Bruno
Welcome to Asti: the city of wine and the Palio
If you are lovers of good wine and Italian tradition, you cannot miss visiting Asti, a city with ancient charm and vibrant spirit. With its 73,326 inhabitants, it is the capital of the eponymous province and is located just 55 kilometers southeast of Turin, in the valley of the Tanaro River.
The history of Asti
Asti was founded by the Romans with the name "Hasta" and then conquered by the Lombards. In the Middle Ages it became a free commune with the right to mint coins and was one of the most important commercial centers in Europe. Today Asti is famous worldwide for its wines, especially Asti Spumante, and for its Palio, one of the oldest events in Italy that takes place every September.
Where it is
Asti is located in a favorable position in the heart of Piedmont, between the Langhe and Monferrato, and is surrounded by famous hills, famous for their wine production. The city is delimited to the south by the Tanaro River and covers an area of about 155 square kilometers.
The climate
The climate of Asti is pleasant and protected from the influences of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean thanks to the reliefs that surround it. Precipitation is lower than the national average and the Po Valley average. The rainy season is divided into two periods, with the highest values in April and November and the lowest in January.
Asti and the environment
Asti ranks 26th in the virtuous ranking in the environmental and ecosystem field, thanks to differentiated waste collection and carbon dioxide emissions, among other factors.
Asti: a city of culture and tradition
Asti is rich in history, art, and culture. There are many monuments and places to visit, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of San Secondo, and the Mazzetti Palace.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the symbols of Asti. It was built in a Romanesque-Gothic style between the 12th and 13th centuries and features numerous works in stone, marble, and terracotta. Inside you can admire the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, which preserves the sacred cloth, and the crypt of Bishop Guala.
The Church of San Secondo
The Church of San Secondo is another jewel of the city. It was built in the 13th century in the Romanesque-Gothic style and features a beautiful rose window on the facade. Inside you can admire valuable works of art, such as the polyptych by Gandolfino da Roreto.
The Mazzetti Palace
The Mazzetti Palace, built in the 18th century, is an example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture. It houses the Civic Museum of Contemporary Art and preserves a collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs by the most representative artists of the 20th century.
Asti: the city of wine and the Palio
Asti is known worldwide for its wines, especially Asti Spumante. Every year, in September, the Douja d'Or is held, one of the most important wine competitions in Italy. But the most anticipated event of the year is certainly the Palio di Asti, which takes place in the same period and culminates with a horse race ridden "bareback."
Asti Spumante
Asti Spumante is a sweet and sparkling white wine produced with Moscato grapes grown in the hilly area between Asti and Alessandria. It is one of the most well-known and appreciated Italian wines worldwide and has received numerous awards and recognitions.
The Douja d'Or
The Douja d'Or is a wine competition that is held every year in Asti. It is a very important event for wine producers, who compete to win the most coveted award of the competition: the Douja d'Or, an 18th-century silver cup.
The Palio di Asti
The Palio di Asti is a very ancient event that takes place every year in September. The festivity culminates with a horse race ridden "bareback" that takes place in the splendid Piazza Alfieri, the heart of the city. The Palio is very dear to the Astigian population and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Conclusions
Asti is a city with ancient roots and vibrant spirit, rich in history, art, culture, and tradition. Its wines have achieved global fame, but the city offers much more. With its monuments, churches, and squares, Asti represents an ideal destination for those who love to travel and discover new places.
