Guide to Alessandria, Piedmont

Published June 2, 2010 at 7:55 a.m.
Alessandria, Lissandria in Piedmontese, is the capital of the Province of Alessandria in Piedmont, north western Italy. The city lies about 90 km southeast of Turin and was founded in 1168 following the union of four villages, Borgoglio, Gamondio, Marengo and Rovereto. Named Alessandria, in honour of Pope Alessandrio III, it served as a major stronghold for the Lombard League against Frederick Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor.

A varied and sometimes violent history followed: besieged by Imperial forces in 1174, transferred to the Visconti family of Milan in the 14th century and passed to the house of Savoy in the early 18th century. For a short period, 1796 to 1814, it was the capital of the French département of Marengo, named after the site of Napoleon’s famous victory outside the city in 1800. In 1814 the city passed to the House of Savoy and Kingdom of Sardinia.

A short time later it became a stronghold for the freedom movement in Piedmont before being garrisoned by the Austrians, following their victory at nearby Novara, in 1849. In the 20th century, during the Second World War, it was a major military target and subjected to intense Allied bombing...Today the city is not only known for its history, but for its pastries, hats, fine food and great wines.

How to get there: Alessandria is well situated and easily accessible by either motorway or train from Genoa, Turin and Milan airports. By Plane: The nearest airports are, Genoa Airport, 58 km, Milan Malpensa Airport, 70 km, Milan Linate Airport, 80 km and Turin Caselle Airport, 85 km. By Car: From the A21 Autostrada Turin - Piacenza - Brescia, exit at Alessandria Ovest. From the A26 Autostrada Genoa Voltri - Gravellona Toce, exit at Alessandria Sud. By Bus: from Milan Malpensa Airport there is a daily service. By Train: Alessandria FFS railway station is well connected to the Italian rail network. Turin, Genoa and Savona are all within easy reach (between 45 mins and 1 hr). From Milan Centrale station via Pavia, Voghera and Tortona takes abour 1 hour and 20 minutes.


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