Via C. Benso di Cavour, 14100 Asti AT, Italy (May 2022)

Asti

Asti is a vibrant city located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and world-renowned wines. Situated between the rolling hills of the Monferrato region, Asti is at the heart of one of Italy’s most celebrated wine-producing areas, known especially for its sparkling wine, Asti Spumante, and the fragrant white wine Moscato d’Asti. With a population of about 75,000, Asti blends modernity with its medieval roots, offering visitors a chance to explore its fascinating past while enjoying the region’s gastronomic delights and scenic landscapes. Asti’s origins date back to Roman times when it was known as Hasta Pompeia. Its strategic location along the Via Fulvia, a Roman road linking the coast to northern Italy, helped Asti develop into an important military and commercial hub. Over the centuries, the city grew in prominence, particularly during the Middle Ages, when it became a powerful city-state and an economic powerhouse due to its thriving banking industry and trade. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Asti was one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in northern Italy, forming alliances with other regional powers and often clashing with the nearby cities of Milan and Turin. The city’s prosperity in the Middle Ages is still evident in its well-preserved historic centre, where medieval towers, churches, and palaces create a timeless atmosphere. Asti is often referred to as the “city of 100 towers,” a nod to its medieval skyline, once dominated by tall, narrow towers built by noble families as symbols of power and wealth. While many of these towers have been lost over the centuries, a few still stand today, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. One of the most iconic is the Torre Troyana, which visitors can climb for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. At the heart of Asti’s historic centre is the Piazza Alfieri, a large, elegant square that hosts some of the city’s most important events, including the famous Palio di Asti, one of Italy’s oldest horse races. The Palio, held every September, is a colourful and competitive event in which riders from different city districts race bareback, competing for honour and prestige. The Palio has deep historical roots, dating back to the 12th century, and remains a highlight of Asti’s cultural calendar.

Another architectural gem is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the city’s impressive Gothic-style cathedral. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is one of the largest in Piedmont and is renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate frescoes, and a striking façade of red brick. The nearby Collegiata di San Secondo, a Romanesque church dedicated to the city’s patron saint, also stands as a testament to Asti’s rich religious history. Asti’s global reputation is closely linked to its winemaking tradition. The surrounding hills of Monferrato and Langhe are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for their vineyards and agricultural landscape. Asti is synonymous with Asti Spumante, a sweet, sparkling wine made from Moscato grapes. Another local favorite is Moscato d’Asti, a slightly sparkling wine with a lower alcohol content that pairs beautifully with desserts. In addition to its wines, Asti is known for its robust culinary traditions. The region’s cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, including truffles, hazelnuts, and game meats. Classic dishes such as bagna càuda (a warm garlic and anchovy dip served with vegetables), agnolotti (stuffed pasta), and vitello tonnato (veal with a tuna sauce) are staples of the local gastronomy. Visitors can experience these flavours in the city’s many restaurants, wine bars, and during the Douja d’Or, an annual wine and food festival that celebrates the region’s culinary excellence. Asti is a city that thrives on tradition, with numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Besides the Palio and the Douja d’Or, the Festival delle Sagre is another major celebration, where the city’s streets are transformed into an open-air market featuring food and wine stalls from the surrounding countryside. The festival showcases the agricultural and culinary traditions of the region, with each stand representing a different village or local producer. Asti is a city that beautifully balances its historical legacy with its modern identity as a centre of culture, food, and wine. Whether exploring its medieval architecture, enjoying its vibrant festivals, or indulging in its world-famous wines, visitors to Asti are sure to find themselves immersed in the rich traditions and beauty of this remarkable Italian city. Its deep historical roots and strong sense of local pride make Asti a captivating destination for those seeking to experience the authentic essence of Piedmont.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Asti Satazione, Piazza Guglielmo Marconi to Hotel Lis, Via F.lli Rosselli
Approximately 0.82 km – 0.51 miles

The walk starts in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi – Corso Luigi Einaudi – Corso Alla Vittoria – Hotel Lis, Via F.lli Rosselli

Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Via C. Benso di Cavour to Piazza Vittorio Alfieri 
Approximately 0.00 km – 0.00 miles

The walk starts in Via C. Benso di Cavour – Piazzetta S. Paolo – Via C. Benso di Cavour – Piazza Statuto – Piazza S. Secondo – Collegiata di San Secondo, Piazza S. Secondo – Piazza S. Secondo – Piazza Libertà – Piazza Vittorio Alfieri

Photo Gallery of Walk 3  – Piazza S. Secondo to Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Caterina
Approximately 1.22 km – 0.76 miles

The walk starts in Piazza S. Secondo – Via Giuseppe Stefano Incisa – Corso Vittorio Alfieri – Piazza Roma – Giardini Alganon, i – Corso Vittorio Alfieri – Via Luigi Goltieri – Via Borgnini – Piazza Cattedrale – Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Piazza Cattedrale – Piazza Cattedrale – Via Francesco Caracciolo – Piazza Fratelli Cairoli – Corso Vittorio Alfieri – Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Caterina, Corso Vittorio Alfieri

Video of the Palio sbandieratori of Asti

Getting ready in Piazza Roma – The Parade along Corso Vittorio Alfieri – The contest in Piazza S. Secondo