ALESSANDRIA, DIOCESE of. - In Piedmont, at the confluence of the Bormida and the Tanaro, in a strategically highly important position. A. was founded in 1168, with the approval of the rectors of the Lombard League, by resolution of the Ligurian towns that wished to free themselves from the yoke of the marquis of Monferrato and of the Del Bosco, and it received the support of Alexander III, from whom it took its name. Since it was intended to make it the stronghold of the Guelphs against Frederick Barbarossa, Milanese, Cremonese, and Piacentine troops assisted and defended the Ligurian conspirators against their opponents, and Genoa itself gave effective aid to the foundation. In 1174 it was besieged by Barbarossa, but unsuccessfully. It waged vigorous struggles against the marquises of Monferrato, succeeding in permanently freeing itself from their rule with the peace of 1306. In the 14th and 15th centuries it was subject to the Visconti and, from 1495 until the peace of Cambrai, to the Fran-
