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The Province of Asti: A Brief History
The Province of Asti, known in Piemontese as "provincia d'Ast", is located in the region of Piedmont and has a population of approximately 207,700. The provincial capital is the city of Asti. Bordering the metropolitan city of Turin to the northwest, the province of Alessandria to the east, the Liguria region (province of Savona) for only three kilometers in the municipality of Serole to the south, and the province of Cuneo to the west, this province is rich in history and tradition.
The first documented records of the province date back to the Royal Letters Patent issued by S.A.R. Carlo Emanuele I on November 22, 1620. These letters stated that the province of Asti was made up of 42 municipalities, but most of these no longer exist today. In 1622, the province expanded to include 87 municipalities, some of which were part of the Alba territory.
From 1797 to 1814, the Province of Asti was under the domination of the French Republic and the Napoleonic Empire, being part of the Marengo department with Alessandria as its capital. In 1814, after the fall of foreign domination, the province once again became part of the administrative division of Alessandria.
From 1842 to 1847, the Province of Asti was part of the general intendency of Casale, and from 1847 to 1859, it returned to being part of Alessandria, along with Acqui, Casale Monferrato, Novi Ligure, and Tortona. In 1859, a law proposed by the Minister Urbano Rattazzi divided the Kingdom of Italy into provinces, districts, mandates, and municipalities, and the ancient Province of Asti was suppressed. The Asti district was then established.
The Province of Asti was reestablished with a government decree by Mussolini in 1935, with a total of 105 municipalities and Asti as its capital. After the liberation, from 1947 to 1949, the municipalities that had been aggregated into other communal entities during the fascist period received the status of autonomous entity. The province was thus formed by 120 municipalities.
Floods in the Province of Asti
The Province of Asti has suffered severe damage caused by the floods that occurred in 1948, 1968, and 1994 (the Tanaro flood), with the latter causing numerous deaths. These natural events have been devastating for the province, causing damage to infrastructure and homes of residents. However, the province has always recovered and rebuilt, demonstrating the strong resilience of its inhabitants.
Conclusions
The Province of Asti is a region with a long history and a strong identity. From ancient times to the present period, it has undergone various political transformations but has always retained its unique character and ancient traditions. Despite natural disasters, the province has continued to grow and develop, and is a place where citizens live happily and in harmony with the nature that surrounds them.
