The name derives from the Latin word "quadraginta" (forty), indicating the miles that separate the center from Turin. A municipality in the province of Alexandria, whose territory borders with those of the regional main city, is famous world-wide for being the birthplace of the artists Carlo Carra and Giulio Benzi.
The area was originally inhabited by tribes of Stazielli, defeated by the Romans during the Second Gaul War, who settled here and created a military post to take advantage of its particularly favorable location. The discovery of coins and inscriptions evidence the foundation date of 189 B.C. The original garrison became an important reference point for the neighboring towns. After the fall of the Roman Empire the town became part of the dominion of the Bishop-Count of Asti. During the XII century the town flourishing and was favored with important privileges. During the next century, Quargnento shared the vicissitudes of the regional capital. Frederick Barbarossa, who tried to siege Alexandria, without success, in retaliation damaged the town and completely destroyed the castle. In 1467 it was proclaimed fief and ceded to the Visconti-Sforza of Milan, and in 1723 it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Savoy

Not to miss:
- the Basilica of San Dalmazio, consecrated in the XII century, it was destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa, rebuilt in 1270 and enlarged in 1560. Inside it preserves the remains of precious art works, including a triptych of Gandolfino from Loreto, a XVI century painting of Cossali, a terracotta of Filiberto of Alexandria, an important XVI century crucifix and other crafts;
- the Church of the Holy Trinity;
- the Church of San Bernardo;
- the Nativity scene of the Virgin Mary in the district of Boschetto;
- the Chapel of San Giovanni Bosco;
- Villa Cuttica in Cassine built in 1763.