Alexandria

Access

Alessandria, located in south-eastern Piedmont, is easily accessible by various modes of transport. For those travelling by air, the nearest airports are Genoa-Cristoforo Colombo Airport, about 80 km away, and Milan-Malpensa Airport, about 115 km away. Both offer national and international connections, with public transport services and car rental to continue to Alessandria.
The city has a main railway station, Alessandria, which is a significant node in the Piedmontese railway network. Regional and long-distance trains run from here, providing direct connections to Turin, Milan, Genoa and other Italian cities. Rail services are mainly operated by Trenitalia, with frequent daily runs.
For those who prefer to travel by car, Alessandria is served by important motorway arteries. The Turin-Piacenza-Brescia motorway crosses the province, facilitating access from the west and east. In addition, the Genoa-Gravellona Toce motorway connects the city with the north and south, intersecting with the near Alessandria. The provincial road network is well developed, with state and provincial roads connecting Alessandria with neighbouring municipalities and the main cities in Piedmont. Road conditions are generally good, with adequate signposting and assistance services available along the main routes.
In summary, Alessandria is accessible by both public and private transport, thanks to the presence of nearby airports, a well-connected railway station and an efficient motorway network connecting it to major Italian cities. 

Introduction

Located in the heart of south-eastern Piedmont, Alessandria lies between the Tanaro and Bormida rivers, which define its fluvial and strategic landscape. Positioned between the hills of Monferrato and the northern foothills of the Ligurian Apennines, the city is an important cultural, historical and economic hub for the region. With a rich tradition ranging from crafts to industry, Alessandria offers a fascinating balance between modernity and the past.

Description

Alessandria was founded in the 12th century as a defensive bastion of the Lombard League against the empire of Frederick Barbarossa, consolidating as a free commune in 1183. Its military function is still evident in the extraordinary 18th-century citadel, one of the largest European fortresses still intact. Over the centuries, the city has been at the centre of significant events, such as the Napoleonic occupation and the Risorgimento uprisings.
Thanks to its favourable location, Alexandria has developed a diversified economy. Agriculture, specialising in cereals, sunflowers and beets, complemented traditional manufacturing sectors, such as the production of felt hats and shoes. Today, the metal, chemical and food industries coexist with a lively tertiary sector, where trade and financial services play a central role.
Culturally, Alexandria is distinguished by its rich calendar of events, including Carnival and the St. George's Fair. The city is also home to illustrious figures such as the politician Urbano Rattazzi and the writer Umberto Eco, whose legacies enrich the local intellectual landscape. Traditional handicrafts, markets and seasonal celebrations testify to the city's attachment to Piedmontese tradition.
Tourism and hiking enthusiasts may find Alessandria a perfect starting point to explore the Monferrato, a UNESCO heritage site, or the nearby Ligurian Alps. The citadel, Gothic and neoclassical churches and Baroque palaces, such as Palazzo Ghilini and Palazzo Cuttica, offer hints for a journey through history and art.
Alessandria is not only a city to visit, but a place where past and present meet, offering the visitor a unique experience in the heart of Piedmont.

Information

Area: 203.57 sq km
Altitude: 95m
Maximum elevation:
Inhabitants:93963
Name in dialect:
Inhabitants' name:
Patron Saint:
Internet site:
Webcam:
Neighbouring towns and villages:
Villages and hamlets:Bosco Marengo, Castellazzo Bormida, Castelletto Monferrato, Frugarolo, Montecastello, Oviglio, Pecetto di Valenza, Pietra Marazzi, Piovera, Quargnento, Sale, San Salvatore Monferrato, Solero, Tortona, Valenza

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