Alessandria (IT)

FORTE CULTURA Station: Zitadelle Alessandria (IT)

The Citadel of Alessandria – a symbol of culture, remembrance and defence

Unique fortress complex on the Tanaro River

The Citadel of Alessandria was designed by Ignazio Bertola on behalf of Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy after the Treaty of Utrecht. Built between 1728 and 1732 by King Charles Emmanuel III, it was intended to serve as a barrier on the old Spanish military road between Genoa and Savona and to support the defence of the new state of Savoy. Due to its size (over 60 hectares), its typological structure and its state of preservation, the citadel is unique among European fortifications.

The value of the Alessandria Citadel lies in its interdisciplinary character: it is an ‘anthology of defence methods’ (beginning with the system devised by Sebastien de Vauban, military engineer to the French Sun King) as well as a place of remembrance and collective ethical and social identity, extending to future perspectives.

Discover a unique fortress complex in a deep slumber with FORTE CULTURA. Whether it's Porta Reale, the Welcome Centre with an introductory video on the history of the citadel, Palazzo del Governatore, the museum of historical uniforms, Bastion Sant'Antonio, the powder magazine, ovens and underground passages, or the intact fortress landscape, the Citadel of Alessandria and the association ‘Associazione Cittadella di Alessandria “Faro” di pace in Europa – Ente del Terzo settore’ invite you on exciting tours into the past.