Vigliano d'Asti
Asti: a charming place among the hills of Piedmont
Asti is a beautiful city located in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. With a population of approximately 73,326 inhabitants, it is the capital of the eponymous province and the main city in the Astigiano area.
Physical geography
Asti is located 55 kilometers southeast of Turin, in the valley of the Tanaro river. The city is surrounded by the impressive hills of the Langhe and Monferrato regions, famous worldwide for their fine wines. Asti's location in the heart of Piedmont makes it an ideal place for a vacation focused on relaxation and culture.
According to the Italian seismic classification, Asti is in zone 4 (irrelevant seismicity), which means that it is a very safe and stable area from a seismic point of view. In addition, based on the "Urban Ecosystem" rankings by Legambiente, Asti ranks 26th in the virtuous ranking in environmental and ecosystem fields due to several reasons, including waste recycling and limited carbon dioxide emissions.
Climate
Asti's climate is characterized by a temperate climate, moderately cool in winter and hot in summer. The Asti region is protected by hills and influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic currents, making it particularly pleasant to visit in all seasons.
Precipitation resulting from rain and snow tends to increase proceeding from north to south and with increasing altitude. In the city, about 667 millimeters of rain fall each year, less than the national average but more than that of the Po Valley. Precipitation is concentrated in spring and autumn, while summer is characterized by high temperatures and sporadic rainfall.
History
Asti has a very ancient history and was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. The city was known as Hasta and was an important commercial center due to its strategic location. During the Middle Ages, it became a free commune with the right to mint coins and played a crucial role in the development of trade and credit throughout Europe.
Over the centuries, Asti has experienced numerous historically significant events, including the Napoleonic Wars, the wars of independence, and the two world wars. In 1943, during World War II, Asti became the capital of the Republic of Ossola, a short-lived partisan state that emerged after the city was liberated from fascist forces.
Culture and traditions
Asti is known worldwide for its wines, particularly Asti Spumante. The city hosts one of Italy's most important food and wine competitions each year, the Douja d'Or, which celebrates the local wine production.
Moreover, Asti is famous for its Palio tradition, an equestrian event that takes place every year in September. The festival is very old and is known as the oldest horse race in Italy. During the Palio, the city's historic neighborhoods compete in an unsaddled horse race that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Conclusion
Asti is a charming city rich in culture, with a millennium-long history and an ideal geographical location. Thanks to its mild climate and unique attractions, it is an ideal place for a visit in any season. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a lover of equestrian traditions, Asti has a lot to offer and awaits you for an unforgettable visit!
