The idea of equipping Alessandria with an entrenched field was developed in the 1850s, under the framework of the Franco-Piedmontese Plombières agreement and the policies that led to the second war of independence.
A large-scale project took shape in 1856; signed off on by the Major of Genio, Candido Sobrero, it set out eight forts separated by bastions on the octagon, the largest of which would be responsible for the protection of the royal road to Genova and the railway, which had been inaugurated just six years before. Sobrero returned to the issue the following year, revising the structure that was to be assigned to the defence system. For the new project, the number of forts was reduced to three (from east to west, Bormida, Ferrovia and Acqui), which were all to be located south of the city. As a result, a more active role was assigned to the citadel and its external operations. In addition, the design was radically altered, according to a design that was described in detail in an 1886 album. The reduced project, approved by Cavour without any parliamentary debate, was rapidly completed by 1859.
Despite the investment of economic and logistical resources, the constructions played no role in the war, so much so that, by the time they were mentioned in the 1880’s album, they were already completely out of use.
FORTE BORMIDA
Via Marengo – Via GrillA
FORTE ACQUI
Via Bensi – Via Sacco
FORTE FERROVIA
Via San Giovanni Bosco 63 – Via del Chiozzetto
