# Novi Ligure

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 44.761667, 8.790556

Novi Ligure is a historic municipality located in the province of Alessandria within the Piedmont region of northern Italy, situated just north of Genoa. While often referred to as a castle in historical contexts, it evolved from the community of Curtis Nova, which was donated to a monastery in 970 and developed into a fortified castle around the year 1000. The town served as a free medieval commune until the mid-12th century before entering a complex period of rule involving Tortona, the Marquis of Montferrat, and the powerful Visconti family of Milan. Its strategic importance led to frequent changes in ownership, eventually settling under the Republic of Genoa from 1447 until the Napoleonic era, with the exception of brief occupations by foreign powers.

The area holds significant historical weight due to its role in major European conflicts and political shifts. Most notably, it was the site of the Battle of Novi in 1799, where French forces suffered a decisive defeat against an Austro-Russian army, resulting in the death of General Joubert. Following the fall of the French Empire, the town was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia and designated a provincial capital in 1818, receiving the suffix Ligure to honor its long-standing ties to Genoa. Architecturally, the town features remnants of its feudal past, including the former fortress of Castel Gazzo, alongside religious landmarks like the Church of San Nicolò and the prominent Palazzo Delle Piane.

Today, Novi Ligure functions as a vital industrial and transportation hub rather than a military stronghold. It is recognized for its production of food, iron, steel, and textiles, serving as a crucial junction for both road and railroad networks connecting northern Italy. The original defensive structures have largely given way to urban development, though the town retains its historical identity through its layout and surviving monuments. With a population of nearly 28,000 residents, it stands as a testament to the region's turbulent medieval history while operating as a modern center of commerce in the Alessandria province.

![Photo of Novi Ligure](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Palazzo_Delle_Piane.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novi_Ligure (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)