Alessandria

Alessandria stands on the plain between the Tanaro and Bormida rivers. Founded by Lombard communes in the struggle against Frederick Barbarossa, it was named for Pope Alexander III. Its position made the city an important fortified centre between Milan, Genoa and the lands of Savoy.

In 1800 Napoleon defeated the Austrians at Marengo, just east of Alessandria, and French control returned to northern Italy. The city became the capital of the French department named for that battlefield. Under French rule the city's citadel was enlarged and its fortifications modernized. In 1821 soldiers and other insurgents seized the citadel and proclaimed a constitution for the Kingdom of Sardinia. The rising failed, and Austrian troops occupied the fortress for some time after the revolt.