Top Things to Do in Alessandria Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Smack in the middle of Milan, Genoa, and Turin, Alessandria is one of those places travelers often zoom past, which makes it even more fun to stop. Once a Napoleonic stronghold, today it’s better known for truffle-packed menus, elegant palazzos, and the iconic Borsalino hat (yes, the one in every classic gangster movie). Beyond the history and style, the real draw is its mix of food and wine: from hearty agnolotti to buttery krumiri biscuits and vineyard escapes into Monferrato with some of the best Piedmont wine tours. Add in its walkable historic center filled with cafés and boutiques, and you’ve got plenty of authentic things to do in Alessandria that standard guides won’t tell you about.

What are the best things to do in Alessandria?

Explore the Historic Cittadella di Alessandria

The Cittadella di Alessandria is one of the city’s must-see landmarks and among the best-preserved star-shaped fortresses in Europe. Built in the 18th century by the House of Savoy, it held strategic importance during the Battle of Marengo against the Austrian Empire. Crossing the Ponte Cittadella brings you to an immense military complex that showcases Alessandria’s role in Italian history, making it one of the most fascinating sites to explore in the city.

Wander Alessandria’s Piazza della Libertà

At the center of Alessandria, Piazza della Libertà is the city’s main square and a natural meeting point. Surrounded by neoclassical buildings and lined with cafés, it’s perfect for a morning cappuccino, a bit of shopping, or simply watching the city go by. Elegant yet relaxed, the piazza shows off Alessandria’s charm in one easy stop.

Step into the beauty of Alessandria Cathedral

The Alessandria Cathedral (Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Marco) dominates the historic center with its grand dome and richly decorated frescoes. Rebuilt in the 19th century after being destroyed during Napoleonic rule, it blends baroque and neoclassical styles. Inside, the calm atmosphere makes it a peaceful stop, offering visitors a chance to pause and take in one of Alessandria’s most important landmarks.

Walk to Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello

In the old quarter of Alessandria, the Church of Santa Maria di Castello is one of the city’s oldest landmarks, dating back to the 12th century. With a mix of Romanesque and Gothic elements, it’s both a spiritual retreat and an artistic treasure, featuring hidden details and historic chapels that reward a closer look.

Visit the Marengo Museum

The Marengo Museum dives straight into the drama of 1800, when Napoleon pulled off his big win against the Austrians at the Battle of Marengo. Inside a restored 19th-century villa, you’ll find weapons, uniforms, and artifacts that make the Napoleonic era feel surprisingly close. It’s part history lesson, part time machine, and a great stop if you like your museums with a side of battlefield glory.

What are the best things to do around Alessandria?

Visit the scenic wine trails of Gavi

About 35 minutes south of Alessandria, the hills around Gavi form one of Piedmont’s most celebrated wine regions. Famous for its crisp Cortese-based whites, the area is dotted with family-run vineyards where tastings and tours showcase the best of local tradition. The town itself is worth the trip too, cobbled streets, medieval landmarks, and authentic trattorias make it a highlight for anyone planning to visit Gavi Italy. Add a stop at the nearby Serravalle Designer Outlet or explore the historic center of Novi Ligure, and you’ve got the perfect mix of wine, culture, and shopping in one easy day out.

Spend an afternoon in Casale Monferrato

Just a 42-minute drive from Alessandria, Casale Monferrato is a charming little town. Known for its elegant palaces, seasonal truffle fairs, and breathtaking views of the Monferrato hills, it’s the perfect country getaway. Stroll through its historic streets and step into its Romanesque cathedral, and you’ll quickly understand why this corner of Piedmont is so welcoming.

Enjoy wine and heritage in Monferrato

In Rocchetta Tanaro, the Cantine dei Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta combines historic charm with authentic winemaking. Set in a 19th-century estate, the winery welcomes you to taste Barbera d’Asti, Grignolino, and other local wines, often paired with classic Piedmont dishes. You can also stay overnight in elegant rooms and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Monferrato hills. It’s an easy way to mix good wine, good food, and a touch of history in one stop.

Walk to Acqui Terme’s ancient Roman baths

Just an hour from Alessandria, Acqui Terme is the kind of place where you can spend the morning soaking in thermal baths and the afternoon exploring history. The hot springs have been famous since Roman times, and the old town still shows off ruins, a cathedral, and winding medieval streets. Add in the hills of Monferrato around you, and you’ve got a day trip that mixes wellness, culture, and countryside in the best way.

Build your perfect Piedmont itinerary

From Turin’s grand piazzas to the rolling vineyards of Barolo and Gavi, creating a Piedmont itinerary is all about balance. One day you can be tasting Barolo in a centuries-old cellar, the next you’re wandering cobbled lanes in medieval towns like Saluzzo or Alba. Add in Alpine escapes to Monte Viso or lakeside strolls around Maggiore, and you’ve got a trip that blends food, wine, history, and landscapes without ever feeling rushed.

Good to Know before visiting Alessandria