Montemagno
The Province of Asti: a Brief Introduction
Hello everyone! Today I would like to talk to you about a beautiful province in Piedmont: the province of Asti, or "provincia d'Ast" in Piedmontese. With its 207,700 inhabitants, it is a link between the metropolitan city of Turin and the provinces of Alessandria and Cuneo. But let's discover some history and curiosities about this province!
History
The province of Asti has very ancient origins, dating back to the Royal Letters Patent of Charles Emmanuel I of 1620. Initially composed of 42 municipalities, it grew to 87 municipalities in 1622. During the French period (1797-1814), it was part of the Marengo department with capital in Alessandria, but with the return of the Savoy it was aggregated to Alessandria and remained there until 1859. This year was important for the province of Asti, as with the law of October 23, the Kingdom of Italy was divided into provinces, districts, mandements and municipalities, and the ancient province of Asti was abolished to create the district of Asti.
The province of Asti was reconstituted in 1935, with Asti as its capital and 105 municipalities, after the republican period and foreign domination. During the liberation, in the years 1947-1949, 15 municipalities were recognized as autonomous entities, which during the fascist period had been aggregated to more meaningful municipal realities.
The Province of Asti Today
Today, the province of Asti is composed of 118 municipalities and is rich in tourist attractions, such as the city of Asti and its famous Tower and Cathedral. But not only that: the province also offers breathtaking landscapes, such as the Monferrato with its hills, castles and vineyards, which produce high-quality wines such as Barbera, Moscato, and Asti Spumante.
Furthermore, the province of Asti is rich in gastronomic traditions: its culinary specialties such as bagnèt verd, mixed boiled meats, and grissini have made this province famous. Moreover, there are many typical festivals and fairs, such as the Palio di Asti, where the various municipalities compete in a horse race, or the Douja d'Or, which awards the best wines in the region.
Floods and Environmental Problems
Unfortunately, the province of Asti has suffered some environmental problems in recent history. In the years 1948, 1968, and 1994, there were floods that caused heavy damage and some casualties. But despite these problems, the province of Asti has always reacted with strength and determination to recover and move forward.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the province of Asti is an ancient land rich in traditions and natural beauties that must be visited. From its hills to its historic cities, from its festivals to its culinary specialties, the province of Asti will not disappoint. And if there was any need for a demonstration of the pride and resilience of this province, just look at how it reacted to floods and environmental problems: with strength and determination, ready to recover and move forward. What else to say but: "viva la provincia d'Ast"!
