Alessandria

In the heart of Piedmont, land of water and vineyards

Alessandria

The domination of the Savoy family begun in the 18th century has left many traces in Alessandria, including the Citadel, a military fortress which has become a historic monument and park.

Alessandria was founded in 1168, at the crossroads between Piedmont and France, Liguria and Lombardy.

The medieval layout is still evident in the historic center, particularly in neighborhoods like Borgo Rovereto, home to the city's oldest church.

The eighteenth-century city incorporated the city of the previous two centuries, drawing inspiration from it. However, significant traces of the Spanish centuries remain in the interiors of churches and palaces built later: the terracottas and polychrome wooden statue in Santa Maria di Castello, some overdoors in Palazzo Cuttica, the paintings by Caccia in the Cathedral, and the choir books of Pius V in the Civic Museum.

In just a few decades, the face of the city completely changed. It was precisely during this period that the monumental framework from which the city derives its current appearance was defined. The protagonist of this period of public construction was the architect Giuseppe Caselli, who was entrusted by the Municipality with numerous projects, including the construction of the hospital, prisons, public slaughterhouses, the fairgrounds, and the civic palace with an adjoining theater. This period saw the construction of some of the most beautiful noble residences in Alessandria, including Palazzo Ghilini, Palazzo Cuttica, and Palazzo Guasco.

19th century: In the city The remnants of the Belle Époque can be felt: typical expressions of the period include the Galleria Guerci, Piazzetta della Lega—the former herb market—and Piazza Garibaldi.

20th century:Alessandria boasts some important Rationalist achievements, linked to the work of Milanese architect Ignazio Gardella and the commission of Teresio Borsalino, who was responsible, among other things, for the construction of the aqueduct and sewer system, the Gardella tuberculosis sanatorium, and the Casa Divina Provvidenza. These were the years of the affirmation of the Fascist regime, during which the Post and Telegraph Building, with mosaics by Gino Severini, was built. The characteristics that distinguish the architecture of this period are pure and essential forms, symmetrical and unadorned volumes, large windows, smooth and light plasterwork alternating with darker and never excessive tones, clear influences of contemporary Northern European architecture in a lively city subject to continuous and open transformations.

The city has a varied museum heritage, capable of capturing different interests, thanks also to the numerous exhibitions and shows organized throughout the year: Palazzo Cuttica (18th century) - home of the Civic Museum Itineraries, the Art Rooms - with the fresco cycle on the legend of King Arthur; (14th century), the Teatro delle Scienze with the Planetarium, Palazzo del Monferrato (20th century) – with the ACdB Alessandria Città delle Biciclette Museum, the Borsalino Hat Museum (testimony to the history of the world-famous Borsalino hat manufacturer), and the "Once Upon a Time" Ethnographic Museum.

Since 2016, it has been connected to the city by the bridge designed by Meier, a white arch that frames the view of the Tanaro River.

A few kilometers from the city, Marengo is On June 14, 1800, it was the scene of Napoleon's victory, marking the passage of Piedmont to French rule. In memory of the event, a neoclassical villa was built by an admirer in the mid-19th century, recently renovated and now houses the Marengo Museum.

In 1504, the future Pius V was born in Bosco Marengo, and he began construction of the imposing Santa Croce complex, which houses the Museum of Vasari's Works.

But Alessandria is also the City of the Hat (Borsalino), and of the "Small Pastry Shop," which recently obtained the De.Co. designation for its sweet focaccia and rabaton.

PERCORSI URBANI (URBAN TOURS)

With a population of almost 100,000, Alessandria is the capital of the homonymous province, strategically positioned at the center of a large plain, between the main communication routes between Piedmont, Lombardy and Liguria.

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Events in Alessandria

The city is animated by many events throughout the year. From cultural events to gastronomy, from the San Giorgio Festival to the Fair of San Baudolino.