The city boasts a variety of its own sites and attractions and has a myriad of historical buildings, interesting museums, and opportunities for shopping.
Alessandria is a city within the Piedmont region on Northern Italy and has a current population of approximately 93,000. The city lies directly in-between the Bormida and Tanaro Rivers and is equidistant from the three major cities of Milan, Genoa and Turin.
HIGLIGHTS
Due to its central location between these important economic cities, Alessandria has a well-developed rail network and serves as a major hub for Piedmont. The city was originally founded in the 12th century as a Lombard stronghold and was involved in various conflicts such as an imperial siege in 1174. In later centuries, the city came under the rule of the House of Savoy, and eventually became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Due to its favourable location, Alessandria is a great base if you are looking to explore the Piedmont region. The city boasts a variety of its own sites and attractions and has a myriad of historical buildings, interesting museums, and opportunities for shopping. The Museo del Capello Borsalino is an interesting place for example, and the Cattedrale di San Pietro is a beautiful church with a great history. Furthermore, establishments such as the Galleria Guerci offer fantastic shopping opportunities and a chance to purchase some high end goods.
Monuments
- Citadella Militare (18th century)
- The church of Santa Maria di Castello (14th and 15th century)
- The church of Santa Maria del Carmine (15th century)
- Palazzo Ghilini (1732)
- Università del Piemonte Orientale
Museums
- The Marengo Battle Museum
- Antiquarium Forum Fulvii
- Sale d’arte
- I percorsi del Museo Civico
- Museo del Fiume
- Museo di Scienze Naturali e Planetario
- Museo Etnografico “C’era una volta”
- Museo del Cappello Borsalino
- Sistema dei musei civici
Cittadella di Alessandria
Located on the western banks of the River Tanaro, the fortification served as a defensive garrison to bolster the town’s position as a strategic defensive stronghold.
Museo del Cappello Borsalino
The Museo Cappello Borsalino provides insight into the history of one of Alessandria’s premier hat making factories and contains a wonderful display of over 2000 different pieces of headgear.
Cattedrale di San Pietro
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Marco is the most impressive religious structure in the whole of Alessandria and can be found just a short walk from the Piazza della Liberta.
Constructed in the early 19th century, the front façade of this cathedral looks more like a Roman temple than a church and features a series of ornate columns topped with a triangular pediment and 5 stone statues.
