Alessandria is the largest city (population of 94,000 in 2017) and the capital of the province of Alessandria in Piedmont.

Get in

Alessandria is a major hub for train travel. There are frequent trains from/to Genoa, Milano and Turin operated by TrenItalia.

See

• 1 Marengo Battle Museum. The Battle of Marengo on 14 June 1800 ended with decisive victory of Napoleon's French army over Austrian forces. 
• Citadelle Militaire. 
• 2 Palazzo Ghilini. A Baroque palace built in 18th-19th centuries. 
• Forum Fulvii. 
• Acqui Terme. A beautiful Roman town in the province famous for its hot sulphur springs and ancient baths.

Buy

Corso Roma. This is the main shopping street, with all the boutiques and high street chain stores, from Zara, to Tezenis, Carpisa, Swatch, etc. The Borsalino store still sells the famous hats. Borsalino originally comes from Alessandria and has left a deep legacy. This street is packed especially on Saturdays between 18:00 and 20:00.

Eat

Rabatons à la lisandreina (a kind of gnocchis with spinachs and cheese); Pollo alla marengo; Amaretti (small cookies with almonds); Baci di dama (small cookies with chocolate and chestnuts);

• Cercenà, Piazzetta della Lega Lombarda 12 (from Piazza Garibaldi near the station take Corso Roma that ends in Piazzetta della Lega), ☏ +39 013 1251643. Ice cream shop. Cercenà has a long tradition of making ice cream and this is absolutely one of the best home made ice creams in town, although competition is fierce. Try also the sorbetto or the granita. 

Drink

• Zogra, Corso Roma 123 (from the railway station cross the gardens towards Piazza Garibaldi and you can find it at the beginning of Corso Roma). Lush interiors and a good selection of cocktails. The furniture is Italian design at its best. Expect a fashionable crowd, with occasional live music events, especially jazz. 
• Di Noi Tre, Via Plana (from Piazza della Libertà take Via Mazzini). Relaxed atmosphere with comfortable vintage seating and good music, great for conversation. It gets quite busy on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Sleep

• Castello di Oviglio (Castello di Oviglio), Via XXIV Maggio, 1 · 15026 Oviglio (AL), ☏ +39 013 1776166, info@castellodioviglio.it. Oviglio Castle is an impressive and luxurious, historic residence, situated between two of the most fascinating areas of Piedmont: Monferrato and Langhe, or rather halfway between the provinces of Asti and Alessandria 
• Palazzo Paleologi, Via Bobba 1 - 15040 Lu, ☏ +39 013 1741507, fax: +39 013 1741507, info@palazzopaleologi.com. Offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. 
• Ca Bianca Relais Melazzo, Basso Erro, 27, 15010 Melazzo (AL), ☏ +39 014 441669. A cosy bed and breakfast hosted in an historic farmhouse of the 19th century owned by the Della Rovere family, with four suites and one double bedrooms with private bath. Also available a restaurant service, a wine bar and a common kitchen. Double €80.