Alessandria
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 1 December 2023
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The city of Alessandria is the capital city of the Province of Alessandria with a population of 93,766 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 95 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 204 km² and lies 85 kilometres east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont. Situated between two rivers, the River Tanaro and the River Bormida, Alessandria is one of the biggest cities in Piedmont with a thriving market and an important railway junction. |
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Profile
Alessandria is a historic city located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It was founded in 1168 by the Republic of Genoa as a strategic defensive outpost to protect its territories from neighboring city-states, especially from the expanding influence of Milan and Pavia. The city's name is a homage to Pope Alexander III, who granted a charter for its foundation.
Alessandria quickly grew in importance due to its strategic location at the confluence of several major roads and rivers, becoming a crucial center for trade and military operations.
Alessandria quickly grew in importance due to its strategic location at the confluence of several major roads and rivers, becoming a crucial center for trade and military operations.
History
During the Middle Ages, Alessandria played a significant role in numerous conflicts and wars, including the wars between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, and the Italian Wars of Independence in the 19th century. The city's strategic location made it a target for various rulers and conquerors, leading to periods of domination by the French, Spanish, and Austrians.
Sightseeing Alessandria city centre
The main sights in the city revolve the two most important squares: Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza della Libertà, The expansive Piazza Garibaldi is an important market square with elegant porticoes and side-streets branching off in every direction. The market spills over into the adjoining Piazzale Marconi which eventually leads into Piazza della Libertà, around 500 metres away.
Standing majestically on Piazza della Libertà is the Alessandria Town Hall, known by different names including the Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace) or Palazzo Ghilini. Walking to the right of Palazzo Rosso you shortly come to Piazza Duomo, the home of Alessandria Cathedral, the most important religious building in the city.
Standing majestically on Piazza della Libertà is the Alessandria Town Hall, known by different names including the Palazzo Rosso (Red Palace) or Palazzo Ghilini. Walking to the right of Palazzo Rosso you shortly come to Piazza Duomo, the home of Alessandria Cathedral, the most important religious building in the city.
The Cittadella
Some way from the city centre, crossing the River Tanaro via a modern road bridge (Ponte Meyer), lies an intriguing area of Alessandria known as the Cittadella. The 18th century fortress has lived through a series of wars including World War Two and the Italian Risorgimento, with various purposes but mainly as a military base. These days it houses the Museo delle Uniforme, a museum devoted not solely to uniforms but also other military exhibits and regalia.
Close to Alessandria
There are lots of places to visit nearby Alessandria, not least the Monferrato wine region of which the provinces of Alessandria and neighbouring Asti (to the west) are a part of. There are dozens of vineyard towns to visit including Canelli, Barolo and Barbaresco among others. Even closer, and forming a ring around Alessandria are the historic towns of Tortona, Acqui Terme, Casale Monferrato and Asti itself.
History bullet-points
- Medieval Origins: Founded in 1168 during the Lombard League's efforts against the Holy Roman Emperor, Alessandria was named after Pope Alexander III.
- Strategic Significance: The town's strategic positioning made it a vital military outpost, often playing a pivotal role in various conflicts.
- Napoleonic Era: During the Napoleonic era, Alessandria gained prominence as a significant fortress and took the name of the French Emperor's namesake, Alessandro Beccarini.
Sightseeing bullet-points
- Citadel Splendours: Discover the Alessandria Citadel, an imposing fortification that once safeguarded the town, featuring well-preserved ramparts and subterranean passages.
- Piazza della Libertà: The lively heart of Alessandria, this charming square is a hub of activity, dotted with cafes, shops, and historic architecture.
- Cittadella Museum: Immerse yourself in Alessandria's past at this museum within the citadel, where artifacts and exhibits bring history to life.
- Duomo di San Pietro: Admire the graceful beauty of the Cathedral of St. Peter, an architectural masterpiece that showcases Baroque design.
- Palazzo Ghilini: Visit this grand palace, now a cultural hub, which once served as the residence of the citadel's governor.
Travel bullet-points
- Well-Connected: Alessandria boasts excellent railway connections, with its main train station linking it to major Italian cities.
- Road Accessibility: Positioned at crossroads of key highways, the town is easily reachable by car from various directions.
- Air Travel: Turin-Caselle Airport and Milan-Malpensa Airport are the nearest international gateways for travelers arriving by air.
- Exploration on Foot: The town's compact layout invites leisurely strolls, with most attractions within convenient walking distance.
- Local Transport: Buses and taxis offer convenient options for navigating within Alessandria and exploring its surroundings
Comune di Alessandria
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Province: Alessandria
Region: Piedmont Population: 91,089 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 204 km² Elevation: 95 metres Highlights: Piazza Garibaldi, Palazzo Rosso, Alessandria Cathedral Close by: Acqui Terme, Tortona, Casale Monferrato, Canelli Recommended stay: Alli Due Buoi Rossi |
Alessandria Travel
Alessandria's train station is very centrally-located, just a 6 minute walk (500 metres) from Piazza Garibaldi, a pleasant walk through the Giardini Pubblici (Public Gardens). Trains from Alessandria run west to Turin (Porta Nuova) with a journey time of 59 minutes, stopping long the way at Asti (23 minutes. Heading directly north it's an hour and 7 minutes to Novara or an hour and 24 minutes north east to Milan (Milano Centrale), stopping along the way at the nearby city of Tortona (18 minutes).
Particularly useful is the southbound train to Genoa on the Ligurian Coast which takes just 44 minutes, the same train continuing all the way down to Rome (around 6 hours), snaking its way down the main towns of the Tyrrhenian Coast.
The most convenient airports for Alessandria are Genoa's Christopher Colombus Airport which is an hour away by car (78 km) or Turin Airport which is an hour and 14 minutes away, a distance of 120 km.
Particularly useful is the southbound train to Genoa on the Ligurian Coast which takes just 44 minutes, the same train continuing all the way down to Rome (around 6 hours), snaking its way down the main towns of the Tyrrhenian Coast.
The most convenient airports for Alessandria are Genoa's Christopher Colombus Airport which is an hour away by car (78 km) or Turin Airport which is an hour and 14 minutes away, a distance of 120 km.
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By car: Asti - 34 mins (38 km), Vercelli - 39 mins (55 km)
Fly to: Genoa Airport - 1 hour by car (78 km) |
