Asti

Asti is a city that charms visitors with its balanced mix of history, culture and food and wine traditions. Located in the heart of Piedmont, among gentle hills and rows of vineyards, it is a destination with a medieval soul, still visible in its towers and historic buildings, but also known for its excellent wine production and highly evocative traditional events.

A journey into the past: Asti’s medieval heart

Walking through the historic centre of Asti means stepping into an age of prosperity and trade, when the city was one of the most powerful in medieval Piedmont. Piazza San Secondo, dominated by the impressive Collegiate Church of San Secondo, is the ideal starting point for exploring the city. Dedicated to Asti’s patron saint, the church houses the saint’s relics and an atmospheric Romanesque crypt, a place of worship that attracts both pilgrims and history enthusiasts.

Around the square, the cobbled streets of the historic centre unfold between period buildings, elegant noble palaces and old shops that keep the city’s medieval atmosphere alive. The district still preserves traces of the ancient city walls and gates, elements that recall Asti’s commercial and strategic importance in past centuries.

A short walk from Piazza San Secondo leads to the Torre Rossa, one of the oldest structures in the city, dating back to Roman times. Its original function remains partly mysterious, although it was probably part of a larger defensive complex. Today it stands as a symbol of Asti’s imperial past and as a rare example of well-preserved late antique architecture.

Among Asti’s most distinctive features are its medieval towers, reminders of the time when the city was known as the “city of a hundred towers”. One of the most famous is the Torre Troyana, a symbol of the city, offering a panoramic view over the rooftops of the historic centre and the surrounding hills.

Another place not to miss is Palazzo Mazzetti, home to the Civic Art Gallery, which hosts art collections and temporary exhibitions. With its elegant frescoed interiors, the palace offers a glimpse into the city’s aristocratic past.

Experiencing Asti: events and traditions

Asti is famous for its historic events, which revive centuries-old traditions and attract visitors from all over the world. The most famous is undoubtedly the Palio di Asti, the oldest horse race in Italy, held every September in Piazza Alfieri. The city’s districts compete in an exciting race, preceded by a spectacular parade in medieval costume.

Another important event is Douja d’Or, the prestigious wine competition that celebrates the best wines of Piedmont, with tastings, meetings with producers and themed dinners.

For food lovers, the Asti Truffle Fair, held in autumn, is the perfect opportunity to discover Piedmont’s prized white truffle, featured in markets, show cooking events and gourmet menus in local restaurants.

The flavours of Asti: wine and traditional cuisine

Asti is a city deeply linked to wine. Its wine production is among the most renowned in Italy, with excellent labels such as Asti Spumante DOCG, Moscato d’Asti and Barbera d’Asti, which express the wine identity of the area.

Asti’s cuisine is rich in hearty, flavourful dishes. Among the best known are agnolotti al plin, small meat-filled pasta parcels, often served with butter and sage or with roast gravy.

Bollito misto, served with a variety of sauces, is one of the symbolic dishes of Piedmontese tradition and is especially suited to the colder months.

Among the desserts, bunet, a chocolate and amaretti pudding, and nocciolini di Chivasso, small crunchy hazelnut biscuits, make a perfect end to a meal.

Where to stay in Asti: charm and relaxation

Asti offers several accommodation options for different needs. Hotels and B&Bs in the historic centre allow visitors to enjoy the city’s medieval atmosphere, while agriturismi in the surrounding hills offer a more authentic stay in contact with nature and the vineyards.

For a luxury stay, some historic residences have been converted into elegant boutique hotels, offering comfort in a unique setting.

Getting around Asti

Asti is a human-scale city, ideal for exploring on foot. The historic centre is compact and easy to walk around, with the main attractions located within a short distance of one another.

For those who prefer public transport, the urban network is served by buses connecting the centre with the outlying districts and hamlets.

Cycling is also a good alternative, with routes crossing the historic centre and extending towards the surrounding countryside.

For visitors arriving by car, Asti has several paid and free car parks near the centre.

How to get to Asti

By car: Asti is well connected to the motorway network, with direct access to the A21 Turin-Piacenza and the A33 Asti-Cuneo.

By train: Asti railway station offers connections with Turin, Milan and Genoa, making the city easy to reach.

By plane: The nearest airports are Turin Caselle and Milan Malpensa, both about an hour’s drive from the city.

Asti, a city to discover

Asti is a city with timeless charm, where the past blends with the energy of contemporary life. With its medieval towers, historic events and authentic flavours, it is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a journey through culture, tradition and the great food and wine heritage of Piedmont.