A mosaic from the triclinium of the Domus Romana is considered unique in its quality in Piedmont. It is a remarkable introduction to Asti’s history, which can be explored through very different buildings and traces: from the Roman heating system to Renaissance art.
Roman traces and the Renaissance
Pillars from a Roman hypocaust heating system are still visible in the Domus Romana. The hypocaust was a form of heating; the surviving pillars make the architectural aspects of this technology tangible. The Domus Romana also features Hasta, a Roman settlement dating from the 2nd century BC. Another striking link to antiquity is a sixteen-sided Roman tower, which stands where a Roman city gate once stood. In 1987, remains of an amphitheatre dating from the second half of the 1st century AD were also discovered in Asti.
Later periods are also well represented. Palazzo Malabaila on Via Mazzini is considered an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture in Asti. The cathedral’s interior features numerous artistic elements from this period. The collegiate church houses works by Gandolfino da Roreto, including a polyptych. The Sanctuary of Madonna della Porta was built around a venerated image of the Virgin Mary dating from the 14th century and redesigned by Gandolfino da Roreto in 1500. A crypt contains four columns with Corinthian capitals. Together, these places offer different ways to explore the history of art and architecture, without reducing Asti’s heritage to a single period.
Two walking tours, two perspectives
Visitors who want to explore Asti on foot can take the medieval walking tour over two days. It passes through the historic districts and borghi. The tower walking tour has a different focus: it winds through the streets and squares of the historic city centre in search of the surviving city towers. The tours therefore differ mainly in their focus: one follows the medieval districts, while the other draws attention to the towers. Both descriptions help visitors discover the city’s history with a specific theme in mind.
Riverside setting and hills
Asti lies on the left bank of the Tanaro, at its confluence with the Borbore and among the hills of the Astesana. To the west of the city, the Riserva Naturale della Valle Andona, Valle Botto e Val Grande consists of two adjacent, separate hilly areas. The river, its confluence with the Borbore and the hills provide a scenic setting for the city; the protected area offers a different perspective on the hills west of Asti.
Festivals featuring wine, food and processions
Events also bring together different aspects of local cultural life. The ten-day Douja d’Or in September features wine tastings, performances and cultural walking tours. Its offerings include guided tastings with dishes created by chefs, masterclasses and cultural events. If you would like to plan a trip around it, check the latest dates and programme.
The Festival delle Sagre celebrations begin on Saturday evening, with the main event taking place on the second Sunday in September. More than 40 participating Pro Loco associations offer typical dishes, including dessert, and DOC or DOCG wine at their stalls. The food and wine village is located in Piazza Campo del Palio, while the procession passes through the historic city centre. The historic procession at the Palio di Asti features 1,200 costumed performers representing participating city districts, borghi and municipalities in the province. For these events, it is advisable to check the latest dates and programmes before planning your trip.
Plan your journey and stay
Asti is served by road and rail connections; travelling by car or train is recommended. The station is close to the historic city centre, which can be reached on foot in a few minutes. The bus and taxi station is also located at the railway station. Check the latest connections and timetables before travelling. If you would like to plan your stay around the walking tours, buildings or a particular festival, it is worth taking these interests into account when choosing your travel dates.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Asti, Azzano D'asti, Castelnuovo Calcea, Cessole, Cisterna D'asti, Cocconato, Cortazzone, Grazzano Badoglio, Migliandolo Di Portacomaro, Motta Di Costigliole, Penango, Refrancore, Rocca D'arazzo, Rocchetta Tanaro, San Martino Alfieri, Soglio, Vigliano D'asti, Vinchio, Castagnole Delle Lanze, San Damiano D'asti, Nizza Monferrato, Montegrosso D'asti, Roccaverano, Montafia, Costigliole Dʼasti, Calamandrana, Antignano, Mombaruzzo, Cioccaro, San Marzano Oliveto, Castello Di Annone, Moncalvo, Portacomaro, Casalotto, Camerano Casasco, Aramengo, San Michele, Dusino San Michele, San Paolo Solbrito, Capriglio, Montabone, Canelli, Monastero Bormida, Villafranca D'asti, Calliano, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Montiglio Monferrato, Cellarengo, Tigliole, Corsione, Belveglio, San Marzanotto, Cantarana, Mombercelli, Vaglio Serra, Bubbio, Moasca, Calosso, Montemagno, Villa San Secondo, Fontanile, Castel Rocchero, Castel Boglione, Olmo Gentile, Cossombrato, Frinco, Vesime, Mongardino, Incisa Scapaccino, Montechiaro D'asti, San Matteo, Cassinasco, Celle Enomondo, Agliano, Baldichieri D'asti, Tonco, Cortiglione, Scurzolengo, Casorzo, Repergo, Castagnole Monferrato, Gorra, Boglietto, Pasquana, Castelnuovo Belbo, Cerro Tanaro, Valenzani, Stazione Cocconato, Ferrere, Cinaglio, Serravalle, Cornalea, Villanova d'Asti, Monale, Cortanze, Castelletto Molina, Castell'alfero, Loazzolo, Viarigi, Villa, Albugnano, Baglio, Passerano, Robella, Quarto, Revigliasco D'asti.
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