Car Hire Alessandria - Mini guide to Alessandria
Alessandria is located in the province of Alessandria, and is also the capital of the province, which itself is found in the region of Piedmont. Alessandria is a major rail hub, and is home to the annual SkaBluesJazz Festival held in the first weekend of July. This not to be missed musical event showcases many of the popular acts in this genre, and the fact that it is held in such a beautiful place means when the festival ends you have plenty more to see and do!
Alessandria dates back to 1168 when residents of nearby towns got together to build a town as a stronghold against the Holy Roman Empire’s Frederick Barbarossa I, and named after Pope Alexander III (who supported the residents in their desires to see Imperial rule in Rome demolished). The residents’ called themselves the Lombard League, and formed the group in 1167, which dissolved in 1250 with the death of Frederick II.
The fortress stood firm against a siege in 1174-1175, and a legend was recycled from a previous successful defending of the town of Perugia some centuries earlier. The story goes that a peasant fed his cow full of grain, and took it outside the city walls where he and the cow were captured. When the cow was cut open to be cooked, the Imperials asked why waste the grain on a cow. The peasant stated the city was so full of grain, he had to feed it to his cow – the Imperials retreated, fearing the city would outlast them in the siege. The most likely reason for the retreat was malaria. A statue of the clever peasant, Gagliaudo, can be found in the city.
During the 1800 Battle of Marengo the city fell to France. A fortress built during this time still stands, and is an important military stores facility.
Car hire deals in: Italy
We rent the following types of cars: Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or equiv.), Mini, Small family (Ford Focus or equiv.), Medium family (Toyota Avensis or equiv.), large family (BMW 5 series), 4x4, SUV, Convertible, Van, Sports car, Luxury cars.
Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers, Ebookers, Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.
