Alessandria

Alessandria is a city with a discreet and authentic charm, located between Turin, Milan and Genoa. Its strategic position made it an important commercial and military centre over the centuries, leaving behind a legacy of fortifications, elegant buildings and a lively cultural scene. Among the lanes of the historic centre, its museums and food and wine traditions, Alessandria is a destination to discover slowly, taking the time to appreciate its history and its deep roots in the Piedmontese territory.

A journey through history: the old heart of Alessandria

The historic centre of Alessandria is an intricate maze of streets that still preserve the atmosphere of past eras. Piazza della Libertà, one of the city’s main squares, is the ideal starting point for exploring its most important monuments. Overlooking the square are Palazzo Ghilini, home to the Prefecture and the Province, with its imposing Baroque façade, and the Town Hall, also known as Palazzo Rosso.

Just a short walk away stands Alessandria Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Mark, a majestic neoclassical building that houses valuable works of art and an impressive bell tower more than 100 metres high, one of the tallest in Piedmont.

One of the best-known symbols of the city is the Citadel of Alessandria, one of the largest modern fortresses in Europe. Built in the 18th century by the House of Savoy, it is a masterpiece of military engineering, with a hexagonal layout and powerful walls that still tell the story of the region’s wars and defensive strategies.

For a closer look at local culture, the Borsalino Hat Museum tells the story of the famous hat brand founded in Alessandria, with displays retracing the fashion and craftsmanship that made these accessories iconic around the world.

Experiencing Alessandria: nature and traditions

Beyond its history, Alessandria also offers green spaces that are ideal for a relaxing break. The Citadel Park, located next to the fortress, is perfect for walks among centuries-old trees and views of the historic walls. In addition to being a leisure area, the park is also of historical and natural interest, with paths that allow visitors to explore native vegetation and observe local wildlife.

A short distance away, the Monferrato hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer landscapes of vineyards, castles and medieval villages. A trip through this area is an opportunity to discover Piedmont’s winemaking tradition and taste celebrated local wines such as Barbera and Grignolino. Among the most appealing villages are Vignale Monferrato, known for its historic wineries and views over the hills, and Camino, dominated by its imposing castle.

For those interested in culture, the Teatro Alessandrino offers a rich programme of events, from concerts to theatre performances, giving a taste of the city’s artistic vitality. Throughout the year, Alessandria also hosts numerous festivals and historical reenactments, including the Marengo Museum Festival, dedicated to the famous Napoleonic battle, and the Fiera di San Giorgio, which celebrates local craft and food traditions.

For river lovers, a walk along the Tanaro offers the chance to relax and enjoy an evocative natural setting. In some areas, it is also possible to practise water sports such as canoeing and sport fishing, or simply enjoy a picnic along the riverbanks.

The flavours of Alessandria: Piedmontese cuisine with Ligurian influences

Alessandria’s cuisine reflects the meeting point between Piedmontese tradition and Ligurian influences. Among its typical dishes are ravioli al plin, small pasta parcels filled with meat and served with butter and sage or roast gravy.

Another local speciality is bollito misto, a mixed boiled meat dish accompanied by traditional Piedmontese sauces such as bagnet verd and bagnet ross.

Street food lovers should not miss farinata, a thin chickpea flatbread that is crisp on the outside and soft inside, also typical of nearby Liguria.

Among the desserts, hazelnut cake and baci di dama, crumbly biscuits filled with chocolate, are perfect with a coffee in one of the city’s historic cafés.

Where to stay in Alessandria: charm and comfort

Alessandria offers a variety of accommodation options. Hotels and B&Bs in the historic centre allow visitors to experience the city up close, immersed in its elegant and quiet atmosphere.

Those who prefer the countryside can choose an agriturismo in the Monferrato hills, where they can relax among the vineyards and taste local products.

For a more exclusive stay, some historic residences have been transformed into refined accommodation, offering a balanced mix of tradition and modern comfort.

Getting around Alessandria

Alessandria is a human-scale city, easy to explore on foot, especially in the historic centre, where the main attractions are within a short distance of one another.

Local public transport includes buses connecting the centre with the outskirts and the railway station.

For those who prefer cycling, the city has cycle routes that make it possible to get around in a sustainable and pleasant way.

For visitors arriving by car, several car parks are available both in the centre and in the surrounding areas.

How to get to Alessandria

By car: Alessandria is well connected by the A26 and A21 motorways, making it easy to reach from Turin, Milan and Genoa.

By train: Alessandria railway station is an important hub for regional and national connections, with frequent trains to the main cities of northern Italy.

By plane: The nearest airports are Turin Caselle, Milan Malpensa and Genoa Cristoforo Colombo, all located about an hour away by car or train.

Alessandria, a city to discover

Alessandria is a city that preserves a historical and cultural heritage of great value. With its imposing fortresses, historic buildings, rich cuisine and the beautiful surrounding hills, this Piedmontese destination offers an authentic experience, ideal for those who wish to discover a corner of Italy away from mass tourism, yet full of charm and tradition.

Image credits: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Alessandria_piazzaduomo.jpg