Asti
Asti is a city of around 74,000 inhabitants in the Italian region of Piedmont, lying about 55 km east of Turin in the plain of the Tanaro River. It is the capital of the province of Asti and is regarded as the modern capital of Montferrat. Long famous for its medieval towers and its sparkling wine, Asti is one of the historic art cities of the Piedmontese hills.
At a glance
- Type
- Comune (municipality), provincial capital
- Period
- Roman origins; flourishing medieval free commune
- Style
- Historic city noted for medieval towers and tower-houses
- Location
- Plain of the Tanaro River, province of Asti, Piedmont, Italy
Overview
Asti is a comune of roughly 74,000 inhabitants located in the Italian region of Piedmont, about 55 km east of Turin in the plain of the Tanaro River. It is the capital of the province of Asti and is considered the modern capital of Montferrat. The city combines a compact historic core with the surrounding wine country of the Piedmontese hills.
History
Asti has origins reaching back to Roman times and rose to prominence in the Middle Ages as a powerful free commune, when its merchants and banking families built wealth that left a lasting mark on the city. From this period date the many towers and tower-houses for which Asti became renowned. Through later centuries it remained a key centre of the Montferrat region.
What you see
The historic centre of Asti is studded with medieval towers and tower-houses, survivals of the city’s prosperous communal age. Churches, palaces and arcaded streets line the old core, set on the plain beside the Tanaro River. Beyond the city, the landscape opens onto the vineyard-covered hills associated with the wines of the area.
Cultural significance
As the historic capital of Montferrat and the seat of its province, Asti holds a central place in the heritage of southern Piedmont. Its medieval townscape and its long association with the region’s celebrated wines have made it both an art city and a symbol of Piedmontese cultural identity.
Practical information
Asti offers the full range of services of a provincial capital, including accommodation, restaurants and transport. For opening hours of churches, towers and museums, and for the dates of seasonal events, check the official municipal and tourism websites before visiting.
Getting there
Asti lies about 55 km east of Turin and is reached by rail and road connections across the plain of the Tanaro River. Its location on routes between Turin and the rest of Piedmont makes it an accessible base for exploring the surrounding hill country.