Therefore, wineries are not an option among things to do in Asti.


Asti ( , ; ; : ) is a (municipality) of 74,348 inhabitants (1–1–2021) located in the region of , about 55 kilometres (34 miles) east of , in the plain of the . It is the capital of the and it is deemed to be the modern of .


Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Asti became a Roman encampment sometime around 124 BC, later becoming an economic and political powerhouse in the Middle Ages, and it continued flourishing, falling, and rising again several times over the city's long and remarkable history. Today, Asti is best known for its exceptional food, the standout sparkling wines Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti, and for the Palio di Ast—a bareback horse race through town.

If you're traveling to the Piedmont region and are planning a stop at this ancient city, here is our list of the top things to do in Asti, Italy. Note that most of the attractions listed here are administered by the city, and links are to the city's website.

Digital Lab Inclusive” coordinato dal Comune di Asti.

People have lived in and around what is now Asti since the period. Before their defeat in 174 BC by the Romans, tribes of , the , dominated the area and the probably derives from which means "hill" in the ancient .

Yet the terroir is highly conducive to quality wine growing—any deficiencies in mass-market Asti derive from excessive yields and winemaking, not unsuitable terrain. This is especially true of the clay-limestone soils around Casale Monferrato and south of Canelli.

Asti is the capital of the province of Asti, one of most important wine areas in Italy, and lends its name to some illustrious wines, such as Moscato d'Asti. Asti is the main commercial centre of Piedmont's wine area, but still retains a friendly, small town feel and is a good base for touring Piedmont.

Asti was founded by the Romans, but only in the 12th century did it become a free commune, acquiring great prestige in the territory of Northern Italy.


The 15 Best Things to Do in Asti, Italy

In 124 BC the Romans built a , or fortified camp, which eventually evolved into a full city named Hasta. In 89 BC the city received the status of , and in 49 BC that of . Asti became an important city of the Augustan , favoured by its strategic position on the Tanaro river and on the , which linked Derthona () to Augusta Taurinorum (). Other roads connected the city to the main passes for what are today and .

2024 - Vuokraa kaupungista Asti, Italia, hinnat alkaen 19 €/yö

The city dates to pre-Roman times and a few ruins remain. In the 10th-13th centuries, Asti rose economically and politically to become one of the most powerful independent cities in Western Italy, with extensive trading rights granted by the Holy Roman Empire. The old medieval town still maintains many of the historic palaces and towers built by the rich families -Asti was known as the "city of 100 towers" (in fact there were 120 of which about 15 survive). Eventually power struggles between Turin and Milan led to Asti's demise as an independent city and the city changed hands frequently over a 300-year period until it fell under control of the House of Savoy in 1575, regaining some of its former glory. The city is divided into the new Baroque (1700s) town centred around the Piazza Alfieri named after one of Italy's most famous poets who was born in Asti and the medieval town centred on the Piazza San Secondo with the Romanesque San Secondo Church and Crypt.

Asti, Italy: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

Asti, nestled in the rolling hills of Piedmont in northern Italy, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural life. This charming city, famous for its sparkling Asti Spumante wine, offers visitors a blend of medieval and Gothic architecture, with numerous towers and churches dotting its skyline. Every year, Asti comes alive with the Palio di Asti, an ancient horse racing festival that rivals Siena’s. The area is also celebrated for its gastronomy, featuring truffles and robust red wines, making it a must-visit destination for food and wine connoisseurs.

Things to do in Asti | Art and history in Asti | Asti Spumante

Asti is the main commercial center of Piedmont's wine area, with the vineyards surrounding the city producing a whopping 40 percent of the region's wines, including its most famous varietal Asti Spumante. The best way to experience Asti's wines is on a tasting tour through the hills (which are also a UNESCO World Heritage site), stopping at several vineyards along the way to sip sparkling whites and robust reds.

Asti, in Italy, was founded by the Romans

Owner and Sommelier Charles Stanford and Executive Chef Greg Keesy welcome you to Asti D'Italia. Located just east of Boulder and just north of Denver, Asti D'Italia has been a small, family-owned fine dining destination since 2009.

Asti 1 hienoa hotellia paikassa Asti, Italia joita Sembo suosittelee

When in Asti, we do have to mention two more attractions you should absolutely not miss:

The Palio
"The Palio" is run in the central square of Asti (Piazza Alfieri) on the first Sunday every September. Mainly it is a barefoot horse race (pic middle) of ancient tradition: evidence of the first race dates back to 1275! However, it is not only a simple horse race but an all-day spectacular attraction for adults and kids: from the very beginning of the day, there are various parades of the horses that will race and of the local people of those districts that will take part of the race. (every horse represents a district) Along the main streets of Asti will take place a fascinating scenic show-parade (pic n°5) of the representatives of the different districts that will "fight" (during the horse race) for the Palio. People who take part in this parade are dressed up in Medieval costumes since the intent is to make alive different, medieval authorities and important or unknown characters of ancient times. Then, in the afternoon, it is time for the race itself during which the souls of the different fighting districts heat up a lot! In a word, the Palio is a great event that attracts thousands of visitors every year!

Food & Wine
Asti, beyond the art, is the natural hub of tasty food and excellent wines. Who does not know the famous sparkling wine ? It is not the only one, wines such as Barbera, Brachetto, Moscato, Dolcetto are produced in the area around or relatively close to the city. What about the local food such as "agnolotti", "gnocchi", "tagliolini", "bagna càuda" or the famous truffle (like "tagliatelle with truffles" - pic n°6)? - just mentioning some. You can taste all these dishes and wines in one of the many excellent restaurants and coffee bars but there is an event held just one week before "The Palio", called something like "Food&Wine Festival" (originally: "Il Festival delle Sagre") where you can really taste all of them at once! It is held in a large public square (Piazza Palio) that becomes that day a real country village with many kiosks selling their gastronomic specialties and Asti DOC wines! So, it is a great day of celebration dedicated to food & wine and country life and, of course, it is absolutely not to be missed!

Some pictures of Asti:

Church of San Secondo and the City Hall (pic n°1); The Church of San Pietro in Consavia (pic n°2); Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo (pic n°3); Sant'Anastasio Crypt Museum (pic n°4); Palio: the historical parade (pic n°5); Tagliatelle with truffles (pic n°6); The Palio: a barefoot horse race (pic middle);

ASTI Piemonte Italy : The perfect day trip

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