Asti

Asti​

Latest page update: 28 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
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.

What People Ask About Asti, Piedmont

Where is Asti located?
Asti is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It lies about 55 km southeast of Turin, along the Tanaro River, and serves as the capital of the province of Asti, in the heart of one of Italy’s most important wine-producing areas.
What is Asti known for?
Asti is best known for its sparkling wine, particularly Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti. It’s also famous for the Palio di Asti, one of Italy’s oldest horse races, and for its medieval towers, Gothic churches, and local cuisine.
Is Asti worth visiting?
Yes, Asti is worth visiting for its historic centre, food and wine culture, and annual festivals. It’s less crowded than nearby Alba and offers a mix of architecture, wine experiences, and easy access to the surrounding countryside.
What can you see in Asti?
Notable sights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Gothic Church of San Secondo, and the Torre Troyana. The town also has museums, wine cellars, and hosts events like Douja d'Or and the Palio in September.
How do you get to Asti?
Asti has its own train station with regular services from Turin and Alessandria. It’s also easily reached by car via the A21 motorway. The town is well connected and serves as a good base for visiting nearby wine towns.
Related links
Asti • Piedmont • Monferrato • Vineyard Town
​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. 
Must-see and do in Asti:
  • Asti Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta): A stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the Asti Cathedral is located in the heart of the city. The cathedral features beautiful frescoes, intricate sculptures, and an impressive bell tower. It is one of the most important religious sites in Asti, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration.
  • Piazza Alfieri: The main square in Asti, Piazza Alfieri is named after the famous Italian poet and playwright. Surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, the square is the focal point of the city, often hosting events, markets, and festivals. Visitors can enjoy strolling around the square, visiting cafés, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Palazzo Mazzetti: This historic palace, now a museum, showcases a collection of art and exhibits that delve into the history of the region. The museum features works by local artists, as well as artefacts and furniture from various periods. The grand architecture of the palace itself adds to the cultural experience, making it a key attraction in Asti.
  • Wine Tours and Tastings: Asti is world-renowned for its wines, particularly Asti Spumante and Barbera. Numerous local wineries offer guided tours where visitors can learn about the winemaking process, explore the vineyards, and taste a selection of the region's finest wines. Many of these tours also include food pairings, offering a full gastronomic experience.
  • The Palio di Asti: The Palio di Asti is one of the oldest and most famous horse races in Italy, taking place annually in the historic centre of Asti. The event is a major cultural highlight, with colourful processions, historical reenactments, and celebrations throughout the city. The Palio attracts visitors from around the world and offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Piedmontese culture.
Comune di Asti
Province: Asti

Region: Piedmont

Population: 73,787​ (in 2024 - source)

​​Total size: 151 km²​​

Elevation: 123 metres

Highlights: Asti Cathedral, Collegiata di San Secondo, Palio

​Close by: Canelli, Govone, Neive, Alba, Nizza Monferrato
My recommended accommodation options for Asti:
  • Hotel Palio Located in the heart of Asti, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local Piedmontese cuisine, and a bar. Guests appreciate the central location, the clean facilities, and the convenient proximity to the town's main attractions, including the historic centre and wine cellars. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Aleramo Situated just outside the historic centre, this charming hotel features elegant rooms, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes. Visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, the friendly service, and the easy access to Asti’s attractions, including the annual Palio di Asti. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B Le Carrozze Set in a quiet area near the town centre, this bed and breakfast offers modern rooms with private bathrooms, a lovely garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Guests value the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the short walk to local shops and attractions. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo La Cascina del Nonno Located just outside Asti, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the rural setting, the authentic Piedmontese experience, and the proximity to vineyards and wine-tasting tours. €€ (mid-range)
  • Relais Cattedrale Situated in the historic centre, this stylish boutique hotel offers rooms with elegant decor, a bar, and a relaxing atmosphere. Guests enjoy the prime location close to Asti’s cathedral and local restaurants, as well as the good value for money. €€ (mid-range)

Asti  Gallery

Close  to  Asti

  • Alba (approx. 20 km southeast of Asti): Known as the "capital" of the Langhe region, Alba is famous for its truffles, particularly during the annual Truffle Fair. Visitors can explore the Alba Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, and the Museo Civico, along with local wine shops and restaurants offering Piedmontese cuisine.
  • Nizza Monferrato (approx. 20 km west of Asti): A town located in the heart of the Monferrato wine region, Nizza Monferrato is known for its Barbera d'Asti wine production. The town also offers historical landmarks such as the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista and the Castello di Nizza Monferrato, making it a great spot for both history and wine lovers.
  • Canelli (approx. 25 km south of Asti): Famous for its Spumante wine production, Canelli is home to several historic wine cellars, such as the Underground Cathedrals of Canelli, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The town also features the Chiesa di San Tommaso and the Castello di Canelli, offering a mix of history and local traditions.
  • Moncalvo (approx. 15 km northwest of Asti): A small town with a rich history, Moncalvo is known for its Piazza Carlo Alberto and the Chiesa di San Francesco. The town is also a gateway to the Monferrato hills, offering scenic views, local wineries, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside.
  • Cossano Belbo (approx. 30 km south of Asti): A charming village located in the Langhe region, Cossano Belbo is known for its peaceful atmosphere, local vineyards, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The town offers a great base for wine enthusiasts, with several local wineries producing the region’s renowned Moscato and Barbera wines.

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). ​
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)

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