NAPOLEON & THE UNESCO MONFERRATO

Day 1

The visit will start from the sites of the Battle of Marengo with the Marengo Museum in Villa Delavo and Marengo Park. The Marengo Museum collects the history of the Italian campaign of 1800 and of the battle of Marengo analysing the causes, the developments and consequences, in the belief that the victory of Bonaparte had set up an important element in the subsequent European history and one of the founding acts for the Italian process of national unification. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon walk in the historic centre to the Citadel, one of the greatest European monuments of 18th century permanent fortification, one of the few still existing and surely one of best preserved in Europe. The fortress accommodated the General Headquarters of the Austrians under the command of General Melas during the historic battle.
Crossing the scenic Meier Bridge the visit continues to Borgo Rovereto, heart of the historic centre and one of the eight settlements which contributed to the foundation of the city of Alessandria in the second half of the 12th century, before returning to the administrative heart of the city with the Town Hall, palazzo delle Poste with the mosaics by Severini and Palatium Vetus today seat of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Alessandria. This is the first municipal building of the city of Alessandria and maintains important medieval traces. Inside it exhibits part of the art collection of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Alessandria. The collection gathers work of painters and sculptures connected with the territory in a time that spans from the late decades of the 1700s to the second half of the 1900s. The protagonists are artists such as Pellizza da Volpedo, Morbelli, Barabino, Bistolfi, Carrà, Morando. A section of the collection is dedicated to the Battle of Marengo.
On the day of the visit, possibility to taste the dishes that were born during that time "Pollo alla Marengo" (to be ordered) and the "Polenta del Marengo" (De.Co. excellence brand) prepared for Napoleon during the famous battle. Dinner in trattoria and overnight accommodation in centrally-located hotel.

Day 2

Arrive to Rosignano Monferrato which is part of the "Monferrato degli Infernot" UNESCO heritage site since 2014. Situated in a privileged position to defend the territory, it will offer breathtaking views over the surrounding hills, the Castle of Uviglie and Cella Monte. The Infernot are singular architectural artefacts, small underground rooms dug out of the Pietra da Cantoni by hand. The rock has a peculiar geological formation present only in Northern Monferrato. Panoramic tour of the village, visit three municipal Infernots, two are inside the Town Hall, visit the Ideal Salon with the reconstruction of the atelier of lute maker Angelo Morano, the Library and Historical Archive. Stop off at the Vetrina dell'artigianato Rosignanese, where you will meet the local craftsmen of embroidery, wood cutting and pietra da cantone. Stop off at the Big Bench "Rosso Grignolino" for a souvenir photo overlooking the breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards.
Light lunch at a well-known winery of the area and visit the spectacular quarries in pietra da cantoni.
The day will end with the Morbellian route: Angelo Morbelli was one of the maximum exponents of Italian Divisionism. A delightful walk among the hills will take visitors on an extraordinary tour thanks to the panels positioned in the places he reproduced in his works.