Founded in 120 bc. at the crossroads between the streets consolari Postum and Fulvia (with the extension of via Emilia towards Gallia), the Roman Dertona left numerous traces in the urban outlay of Tortona and the surrounding area. The Necropoli Monumentale ( in Fitteria) is in the zone to the north of the town and nearby parts of the Roman town walls, discovered in 1999, are visible.
The bishops palace which dates back to the 1500s is adjacent to the cathedral. It is rich with baroque art. Palazzo Guidobono dates back from the XV century. It was the seat for the representatives of Savoia: conserves a precious Renaissance, wooden ceiling and is the home of the local library and museum.
Places to visit: Cathedral, Teatro Civico (community theatre), Palazzo Guidobono, S. Matteo, Roman burial grounds, Don Orioni complexes, Lorenzo Perosi music academy; Pellizza's Atelier in Volpedo, Castellania and the birth place of Fausto Coppi, Rivalta Scrivia Abby, Pievi di Viguzzolo and Volpedo.