ALESSANDRIA, a city of Italy, in the Sardinian dominions, situated on the east bank of the Tanaro, capital of the province of the same name. It is the see of a bishop, and, besides the cathedral, contains 12 churches, 2 collegiate churches, with 17 monasteries and nunneries. It has many fine public and private buildings. It is strongly fortified, and in the several successive hostilities in Italy has been attacked and defended with great fury. In the year 1816 it contained 30,312 inhabitants. Two great fairs are held here, when the city becomes a mart resorted to by merchants from all parts of Italy. It is in long. 8. 40. E. lat. 44. 57. N.