Alexandria celebrates its 857th birthday by opening the hidden gems of its historic buildings

The city of Alexandria turns 857 years old and does so by celebrating its history with an event that highlights its gems. Indeed, on May 3 and 4, 2025, the long-awaited Palazzi nella Storia event returns, now in its third year and already established as one of the most appreciated moments in the city’s cultural calendar. The formula is the well-established and successful one: the extraordinary opening of historic palaces, some normally closed to the public, with free guided tours conducted by licensed professionals. A valuable opportunity to discover the most authentic soul of the Piedmontese city through its landmark buildings, often overlooked or simply invisible to the eyes of those who pass through them every day without knowing their history.

The event is part of the official program for the 857th Birthday of the City of Alexandria, promoted by the City of Alexandria in collaboration with Alexala and ASM Costruire Insieme. Thanks to the support of Poste Italiane and Banco BPM, Palaces in History intends to revitalize the cultural face of the city and contribute to its tourist enhancement, in a territorial marketing effort that is already bearing fruit. The data speak for themselves: in 2024 there was a 2.3 percent increase in overnight stays over the previous year, with an overall increase of 13 percent from 2021. At the same time, Alexandria’s media visibility is growing nationwide, demonstrating how the promotion of its cultural content can be a strategic lever for the future.

Palaces in History stands out precisely for its ability to combine culture, history and accessibility, focusing on the city itself as an open-air museum. The five buildings selected for the 2025 edition recount different eras, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, traversing styles and functions that testify to Alexandria’s evolution as the political, administrative, economic and cultural center of Piedmont.

The tour will start from the Municipal Palace, the current seat of the City Hall. The building was founded as a theater in 1772 by architect Giuseppe Caselli and was completed in 1830. Inside are 19th-century frescoes signed by Pietro Sassi, one of the best-known Alexandrian artists of his time. The palace retains its scenic setting, with a structure reminiscent of the original theater layout, testifying to the city’s cultural dynamism in the second half of the 18th century.

Next comes Cuttica Palace of Cassine, an elegant late 17th-century mansion that now houses, on the main floor, the collections of the Museo Civico. This building represents one of the landmarks of the city’s museum life and offers a significant overview of the local artistic heritage, integrating the historical and exhibition components. The frescoed rooms, period furnishings and layout of the spaces tell of a refined aristocratic life of patronage and attention to beauty.

The third site is the Post Office Building, an emblematic example of 20th-century rationalist architecture. Designed by architect Franco Petrucci between 1939 and 1941, the building is distinguished by its sober lines and functional efficiency. Its most valuable element is undoubtedly the large mosaic at the base of the facade, designed by futurist master Gino Severini. A work of art inserted in an urban context that blends aesthetics and public service, representing one of the most successful expressions of art applied to everyday life.

Next to it is the historic headquarters of Banco BPM, formerly Cassa di Risparmio di Alessandria. The building, with its bustling 19th-century neoclassical facade, conceals much older origins dating back to the 15th century. An architectural layering that makes the building an object of study for urban history enthusiasts, but also a symbol of the city’s economic and financial continuity through the centuries.

Finally, among the most striking is Palazzo Ghilini, headquarters of the Province of Alessandria. It is considered one of the best examples of Piedmontese Baroque, the result of the genius of Benedetto Alfieri, uncle of the famous poet Vittorio. The palace was completed in 1732 and is striking for the elegance of its proportions, the majesty of its entrance and the richness of its interiors, which are also often used for institutional and cultural events.

Tours will take place on Saturday, May 3 in the afternoon, departing at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday, May 4 both in the morning (9:30 and 11:30 a.m.) and in the afternoon (3:30 and 5:30 p.m.). The tours will last about an hour and a half and will be led by licensed professional guides. Each group will consist of about 20 people, starting in front of the central entrance of the Municipal Palace, under the arcades of Liberty Square. Access will be free, without the need for reservations, until all available seats for each round are filled. The program is designed to allow those who wish to participate in multiple visits over the two days.

A unique opportunity, therefore, to rediscover the city’s architectural heritage.

Alexandria celebrates its 857th birthday by opening the hidden gems of its historic buildings

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