Castell'Alfero
The Province of Asti: History and Territory
The Province of Asti is located in the Piedmont region, has a population of 207,700, and its capital is the city of Asti. It borders the metropolitan city of Turin to the northwest, the province of Alessandria to the east, Liguria (Savona province) for only 3 km in the municipality of Serole, and the province of Cuneo to the west. The history of the province dates back to 1620 when it consisted of 42 municipalities. In 1622, the province expanded to 87 municipalities, some of which belonged to the Albese territory. In 1797, the Province of Asti became a dominion of the French Republic first and then the Napoleonic Empire. With the restoration of the House of Savoy dynasty, Asti became a province again, aggregated to the administrative division of Alessandria. In 1935, the Province of Asti was re-established with Asti as its capital and a district made up of 105 municipalities.
The Autonomy of the Province
In Republican Asti, the provincial authority was reconsidered with the original tasks, created to meet local needs and interests that exceed the scope of individual municipalities, its specific elements of autonomy and territoriality. After the liberation, in the years 1947-1949, a series of municipalities were recognized as autonomous entities, which had been aggregated during the fascist period to more significant communal realities. The province was thus formed by 120 municipalities, resulting from the reconstitution of the following: Azzano d'Asti, Cantarana, Capriglio, Castellero, Cerreto d'Asti, Loazzolo, Colcavagno (one of the three municipalities that will later become Montiglio Monferrato in 1998), Corsione, Cortandone, Maretto, Moasca, Moransengo, Pino d'Asti, Roatto, and Tonengo.
Floods and Natural Disasters
The Province of Asti suffered heavy damage from the floods of 1948, 1968, and 1994, which also caused some casualties. However, the province has managed to recover from these natural disasters, implementing prevention and civil protection interventions to address hydrogeological risks and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Culture and Tourism
The Province of Asti offers many tourist attractions, including the famous Palio di Asti, a horse race held on the third weekend of September, and the famous Langhe, a wine-growing area that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Asti is also known for its tasty and varied cuisine and its typical products, such as Barbera and Moscato. The province can also boast of having an important cultural heritage, with churches, palaces, and castles of great artistic value. Moreover, the territory offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking, cycling, climbing, skiing, and water sports on the Po River.
Conclusions
In summary, the Province of Asti is a land rich in history, culture, and natural beauties, where tradition and modernity merge to offer visitors an unforgettable vacation. The province relies on an active and dynamic community, always ready to welcome tourists and visitors with warmth and hospitality, letting them discover the beauties of its territory and its unique and fascinating culture.
