Eco Hotel a Alessandria, Piedmont
Alloggio sostenibile in the historic capital of the Borsalino hat
Perché Soggiornare a Alessandria
Alessandria occupies a unique position in the Piedmontese landscape, both geographically and historically. Founded in 1168 as a fortified stronghold of the Lombard League, the city grew into a strategic crossroads at the confluence of the Tanaro and Bormida rivers in the fertile Po Valley. Today it offers travellers an authentically Italian experience that blends centuries of history with a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
The city’s crowning glory is the Cittadella di Alessandria, one of the best-preserved 18th-century fortresses in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. This star-shaped military fortification, built by the Savoy dynasty, is among the largest of its kind on the continent and offers extraordinary views over the surrounding plain. History enthusiasts will also recognise Alessandria as the site of the Battle of Marengo (1800), where Napoleon secured a decisive victory against the Austrians.
Culturally, Alessandria is known worldwide as the birthplace of the Borsalino hat. The Borsalino brand, founded here in 1857, became synonymous with Italian style and the golden age of Hollywood. The city’s historic centre still echoes that elegance, with grand porticoed streets, lively piazzas, and art-nouveau buildings.
Beyond its walls, Alessandria serves as a gateway to the Monferrato wine region, a UNESCO-protected landscape of rolling vineyards producing Barbera, Dolcetto, Grignolino, and Cortese wines. It’s also well placed for day trips to the thermal baths of Acqui Terme, the medieval charms of Casale Monferrato, and the bustling capital of Turin. With IMPT, you can explore all of this knowing that every booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂ — at the same price as any other booking platform.
Come Sfruttare al Meglio Your Visit
Reaching Alessandria is straightforward. The city sits on the main Turin–Bologna railway line, with frequent trains from Turin Porta Nuova (40 minutes) and Milan Centrale (around 1 hour). By car, the A21 motorway runs directly past the city, linking Turin to the east and Piacenza to the south-east. Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo airport is just over an hour away by train, making Alessandria an easy stop on a wider Italian itinerary.
Begin your exploration at Piazza della Libertà, the elegant main square dominated by the Palazzo del Municipio (city hall) and lined with cafes and restaurants. From here, the historic centre unfolds in a grid of porticoed streets perfect for walking. The arco di trionfo at the piazza’s edge leads towards the Cittadella, roughly a 20-minute walk across the Tanaro River.
For day trips, Acqui Terme (30 minutes south) offers Roman thermal baths and the famous “Bollente” fountain where 74°C mineral water flows continuously. Casale Monferrato (30 minutes east) charms with its medieval brick architecture, including the towering Duomo di Sant’Evasio. Wine lovers should head into the Monferrato hills to visit cellar doors producing Barbera d’Asti and Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese.
Alessandria also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Piedmont region. Turin is close enough for a day trip, while the Langhe wine region around Alba and Barolo is about 90 minutes by car. Every IMPT booking helps offset your travel footprint with 1 tonne of CO₂ removed.
Dove Alloggiare in Alessandria
Centro Storico (Historic Centre)
The heart of the city around Piazza della Libertà and Via Dante. Best for first-time visitors who want walking access to shops, restaurants, and the main sights. Most hotels here are in restored historic buildings with modern amenities.
Cittadella Area
Across the Tanaro River, this area surrounds the fortress. Quieter and greener, with views over the river valley. Ideal for history buffs and those who prefer a more residential atmosphere, though you’ll need a short walk or bus into the centre.
Orti
A residential neighbourhood southeast of the centre, near the train station. Practical for travellers arriving by rail. Mix of budget hotels and B&Bs with good access to local markets and authentic trattorias away from the tourist flow.
San Michele
A quieter district north-west of the centre along Corso Crimea. Family-friendly with good parks and good-value accommodations. Slightly further from the main attractions but well served by local buses.
Hotels in Alessandria
Cosa Fare a Alessandria
- Cittadella di Alessandria — The colossal 18th-century star fortress is the defining landmark of the city. Explore its ramparts, underground tunnels, and military museum. Free guided tours available on weekends. A true marvel of military engineering.
