ALESSANDRIA, a city of Italy, in the Sardinian dominions, situated on the right 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 was strongly fortified, and in the several successive hostilities in Italy has been attacked and defended with great fury. It has not yet recovered the effects of the obstinate defence of the French against the allies in 1799. 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. Pop. 40,000.