Alessandria
It is found in the far southeast part of Piedmont.
Surrounding area
The territory is composed of soft hills, crossed by the Rivers Po, Tanaro, and Bormida, containing wide, fertile valleys.
Once upon a time
The Province of Alessandria is among the institutions that have received the Gold Medal for Military Valor, for its activity in the partisan fight during the Second World War. Due to its central, strategic position, Alessandria (in the centre of its province) has always been an important military area. The city’s history is full of episodes related to the art of war, marking both its social growth and urban development. The first urban nucleus developed in the second half of the twelfth century, around the town of Rovereto. Its history includes the Lombard League, alliances and combat with Genoa, the rule of the House of Visconti, then of the House of Sforza, and finally the Savoys. Under this last family, and then with Napoleon, its strategic-military position and its role as a commercial crossroads in Northern Italy were very important.
What there is to see
Alessandria is a vast and very varied province. The town is noted for its historic palaces, churches, and beautifully frescoed loggias. It is also known as the “City of Silver”, being an important rail and road hub. Even in the early twentieth century it was well publicized for the 'Borsalino' hat factory. As for artistic and architectural destinations, it's worth it to visit Palazzo Ghilini, an excellent example of eighteenth-century Piedmont, Palazzo del Municipio, with its characteristic three-faced clock and a weather-cock stolen from Casale in 1225, as well as Palazzo Cuttica (1700), with its furnished salons and gorgeous frescoes.
For fans of modern art, the mosaic polychromatic mural by Gino Severini on the facade of the Palazzo delle Poste is not to be missed. Poised on the banks of the River Po, Valenza is considered the European capital of handcrafting of gold and other precious stones.
Worth a serious visit are the duomo, the octagonal church of Saint Bartholomew, the House of Culture, and several nobles' palaces. On the other hand, what characterises Ovada and Acqui Terme are history and culture. The first town, famous for its castles, presents an historic centre in which one can enjoy the Loggia di San Sebastiano, the church of Saint Domenic, the oratory of Saint John the Baptist and of Santissima Annunziata, the birth home of San Paolo della Croce. Don't forget to visit, in Novi Ligure, the Museo dei Campionissimi ('Museum of the Great Champions') opened in 2003, with a name that was given to the great cyclists from Novi: Girardengo and Coppi.
Food and drink
The province of Alessandria is a territory that should be especially enjoyed for its food. Treasures of wine and food, both small and large, from the great DOC and DOCG wine, to the highly prized and precious truffles, bring to life a cuisine that is rich and varied, and which preserves even today a simplicity and tradition capable of bringing us back to scents that we often forget. One stop that any visitor cannot miss are the wine shops spread out over the entire territory. But especially those who appreciate good food will be satisfied, being able to taste the world-famous 'krumiri', the typical biscuits of Casale Monferrato, which have become a symbol of Piedmont. There is also as much chocolate as any person could want, thanks to Novi Ligure, the homeland of the cocoa praline and the headquarters of Pernigotti, founded in the 1860's.
Room with a view
Today, on the remains of the ancient Roman town of Aquae Statiellae, we have Acqui Terme, which has been famous for centuries for its therapeutic and healthful waters. It's quite easy to arrange a weekend based on the idea of relaxation, or on 'getting back in shape' in any of the numerous hotels of the centre. For those who instead love the outdoors, there is a quiet holiday at the 'Centro di Soggiorno Montano' ('Centre to Mountain Holidays') in Caldirola, surrounded with the mountains Giarolo, Legna, Gropà, Pana, Ebro, Chiappo, and Boglelio, and nestled among beautiful beech and chestnut trees. In addition, there is Castle Trisobbio, for those who prefer a special, quiet atmosphere, almost like a fairy tale. It dates back to the thirteenth century but was restored in the nineteenth century. Situated at the top of the hill in the centre of town, it possesses elegant windows and a high, medieval tower.