- Piazza della Libertà — The elegant main square, flanked by the neoclassical Palazzo del Municipio and porticoed arcades. The heart of social life in Alessandria, with excellent people-watching from cafe terraces.
- Museo del Cappello Borsalino — Dedicated to the iconic hat brand that put Alessandria on the world map. Displays trace the history from 1857 to today, with over 2,000 hats on show, including styles worn by Humphrey Bogart and Indiana Jones.
- Museo della Battaglia di Marengo — Located at the site of Napoleon’s 1800 victory, this museum uses dioramas, artefacts, and multimedia to tell the story of one of history’s most decisive battles.
- Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Marco — Built in the 19th century on the site of a Romanesque church, this impressive domed cathedral houses paintings by Moncalvo and a beautiful carved wooden choir.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria di Castello — The oldest church in Alessandria, dating from the 12th century. Its Romanesque bell tower and Gothic frescoes make it a must-see for architecture lovers.
- Teatro Comunale — A beautifully restored 19th-century theatre offering opera, ballet, and concerts. Even if you don’t catch a show, the neoclassical interior is worth a peek.
- Parco Po Piemonte — The regional park along the Po River is perfect for cycling, birdwatching, and riverside walks. The stretch near Alessandria is particularly scenic.
- Acqui Terme Day Trip — Just 30 minutes south, this Roman spa town features thermal baths, the famous “Bollente” fountain, and a lovely historic centre.
- Casale Monferrato Day Trip — Visit this medieval hilltop town with its magnificent cathedral, Jewish museum, and excellent local wine cellars.
Recommended Sentieri and Routes
Historic Centre Walk — Cittadella to Piazza della Libertà
Start at the Cittadella fortress, crossing the Tanaro River via Ponte Mele. Follow Corso Cento Cannoni into the historic centre, arriving at Piazza della Libertà. Detour down Via Dante to see the Borsalino shop and the Teatro Comunale. Loop back through Via dei Guasco and Piazza Santa Maria di Castello. Distance: ~3.5 km • Time: 1–1.5 hours.
Tanaro Riverbank Walk
A flat, scenic walk along the Tanaro riverbanks. Start at Parco della Cittadella and follow the riverside path south past the Ponte Nuovo. The route offers good birdwatching and views back towards the fortress. Extend by crossing into the Parco Po footprint. Distance: ~4 km • Time: 45 min–1 hour.
Monferrato Countryside Cycle Route
For active travellers, cycle from Alessandria into the Monferrato hills. The route follows quiet country roads through vineyards, past medieval hamlets like Felizzano and Quattordio. Winery stops for Barbera and Grignolino tasting en route. Distance: ~25 km loop • Time: 2–3 hours plus tasting stops.
Nearby Cities and Towns
Domande Frequenti
What is Alessandria known for?
Alessandria is famous for its 18th-century Cittadella fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage candidate), as the birthplace of the Borsalino hat, and for the Battle of Marengo fought nearby in 1800. It also sits at the heart of the Monferrato wine region.
How do I reach Alessandria from Turin or Milan?
Alessandria is well connected by train from Turin (40 minutes) and Milan (1 hour). By car, it sits on the A21 motorway linking Turin and Piacenza. Genoa is also an hour south by train.
Are there hotel ecologici in Alessandria?
Yes, several hotels in Alessandria offer sustainable practices. Through IMPT, every booking removes 1 tonne of CO₂ at no extra cost. Hotels like Hotel Alli Due Buoi Rossi and Albergo Etico Alessandria are popular eco-conscious choices.
What are the top attractions?
Top attractions include the Cittadella fortress, Piazza della Libertà, the Borsalino Museum, the Battle of Marengo Museum, Santa Maria di Castello church, and the city’s cathedral. The wider Monferrato region offers vineyards, hilltop villages, and thermal springs in nearby Acqui Terme.
What food is Alessandria famous for?
Alessandria sits in the heart of Piedmont’s gastronomic region. Local specialities include agnolotti pasta, bagna càuda, truffles from Monferrato, and Barbera and Dolcetto wines. The city’s cafes have a long tradition linked to the Borsalino hat-wearing culture.