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Alessandria​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
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. 

What People Ask About Alessandria

Is Alessandria worth visiting?
Yes, Alessandria is worth visiting for its historical sites, elegant architecture, and position between Milan, Turin, and Genoa. It offers museums, shopping streets, and local food specialities.
What can you do in Alessandria?
You can visit the Cittadella di Alessandria, stroll around Piazza della Libertà, and explore the Civic Museum. The town also has shops, cafés, and access to nearby wine and countryside routes.
How do you get to Alessandria?
Alessandria has its own train station with regular services to Milan, Turin, and Genoa. It’s also located on the A21 and A26 motorways, making it easily accessible by car from different directions.
What is Alessandria known for?
Alessandria is known for its 18th-century fortress, its military history, and its hat-making industry. It’s also associated with Italian unification and sits in a region known for wines and truffles.
When is the best time to visit Alessandria?
Spring and autumn are ideal, with comfortable temperatures for walking around and visiting nearby vineyards. Summer can be hot, while winter is quieter but still suitable for sightseeing.
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Discover

Discover Alessandria
Alessandria, located in the Piedmont region, is a vibrant city known for its historical significance and rich cultural heritage. Situated at an elevation of 130 metres, the city lies at the crossroads of several key transport routes, making it a prominent hub in the region. Alessandria is characterised by its elegant architecture, lively squares, and tree-lined streets. The city's historical centre is home to numerous landmarks, including the Cattedrale di San Pietro, a stunning cathedral with impressive Baroque features.
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The city is also home to several museums and cultural sites, such as the Museo Etnografico C'era Una Volta and the Palazzo del Municipio, showcasing the region’s history and traditions. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Parco Eichhorn offers a large green space perfect for walks and relaxation. Alessandria is easily accessible by car, located about 90 kilometres from Turin. The nearest train station is Alessandria Railway Station, which connects the city to major cities in the region. The closest airport is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, about 85 kilometres away, making it a convenient base for exploring the Piedmont region.
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. ​
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. 

Things to Do

Things to Do in Alessandria
  • Cittadella of Alessandria is an 18th-century star-shaped fortress located just across the river from the city centre. Built by the House of Savoy, it is one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture in Europe. Visitors can explore the ramparts, gates, and open grounds, with guided tours available on certain days.
  • Piazza della Libertà is the city’s main square and civic hub, surrounded by elegant buildings, cafés, and the Palazzo del Governo. It often hosts public events, markets, and festivals throughout the year. The square is a central meeting point and connects with several key streets and shopping areas.
  • Cathedral of San Pietro was rebuilt in the 19th century and features a neoclassical façade and a richly decorated interior with frescoes and marble altars. The cathedral stands on the site of an earlier Romanesque church and remains active for religious services. It is located a short walk from Piazza della Libertà.
  • Museo Civico di Palazzo Cuttica is housed in an 18th-century aristocratic residence and contains collections of fine art, historical artefacts, and musical instruments. The museum also includes exhibits on local history and notable figures from Alessandria’s past. It is located close to the heart of the old town.
  • Bridge over the Tanaro River (Ponte Meier) is a modern white steel structure that links the city centre with the Cittadella. Opened in 2016, the bridge includes pedestrian and cycle lanes and has become a symbol of the city’s redevelopment. It offers views of both the river and the historic fortress.
Comune di Alessandria
​Province: Alessandria

Region: Piedmont

Population: 91,936​​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 204 km²

​Elevation: 95 metres​

Highlights: Piazza Garibaldi, Palazzo Rosso, Alessandria Cathedral

​Close by: Acqui Terme, Tortona, Casale Monferrato, Canelli
My recommended accommodation options for Alessandria:
  • Alli Due Buoi Rossi Located in the historic centre, this elegant hotel occupies a 19th-century building and offers refined rooms with modern comforts. Guests appreciate the on-site restaurant serving Piedmontese cuisine, the central location near Piazza della Libertà, and the hotel’s historic character. €€€ (high-end)
  • Domus Hotel Situated close to the railway station and main shopping streets, this hotel provides comfortable rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Visitors enjoy the helpful staff, daily breakfast, and walking access to Alessandria’s main attractions and restaurants. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Londra A short walk from the city centre, this hotel features soundproofed rooms with classic furnishings and modern amenities. Guests value the generous breakfast, professional service, and convenient parking. It’s well suited for both business and leisure stays. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Corte dei Samidagi Located in a quiet area just outside the city, this family-run bed and breakfast offers bright rooms in a restored farmhouse. Visitors enjoy the homemade breakfast, garden space, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a peaceful option within easy driving distance of Alessandria’s centre. €€ (mid-range)
  • Residence Corso Monferrato Set near the riverside and within walking distance of the Citadel of Alessandria, this residence provides self-catering apartments with kitchenettes. Guests appreciate the space, flexibility, and central location close to cafés and local shops. €€ (mid-range)
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.

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.
Public transport: ​central train station, local buses

By train: ​Genoa - 44 minutes, Turin - 59 minutes
By car: ​Asti - 34 mins (38 km), Vercelli - 39 mins (55 km)

Fly to: ​Genoa Airport - 1 hour by car (78 km)

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