|
|
 |
| |
|
Home > Travel Italy > Italy Destinations > Alessandria
Alessandria
Italy, officially the Italian Republic or Repubblica Italiana, is a Southern European country comprising of the Po River valley, the Italian Peninsula and the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. It is shaped like a boot and for this reason Italians commonly call it lo Stivale, the boot or, due to its prevalent peninsular geographical nature, la Penisola, the Peninsula.
Alessandria is a city in Piedmont, Italy, and the capital of the Province of Alessandria. This city is sited on the river Tanaro and is 55 miles southeast of Turin. It is also a major railroad hub. Alessandria was founded in 1168 upon a preexisting urban nucleus, to serve as a stronghold for the Lombard League, protecting the traditional liberties of the communes of northern Italy in opposition to the Imperial forces of Frederick Barbarossa.
In 1348 this city fell into the hands of the Visconti and passed with their possessions to the Sforza, to follow the career of Milan, until 1707, when it was ceded to the House of Savoy and then formed part of Piedmont. During the years of the Risorgimento, it was an active center of the liberals. It was also the first capital of an Italian province to be governed by a Socialist.
Alessandria was a tactical military target during World War II and was subjected to severe Allied bombing among which the most grave being the raids of April 30, 1944, that resulted in 238 dead and hundreds wounded, and April 5, 1945, that resulted in 160 deaths, among them 60 children from the children's asylum in Via Gagliaudo. On November 6, 1994 the Tanaro flooded a good part of the city, creating major damage, particularly in the Orti quarter.
A city known for its historic myths and traditions, scenic beauty, cooperative people and luxurious hotels and cottages, Alessandria is one of the favorite holiday destinations for most of the vacation lovers.
Back to Italy Destinations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|