Alexandria
Founded in 1168 through the union of three rural settlements, Alexandria emerged as a free city in defiance of imperial power. Its central piazza preserves the memory of medieval conflict and nineteenth-century transformation.
At a glance
Alexandria arose from the collaboration of three demic communities—Gamondium, Marenghum, and Bergolium—united against the Marquisate of Monferrato and the Holy Roman Empire. The city was named in honor of Pope Alexander III, who backed the Lombard League. Over two centuries as a free municipality, it endured siege, name changes, and shifts in allegiance before passing under Visconti and then Milanese rule.
History
Alexandria was not built overnight. The official foundation date is May 3, 1168, but the city had already assumed a defined urban and administrative structure by then. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa’s charter of 1184 identified the three original promoters: Gamunde, Meringin, and Burgul—communities whose populations were supported economically by Genoa and the Lombard League.
The imperial response came swiftly. On October 29, 1174, Barbarossa’s forces attacked; their siege lasted until April 12, 1175, when they surrendered at the city’s moat. In 1183, following the Peace of Constance, the Empire briefly renamed the city Caesarea, though this did not endure. By 1198, Alexandria had secured its status as a free municipality.
Medieval Alexandria maintained independence for over two centuries, though conflicts with nearby Casale, Asti, and Pavia marked this period. The city eventually passed under Visconti protection and later became part of the Duchy of Milan. Jewish settlement likely began in the early thirteenth century, with a synagogue established over time.
What you see
Piazza della Libertà dominates the city center, formerly known as Platea Maior. This vast open space owes its present form to Napoleon’s ambitions: in 1803, architect Ruffino Bottino demolished the thirteenth-century cathedral to create the parade ground. Early twenty-first-century excavations revealed the cathedral’s foundations before they were re-covered.
At the piazza’s center stands a statue of Urbano Rattazzi, sculpted by Ferruccio Pozzato. It replaced an earlier work by Giulio Monteverde, which was melted down in 1943 during World War II to provide metal for the war effort.
Cultural significance
Alexandria exemplifies the political complexities of medieval northern Italy. As a Lombard League foundation, it represents resistance to imperial authority and the power of urban communities to forge collective identity. The transformation of Piazza della Libertà from sacred medieval space to Napoleonic monument traces the city’s evolution through competing ideologies and conflicts.
Key facts
- Founded: May 3, 1168
- Besieged by imperial forces: October 1174–April 1175
- Granted free municipality status: 1198
- Address: Piazza della Libertà 1, 15121 Alessandria
- Coordinates: 44.9085874, 8.6139815
- Phone: 0131 515111
- Website: http://www.comune.alessandria.it/
Practical information
Alessandria is a working city, not a museum. Opening hours for the piazza and surrounding areas are unrestricted. The city offers conventional services and accommodations. For specific visiting details and local events, check the official municipal website.
Getting there
Alessandria lies in Piemonte, between Milan and Genoa. The city is well served by rail; regional and intercity trains connect it to major northern Italian cities. If driving, the A7 and A21 motorways provide access. Piazza della Libertà is in the heart of the city center.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →Historical events at this place (2)
📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto