000 hats on show: cinema art and design through the most famous hat in the world. The historical Borsalino company, brand ambassador of Made in Italy, was founded in Alessandria 166 years ago. The Borsalino hat stands for tradition, craftsmanship and excellence. All the production activity still takes place on the outskirts of the city, where the actions of the Borsaline, name given to the female workers of the historical factory, are repeated every day in the new premises.
At the end, stop in one of the Historical Patisseries of the city to taste one of the specialties of excellence branded De.Co.
Dinner at leisure and overnight accommodation in 4* central hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast, transfer to Bosco Marengo to visit the Basilica of Santa Croce and All Saints and the Vasari Museum.
The church and the Dominican Convent of Santa Croce in Bosco Marengo are one of the key monuments of religious and art history of the Italian 16th century. The importance of this complex goes beyond the local dimension, as it is the result of the ambitious project of a pope, Pius V Ghislieri (1556--1572), who was born in Bosco Marengo in 1504: the prestige of the commission is reflected in the architectural value and the artworks preserved within it, directly connected to the artistic events of the Roman and Florentine 16th century, because of the involvement of artists of the standing of Giorgio Vasari. After almost two centuries in which the complex was put to improper use following the suppression of the Dominican Order, which favored its degradation, the great restoration work begun in the late 20th century has given the church and the convent back the image of one of the biggest compendiums of the Counter-Reformation.

By booking, it is possible to continue the tour to discover the province of Alessandria with:
- visit to the Castle of Trisobbio (June to October)
- visit to the Castle of Rocca Grimalda (from 15 April)
- visit to the historical Distilleria Gualco (by appointment)
- Visit to the Gold Museum and Gold Searching activity in the River Orba Nature Reserve
- visit and tasting in winery to discover Dolcetto di Ovada DOCG

Alessandria preziosa. Un laboratorio internazionale al tramonto del Cinquecento will be housed in Palazzo del Monferrato in Alessandria and curated by Fulvio Cervini with the organisational design of Roberto Livraghi, Director of Palazzo Monferrato. The exhibition is promoted by the Chamber of Commerce of Alessandria-Asti, the Piedmont Regional Authority, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Alessandria, the Municipality of Alessandria, Council for the enhancement of the artistic heritage of the Alessandria area, in association with the Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape Office for the provinces of Alessandria, Asti and Cuneo, Fondazione Slala and ATL Alexala.


A unique project realized in association with the Uffizi Galleries, which will see loans from the Florentine Gallery, the Opificio delle Pietre Dure and some of the most important Italian Museums converge in Alessandria.



Information and Opening times

Exhibition Alessandria Preziosa at Palazzo Monferrato
Days and opening times
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am -1 pm and 4 pm - 7 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday by appointment

Civic Museum of Alessandria
Days and opening times
Thursday-Sunday: 3 pm - 7 pm

Palatium Vetus
Days and opening times
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am -1 pm and 3 pm - 7 pm

Santa Croce Complex
Opening times of Museum:
Days and opening times
Saturday and Sunday 4 pm -7 pm (summer)
Saturday and Sunday 10 am -noon by appointment and for groups of more than 20 people

Borsalino Museum
Days and opening times
Thursday to Sunday 10 am - 7 pm