Baldichieri d'Asti
Welcome to Asti: a city of wines and traditions
Hi everyone! Today I'm going to tell you about Asti, a city located in northern Italy, in the heart of Piedmont. Asti is famous worldwide for its fine wines, especially Asti Spumante. However, the city offers much more, including a varied history, traditions, and a privileged geographical position.
Physical Geography
Asti is located in the valley of the Tanaro River, about 55 kilometers southeast of Turin. The city is nestled in the Langhe and Monferrato hills, which have made the area famous for its fine wines. Asti ranks 26th in Legambiente's environmental and ecosystem quality ranking, thanks to its differentiated waste collection and reduction of CO2 emissions.
Climate
The climate in Asti is unique and protected by relief from winds from both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Precipitation increases from the north to the south and with increasing altitude. The average annual precipitation in Asti is 667 mm, while the national average is 970 mm. Winter is characterized by low precipitation and temperatures lower than the regional average.
History
Asti has a millenary history and was inhabited in Roman times. It was the seat of the Duchy of Asti and from the Middle Ages, had the right to coin money. The city was an important commercial center between the 12th and 13th centuries when its merchants developed trade and credit throughout Europe. Today, Asti preserves excellent evidence of its past, such as the Troyana Tower and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Events
Asti is famous for its traditional events, including the Douja d'Or, an important wine competition held every September. Equally famous is the Palio di Asti, a horse race "ridden bareback," also held in September.
Places to visit
For anyone visiting Asti, there are many attractions not to be missed. One of the most important is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a masterpiece of Piedmontese Romanesque art. In addition, you can visit the Civic Museum, which exhibits evidence of the Roman and medieval periods, and the Troyana Tower, the oldest tower in the city. Another must-see stop is the Asti market, held every Saturday and the perfect place to find typical local products.
What to eat
Obviously, in Asti, you cannot miss the good Piedmontese cuisine, with dishes based on meat, cheese, and truffles. Among Asti's specialties are bagna cauda, a dish of vegetables cooked in a sauce of garlic and anchovies, and braised beef in Barolo. And to end beautifully, don't miss a slice of hazelnut cake, a dessert that represents the sweet tradition of the area.
In conclusion, Asti is a city rich in history and traditions, located in a privileged geographical position and famous worldwide for its fine wines. The city offers various tourist attractions, events, and good Piedmontese cuisine. If you have never been there, do not hesitate to visit this enchanting city!
