Comune Alessandria

piazza della Libertà, 1 - 15100 Alessandria (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 515.111
Tel. +39 0131 288.095
E-mail: sindaco@comune.alessandria.it
http://www.comune.alessandria.it
Factsheet on the history of Alexandria

The city of Alessandria was founded in 1168 from the union of several villages: the area was important for both strategic and commercial reasons, at the crossroads of routes between Piedmont and France, towards Liguria and Lombardy.
The medieval layout is still evident in the historic center, particularly in neighborhoods like Borgo Rovereto, where the city's oldest church, Santa Maria di Castello (12th century, on a previous 8th-century building), stands. In Piazza Libertà, you can admire some of the most significant buildings: the current Town Hall and the old Palatium Vetus, the 18th-century Palazzo Ghilini, and the Palazzo delle Poste e Telegrafi, with its Severini mosaic. The square originally housed the ancient medieval cathedral, while the current one has majestic 19th-century features and a 106-meter-high bell tower, which stands out against the city skyline.
Continuing along Via Parma, you can visit the 18th-century Palazzo Cuttica, home to the prestigious Conservatory and the exhibition rooms containing the decorated manuscripts of Pope Pius V. The Art Rooms are located in the building that houses the Civic Library: the late 14th-century fresco cycle dedicated to the King Arthur cycle is worth a visit.
The Savoy rule, which began in the 18th century, left many traces in Alessandria, including the Citadel, a military fortress that is now a historical monument and park. Since 2016, it has been connected to the city by a bridge designed by Meier, a white arch framing the view of the Tanaro River.
For bicycle enthusiasts, we recommend a stop at the Alessandria Città delle Biciclette Museum in Palazzo Monferrato, while shopping enthusiasts should definitely stop by the historic Borsalino store.