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Asti Travel Guide
Situated in the rolling hills of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, the charming city of Asti offers a rich blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and tradition. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours such as Turin and Alba, Asti holds its own as a destination of quiet beauty and deep-rooted heritage. With origins dating back to Roman times, the city has evolved into a vibrant yet relaxed hub that captures the essence of authentic Italian life.
Asti is perhaps best known for its world-famous sparkling wine, Asti Spumante, as well as the sweet and aromatic Moscato d’Asti. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards that produce these celebrated wines, making the region a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can explore local wineries, enjoy tastings, and take in breathtaking views of vine-covered hills that change beautifully with the seasons.
The city’s historic centre is a testament to its medieval prosperity. During the Middle Ages, Asti was a powerful commune known for its merchant wealth and numerous towers, so many, in fact, that it was once called the “City of 100 Towers.” While only a handful remain today, structures like the Torre Troyana still stand as proud reminders of this era. Walking through Asti’s narrow streets, visitors will encounter elegant piazzas, ancient churches, and well-preserved palaces that reflect a rich architectural heritage.
At the heart of Asti lies Piazza Alfieri, the city’s main square and a focal point for social and cultural life. It is here that one of Italy’s most famous traditional events takes place: the Palio di Asti. Held every September, this historic horse race dates to the 13th century and is one of the oldest in Italy. The event transforms the city into a lively spectacle of costumes, parades, and fierce competition among districts, offering visitors a unique glimpse into local traditions and community spirit.
Asti is also a destination for lovers of Italian cuisine. The region’s culinary offerings include rich dishes such as tajarin pasta, bagna cauda, and a variety of truffle-based specialties. Local markets and trattorias provide an authentic taste of Piedmontese flavours, often paired perfectly with regional wines. Seasonal ingredients and time-honoured recipes play a central role in the city’s food culture.
Despite its historical significance and cultural offerings, Asti remains refreshingly unspoiled by mass tourism. This allows visitors to experience a slower pace of life, where locals gather in cafés, markets bustle with everyday activity, and traditions are preserved with pride. Whether exploring its history, savouring its wines, or simply enjoying its atmosphere, Asti presents a captivating introduction to the heart of northern Italy.
Choose Where to Stay
⭐ Hotel Lis ***
This property received multiple 10/10 ratings from solo travellers.
Check availability on Hotels.com
📍 Hotel Cavour Asti **
Hotel with bar/lounge, near Collegiata di San Secondo
See current prices on Hotels.com
📍 Hotel Aleramo ***
A rare find – convenient airport shuttle service for easy travel.
See current prices on Hotels.com
What to see
Located in the historic heart of Asti, Piazza Statuto is a charming square that reflects the city’s rich heritage and everyday life. Surrounded by elegant buildings, cafés, and local shops, it serves as a lively meeting point for residents and visitors alike. Its central position makes it an ideal starting place to explore Asti’s medieval streets, offering a glimpse into the relaxed rhythm and authentic atmosphere of this Piedmontese gem.
Piazza Statuto, 14100 Asti AT, Italy May 2022
Situated in the vibrant centre of Asti, Piazza San Secondo is a picturesque square named after the city’s patron saint. Dominated by the Romanesque Collegiate Church of San Secondo, it blends history with daily life. The piazza hosts lively markets, cafés, and local gatherings, making it a focal point of community activity. Its welcoming atmosphere and historic charm offer visitors an authentic glimpse into Asti’s cultural and social traditions.
Piazza S. Secondo, 14100 Asti AT, Italy May 2022
Running through the heart of Asti, Corso Vittorio Alfieri is the city’s main thoroughfare, named after the renowned playwright Vittorio Alfieri. Lined with elegant shops, cafés, and historic buildings, it connects key squares and landmarks, making it a lively hub of daily activity. Blending culture, commerce, and history, the street offers visitors a vibrant introduction to Asti’s character and its rich literary and architectural heritage.
Corso Vittorio Alfieri, 14100 Asti AT, Italy May 2022
Standing prominently in Asti, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta is one of the largest and most impressive Gothic churches in Italy. Located in Piazza Cattedrale, it features striking red-brick architecture, soaring columns, and beautiful frescoes. Dating back to the 14th century, the cathedral reflects Asti’s religious and artistic heritage, offering visitors a serene atmosphere and a remarkable glimpse into the city’s medieval past.
