Asti: Accommodation Amid Roman History and Wine Events
Accommodation in Asti
The Domus Romana focuses on Hasta, a Roman settlement dating from the 2nd century BC. On display is a mosaic from the triclinium, whose quality is considered unique in Piedmont. Pillars from a Roman hypocaust heating system are also visible.
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Photo: Elettricista Tecnolo… via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Location
Asti lies on the left bank of the Tanaro, where it meets the Borbore, between the hills of Astesana. In the vicinity of Asti are Palazzo Catena, the Museo Ebraico, Palazzo Gazelli di Rossana and Palazzo del Seminario.
Nature
West of Asti lies the Riserva Naturale della Valle Andona, Valle Botto e Val Grande. It consists of two adjacent, separate hilly areas.
Culture
Palazzo Malabaila on Via Mazzini is considered an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture in Asti. The Sanctuary of Madonna della Porta was built around a venerated 14th-century image of the Virgin Mary and redesigned in 1500 by Gandolfino da Roreto. The interior of the cathedral features numerous Renaissance artistic elements. The collegiate church contains artworks by Gandolfino da Roreto, including a polyptych.
Asti is home to a sixteen-sided Roman tower on the site where an ancient Roman city gate once stood. The remains of an amphitheatre dating from the second half of the 1st century AD were discovered in Asti in 1987. The crypt in question contains four columns with Corinthian capitals.
Trails and Green Spaces
The medieval walking tour of Asti can be completed on foot over two days and passes through the city’s historic districts and borghi. The Tower Tour takes visitors on foot through the streets and squares of Asti’s historic old town in search of the surviving city towers. In the vicinity of Asti are also Parco Monte Rainero, Parco Biberach Ander Riss and Parco Rio Crosio.
Festivals and Wine
The historic Palio di Asti procession features 1,200 costumed performers representing participating city districts, borghi and municipalities in the province. Douja d'Or is a ten-day event in Asti featuring wine tastings, performances and cultural walking tours. Douja d'Or offers guided tastings accompanied by dishes selected by chefs, masterclasses and cultural events.
At the Festival delle Sagre, more than 40 participating Pro Loco associations offer typical dishes with dessert, as well as DOC or DOCG wine, at their stands. The Festival delle Sagre takes place on the second Sunday in September and begins on Saturday evening. The food and wine village is located in Piazza Campo del Palio, while the procession passes through Asti’s historic old town.
Getting There
Asti is served by a network of road and rail connections; travelling by car or train is recommended. Asti railway station is close to the historic old town, which can be reached on foot in a few minutes, and is located near the bus and taxi station.
Other places: San Michele.
Back to the overarching travel overview: Piedmont.
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