Alessandria

Alessandria, a province and city of Italy, formerly part of Piedmont. The province embraces more than 1,500 square miles, with a population of about 730,000. The soil is fertile, producing cereals, flax, and fruits. The silkworm also is largely cultivated. The town, situated on the Tanaro river, 45 miles S.E. of Turin, was founded by the Lombards in 1168, and presently changed its first name Caesarea to that which it now bears in honour of Pope Alexander III. It is the seat of a bishopric, contains a cathedral, and is strongly fortified. The battlefield of Marengo is two miles distant.