Province AT
Asti, AT
A wine town of about 74,000 in southern Piedmont, historically a rich free commune that built well over a hundred towers, a dozen of which still stand. It is the centre of Moscato and Asti sparkling wine and the base for Barbera d'Asti.
Sights
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, a large 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with later frescoes
- Collegiata di San Secondo, church of the patron saint, with a 6th-century crypt, where the Palio banner is kept
- Torre Troyana, the 13th-century tower that is the tallest survivor and can be climbed
- Torre Rossa, a Roman-era brick tower and the oldest structure in the centre
- Torre de Regibus and Torre dei Comentini, further medieval towers in the old streets
Things to do
- Taste across the range in town: Moscato d'Asti, Asti spumante and Barbera
- Climb the Torre Troyana for the rooftop view
- Walk the Roman and medieval core between the cathedral and San Secondo
Annual events
September
Douja d'Or
A week of wine exhibition and tasting through the centre.
September
Festival delle Sagre Astigiane
Village associations cook traditional dishes in a temporary food village, the weekend before the Palio, with a farming procession.
September
Palio di Asti
Bareback horse race between city districts and allied villages in Piazza Alfieri, with a costumed procession. Usually the third Sunday, but the date is set each year.
When to visit
September, when all three events fall within two weeks and the harvest is under way.
