Historic Treasures in Alessandria

Standing as a marvel of military architecture, the Cittadella of Alessandria is a rare, well-preserved star fort from the 18th century. Built by the Kingdom of Sardinia, it remains one of Europe’s most intact fortresses, offering a glimpse into the military ingenuity of the past—and a historic milestone where the Italian tricolor was first flown in 1821.

Dominating Alessandria’s skyline, the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Mark is the city’s spiritual centerpiece. As the seat of the local bishopric, this majestic church invites visitors to step into centuries of faith and tradition, serving as the heart of religious life in the region.

Santa Maria di Castello stands as a silent witness to Alessandria’s earliest days, often regarded as the city’s oldest emblem of history. Sitting in Borgo Rovereto, this ancient church anchors the neighborhood—once part of a cluster of settlements that contributed to Alessandria’s foundation in the 12th century, a place where history and legend intertwine.

Nestled in the historic heart of Alessandria, Palatium Vetus stands as one of the city's oldest surviving structures. Once serving as the medieval 'broletto'—a hub of politics, law, and administration during the 13th and 14th centuries—it whispers stories of a bygone era to those who wander its ancient halls.

Stretching across the Tanaro River, the Cittadella of Alessandria is a fortress that has witnessed centuries of strategic wars and peaceful eras alike. Known for its remarkably preserved state and untouched surroundings—free from modern encroachment—this star-shaped fortress once guarded the routes of Europe’s armies, and on March 10, 1821, it made history by flying Italy’s first tricolor flag.

The Palazzo Ghilini in Alessandria is a majestic display of Baroque elegance from the 18th and 19th centuries. Named after the influential Ghilini family, this grand building stands as a testament to the city’s aristocratic past, embodying centuries of local history and artistic flourish.

Nestled in Alessandria’s historic core, the 19th-century synagogue is an architectural gem from Italy’s Jewish heritage. Hidden in the old ghetto area, it offers a quiet glimpse into the spiritual life of the city’s once-thriving Jewish community.