Piazza Cattedrale, 14100 Asti AT, Italy May 2022
Food & Drink
🐟 Seafood
Even though Asti isn’t coastal, you’ll still find classic northern Italian seafood dishes:
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Baccalà (salt cod) – often served creamed or with potatoes
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Acciughe al verde – anchovies in a parsley-garlic sauce
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Fritto misto di mare – lightly fried mixed seafood (less traditional here, but available)
👉 Seafood isn’t the star here—Piedmont leans more toward land-based dishes.
🍝 Signature Pasta & Rice
This is where Asti shines:
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Agnolotti del plin – tiny stuffed pasta (usually meat-filled), a must-try
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Tajarin – ultra-thin egg pasta, often with butter, sage, or truffle
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Risotto al Barbera – risotto cooked with local Barbera wine
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Gnocchi al Castelmagno – potato dumplings with rich cheese sauce
🥩 Meat Dishes
Piedmont is famous for its meat:
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Brasato al Barolo – beef slow-braised in Barolo wine
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Vitello tonnato – cold veal with a creamy tuna sauce (sounds odd, tastes amazing)
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Bollito misto – mixed boiled meats served with sauces
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Carne cruda all’Albese – finely chopped raw beef with olive oil and lemon
🥪 Casual & Street Food
Simple but delicious local bites:
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Focaccia piemontese – softer and richer than Ligurian versions
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Grissini – thin, crispy breadsticks (originated in nearby Turin!)
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Panini with local salumi – especially with truffle or local cheeses
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Bagna càuda (shared dip) – warm garlic-anchovy dip eaten with vegetables
🍰 Desserts & Sweets
Asti is a paradise for sweet lovers:
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Bonet – chocolate-amaretto custard pudding
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Torta di nocciole – hazelnut cake (Piedmont hazelnuts are world-famous)
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Amaretti di Asti – soft almond cookies unique to the area
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Zabaione – creamy dessert made with eggs, sugar, and sweet wine
🍷 What to Drink
This region is all about wine:
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Asti Spumante – sweet sparkling wine, light and aromatic
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Moscato d’Asti – low-alcohol, slightly sparkling, perfect with dessert
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Barbera d’Asti – bold, everyday red wine
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Barolo / Barbaresco – more complex, prestigious reds (worth splurging)
👉 Don’t skip aperitivo culture—locals love a pre-dinner drink with snacks.
How to Travel To Aosta
The closest international airport to Asti is Turin Caselle Airport (TRN)
Turin Caselle Airport (TRN), officially known as Turin Airport, is the main international gateway to the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Located about 16 kilometres north of Turin’s city centre, the airport provides convenient access not only to the historic city of Turin but also to the surrounding Alps, making it a popular entry point for both cultural travellers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Modern and efficient, the airport offers a well-organized layout that makes navigating arrivals and departures straightforward, even for first-time visitors. It handles a mix of domestic, European, and some intercontinental flights, connecting the region to major cities across Europe and beyond. Travelers can expect a range of essential services, including car rental facilities, shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as efficient transport links into the city via train, bus, and taxi.
Turin Caselle Airport is particularly valued for its manageable size, which allows for shorter queues and a less stressful experience compared to larger international hubs. Whether you are arriving for business, leisure, or a ski holiday in the nearby mountains, the airport offers a smooth and welcoming introduction to the Piedmont region.
The best way to travel from Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) to Asti
Traveling from Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) to Asti can be accomplished through several transportation options:
1. Train
From the airport’s Torino Aeroporto railway station, take the train to Torino Dora station. From there, transfer to a train bound for Asti. The total journey typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on connection times.
2. Bus and Train Combination
Take the SADEM bus from Turin Airport to Torino Porta Nuova or Torino Porta Susa railway stations. From either station, board a train to Asti. The bus ride to central Turin is approximately 45 minutes, and the train to Asti takes about 1 hour, totalling around 2 to 2.5 hours.
3. Taxi
4. Private Transfer
5. Car Rental
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