Alessandria facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alessandria Lissandria  (Piedmontese)
Comune
Comune di Alessandria
Alessandria Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo
Flag Coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Piedmont
Province	Alessandria (AL)
Frazioni	Spinetta Marengo, Cantalupo, Casalbagliano, Cascina Morione, Cascinagrossa, Castelceriolo, Cornaglie, Cristo, Filippona, Gerlotti, Litta Parodi, Lobbi, Mandrogne, Molinetto, Orti, Pagella, Porrona, Profumati, San Giuliano, San Giuliano Nuovo, San Giuliano Vecchio, San Michele, Settimio, Valle San Bartolomeo, Valmadonna, Villa Del Foro
Area
• Total	203.57 km2 (78.60 sq mi)
Elevation	95 m (312 ft)
Population  (1-1-2021)
• Total	92,104
• Density	452.444/km2 (1,171.82/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	15121–15122
Dialing code	0131
Patron saint	San Baudolino
Saint day	November 10

Alessandria is a city and a commune in Piedmont, Italy. It is the main city of the Province of Alessandria. The city is located on a flat area between two rivers, the Tanaro and the Bormida. It is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) east of Turin.

Alessandria is also a very important place for railway travel and moving goods.

History of Alessandria

Alessandria was started in 1168 as a free city, called a commune. It was built on top of an older town. The main reason it was founded was to be a strong fort for the Lombard League. This group of northern Italian cities wanted to protect their freedom from the army of Frederick Barbarossa, who was the Holy Roman Emperor.

Alessandria was in the lands of the Marchese of Montferrat, who was a strong supporter of the Emperor. But the city was named in 1168 to honor the Emperor's enemy, Pope Alexander III.

The Great Siege and a Clever Peasant

In 1174–1175, the city faced a very tough attack from the Emperor's army but managed to hold strong. A famous story says the city was saved by a smart farmer named Gagliaudo. He fed his cow the very last bit of grain in the city. Then, he took the cow outside the city walls to the Emperor's army camp.

When Gagliaudo was caught, his cow was cut open to be cooked. The soldiers found the cow's stomach full of grain! They asked Gagliaudo why he wasted such good food. He replied that he had to feed his cow with grain because there was so much of it inside the city, with no room to store it. The Emperor, thinking the city had endless supplies, decided to leave Alessandria. (It's also thought that a disease called malaria might have made him leave). You can find a statue of Gagliaudo near the city's main church.

Changes Over Time

Over the years, Alessandria had some disagreements with older cities nearby, especially Asti.

In 1348, Alessandria became part of the lands ruled by the Visconti family. Later, in 1450, it joined the lands of the Sforza family. It followed the history of Milan until 1707. At that time, it became part of the House of Savoy and then Piedmont. To show this new rule, a large new fort called the Cittadella was built across the Tanaro river from the city.

When Napoleon won the Battle of Marengo (1800), Alessandria became part of France. It was even the capital of a French area called Marengo. During this time, another big fort was built north of the city. Its large buildings are still used by the military today.

From 1814, Alessandria was again part of the Savoy lands, as part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. During the time of the Risorgimento (when Italy became one country), Alessandria was a lively place for people who wanted more freedom.

In a nearby town called Spinetta Marengo, the Battle of Marengo is acted out every year on June 14.

Alessandria was special because it was the first capital of an Italian province to have a Socialist mayor. Paolo Sacco, a clockmaker, was chosen as mayor on July 25, 1899.

World War II and a Flood

Because of its important railway yards and bridges, Alessandria was a key target during World War II. The city faced many air attacks, which caused damage and sadly, many lives were lost. The city was later freed from German control on April 29, 1945, by brave resistance fighters and soldiers from Brazil.

On November 6, 1994, the Tanaro river flooded a large part of the city, causing a lot of damage, especially in the Orti area.

Jewish Community History

Jewish people have lived in Alessandria for a long time. The first known Jewish person there, Abraham, started a loan business around 1490. In 1724, a special area called the Jewish Ghetto was set up for Jewish residents. Between 1796 and 1814, Jewish people in the city gained more rights, influenced by the French.

Geography

Climate in Alessandria

Alessandria has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has winters that are somewhat cold and summers that are hot and humid. It rains a moderate amount, with less rain in summer and winter, and more rain in autumn and spring.

Main Sights and Attractions

Alessandria has many interesting places to visit:

Monuments and Buildings

• Cittadella Militare (18th century): A large military fort.
• The church of Santa Maria di Castello (14th and 15th century)
• The church of Santa Maria del Carmine (15th century)
• Palazzo Ghilini (1732): A beautiful old palace.
• Università del Piemonte Orientale: A university.
• The Italian Branch of the Sabbath Rest Advent Church, Chiesa avventista del riposo sabatico.
• Conservatorio Antonio Vivaldi: A music school.

Museums to Explore

• The Marengo Battle Museum: Learn about the famous battle.
• Antiquarium Forum Fulvii: Shows ancient artifacts.
• Sale d'arte: Art rooms.
• I percorsi del Museo Civico: City museum paths.
• Museo del Fiume: River museum.
• Museo di Scienze Naturali e Planetario: Natural science museum and planetarium.
• Museo Etnografico "C'era una volta": Ethnographic museum, meaning "Once upon a time."
• Museo del Cappello Borsalino: A museum about Borsalino hats.
• Sistema dei musei civici: The city's museum system.

Other Places

• Cimitero Urbano di Alessandria: The city cemetery.

Events and Festivals

• The annual Fraskettando SkaBluesJazz Festival: This music festival happens on the first weekend of July. Many famous musicians have played here.
• Michele Pittaluga International Classical Guitar Competition Premio Città di Alessandria: A competition for classical guitar players.
• International Rally "Madonnina dei Centauri": A rally event.
• The International Kendo Trophy "City of Alessandria": A competition for Kendo, a Japanese martial art.

Transport in Alessandria

Alessandria railway station opened in 1850. It is part of the main train line between Turin and Genoa. It is also a very important junction where six other train lines connect to places like Piacenza, Novara, and Pavia.

Sport

The city's professional football team is US Alessandria. Their stadium is also used by Juventus Next Gen, which is the reserve team for the famous Serie A club Juventus Turin.

Famous People Born in Alessandria

Many notable people were born in Alessandria, including:

• Sibilla Aleramo (1876–1960), a writer.
• Umberto Eco (1932–2016), a famous writer and philosopher.
• Giovanni Ferrari (1907–1982), a well-known footballer.
• Marta Gastini (born 1989), an actress.
• Gianni Rivera (born 1943), a famous footballer.
• Urbano Rattazzi (1808–1873), an important statesman during Italy's unification.

Twin Towns – Sister Cities

Alessandria is twinned with several cities around the world. This means they have special friendly relationships:

Images for kids

• 

  The coat of arms of Alessandria.

See also

In Spanish: Alessandria para niños