Asti
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The city of Asti is the capital city of the Province of Asti with a population of 76,164 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 123 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 151 km² and lies 50 kilometres south east of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont. Asti is famous throughout the world for its production of the sparkling wine: Asti Spumante. The provinces of Asti and to its east, Alessandria, mark the important Monferrato wine region. |
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In 2014 the Monferrato region was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with other wine-growing regions of Piedmont, under the heading "Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato".
Aside from its vast heritage in viniculture, the city of Asti is notable for one of the most colourful events in the Italian calendar. Although it lacks the world-wide fame of the equivalent race in Siena, the Palio of Asti is the oldest event of its kind in Italy, taking place on the third Sunday of September every year. During this time, the triangular market square Piazza Alfieri is thronged with crowds who come to witness a bareback horse race around the square.
The main sights of Asti revolve around a series of beautiful churches and medieval towers. At one stage, there were over 100 towers in the city but nowadays just a handful remain. Among the most notable are the Torre Rossa and the Torre Troyana.
Without doubt the most important religious building in the city is Asti Cathedral which is the centrepiece of Piazza Cattedrale but it's worth exploring the surrounding streets to visit some of the smaller churches such as the Collegiata di San Secondo, the Chiesa di Santa Caterina and the Chiesa e Santuario di Nostra Signora Porta Paradisi (Porta Paradisi for short).
Knitting everything together, the most important street in Asti is Corso Alfieri which runs from east to west through its centre. Aside from a good selection of shops and places to eat, here you'll find some of the city's most important palazzi including Palazzo Mazzetti which these days houses the Pinacoteca Civica art gallery & museum.
Aside from its vast heritage in viniculture, the city of Asti is notable for one of the most colourful events in the Italian calendar. Although it lacks the world-wide fame of the equivalent race in Siena, the Palio of Asti is the oldest event of its kind in Italy, taking place on the third Sunday of September every year. During this time, the triangular market square Piazza Alfieri is thronged with crowds who come to witness a bareback horse race around the square.
The main sights of Asti revolve around a series of beautiful churches and medieval towers. At one stage, there were over 100 towers in the city but nowadays just a handful remain. Among the most notable are the Torre Rossa and the Torre Troyana.
Without doubt the most important religious building in the city is Asti Cathedral which is the centrepiece of Piazza Cattedrale but it's worth exploring the surrounding streets to visit some of the smaller churches such as the Collegiata di San Secondo, the Chiesa di Santa Caterina and the Chiesa e Santuario di Nostra Signora Porta Paradisi (Porta Paradisi for short).
Knitting everything together, the most important street in Asti is Corso Alfieri which runs from east to west through its centre. Aside from a good selection of shops and places to eat, here you'll find some of the city's most important palazzi including Palazzo Mazzetti which these days houses the Pinacoteca Civica art gallery & museum.
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Profile
Asti is a captivating town located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Nestled in the heart of rolling vineyards and lush landscapes, Asti is renowned for its historical significance, medieval architecture, and its connection to the world of wines and gastronomy.
This charming town offers a blend of cultural heritage, culinary delights, and a warm ambiance that invites visitors to explore its alleys, squares, and hidden treasures.
This charming town offers a blend of cultural heritage, culinary delights, and a warm ambiance that invites visitors to explore its alleys, squares, and hidden treasures.
History
Asti's history is deeply rooted in antiquity, with evidence of settlements dating back to Roman times. It became an important medieval center known for its thriving trade and commerce.
Throughout the centuries, Asti was a battleground for various powers, leading to its fortification and the construction of impressive towers. It was also a hub for viticulture and winemaking, which continues to be a significant aspect of the town's identity.
Throughout the centuries, Asti was a battleground for various powers, leading to its fortification and the construction of impressive towers. It was also a hub for viticulture and winemaking, which continues to be a significant aspect of the town's identity.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Historical Charm: Asti boasts a historical core with well-preserved medieval architecture. The Tower of Comentini and the Torre Troyana are iconic landmarks that offer panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is a must-visit, featuring beautiful frescoes and a crypt dating back to the 9th century.
- Piazza Alfieri: The central square is a bustling hub with cafes, shops, and the Palazzo Alfieri, where the famous Italian poet Vittorio Alfieri was born.
- Palio di Asti: Experience the excitement of the traditional Palio horse race, a historic event that has taken place in Asti since the 13th century.
- Wine and Gastronomy: Asti is known for its wines, especially the sparkling Asti Spumante. Discover local wineries, tasting rooms, and wine cellars for a true Piedmont wine experience.
- Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Asti hosts festivals that celebrate its history and traditions, including the Douja d'Or wine competition and the Festival delle Sagre.
- Culinary Delights: Sample Piedmontese cuisine in the town's trattorias and restaurants. Indulge in dishes like agnolotti pasta, bagna cauda, and the famous truffles from the region.
- Arts and Culture: Explore Asti's museums, galleries, and cultural institutions that showcase its artistic heritage and contemporary creativity.
- Countryside Excursions: Venture into the surrounding countryside for scenic drives, vineyard tours, and visits to nearby towns.
- Accessibility: Asti is well-connected by train and road, making it accessible for day trips or longer stays.
Comune di Asti
Asti Travel
Asti's train station is situated at the south east fringe of the city centre, a 15 minute walk (1.2 km) from Piazza Cattedrale. Trains from Asti run to the centre of Turin (Porta Nuova) with a journey time of 36 minutes. Heading south, you can reach the coastal city of Genoa in Liguria in an hour, stopping along the way in the neighbouring provincial capital of Alessandria (16 minutes).
The most convenient airport for Asti is Turin Airport which is a 56 minute drive away (85 km). Alternative options include Genoa Christopher Columbus Airport (1 hour 20 mins/114 km), Milan Malpensa Airport (1 hour 30 mins/154 km) and Milan Linate Airport (1 hour 31 minutes/139 km).
Accommodation options in Asti include 12 hotels, 51 private apartments and 28 bed & breakfasts while among the nearby places of interest are Nizza Monferrato, Canelli, Govone, Mombaldone, Neive and Alba.
The most convenient airport for Asti is Turin Airport which is a 56 minute drive away (85 km). Alternative options include Genoa Christopher Columbus Airport (1 hour 20 mins/114 km), Milan Malpensa Airport (1 hour 30 mins/154 km) and Milan Linate Airport (1 hour 31 minutes/139 km).
Accommodation options in Asti include 12 hotels, 51 private apartments and 28 bed & breakfasts while among the nearby places of interest are Nizza Monferrato, Canelli, Govone, Mombaldone, Neive and Alba.
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Public transport: Central train station, local buses
By train: Alessandria - 16 minutes, Turin - 36 minutes |
By car: Alessandria - 32 mins (41 km), Turin - 51 mins (56 km)
Fly to: Turin Airport - 56 minutes by car (85 km) |
