Places to see in ( Asti – Italy ) (VIDEO)

Places to see in ( Asti – Italy )

Asti is a city and comune of 76 164 inhabitants located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, about 55 kilometres east of Turin in the plain of the Tanaro River. Asti is the provincial capital of one of most important wine areas in Italy and lends its name to some illustrious wines. The city dates to pre-Roman times and still 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.

Central Asti is quite compact and there is a large and reasonably well preserved historical centre which is easy to walk around. The train station is close to the centre and there are 2 large and convenient parking spaces in the centre (except on market days) at Piazza Alfieri and Campo di Palio. Also parking in the old city at Piazza Roma and Piazza Catena, but be cautious of restricted streets.

Collegiata di San Secondo on Piazza San Secondo, build on the site of Asti’s patron saint’s martyrdom (119 AD), rebuilt in XIII century, located in the old market piazza and houses the bones of the sacred saint of Asti in the crypt and the Palio d’Asti banners in a chapel. Cathedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Piazza Cathedrale. Built in XIV century, one of Piedmont’s most important gothic churches. Medieval City, the central part of Asti still comprises of narrow paved streets, ancient buildings, towers palaces and churches, with many parts of the old wall still intact. Great for wandering around.

Torre Troyana (Trojan Tower) Piazza Medici 13th C. Asti was know as the “city of 100 towers” – in fact there were 120 of these fortified family bolt-holes, of which about 12 still survive. This tower is open to visitors on weekends to walk up the summit.
Torre Rosso (Romano), end of C.Alfieri. Oldest surviving tower dating back to roman era (1st C) formerly part of the old gate
Palazzo Civico, Piazza San Secondo. An old palace, used as the mayors office and other Asti commune offices. Visitors allowed on the first floor halls.

Historical Archives, Palazza Mazzola, Via Cardinal Massaia, opposite Cathedral. Houses a large collection of historical documents and maps, including a room dedicated to Palio di Asti. Open weekdays in normal hours, €2.50 admission. Teatro Alfieri, Asti’s theatre, built in 1860, resembles an opera house and was recently renovated. Often if someone is there they will let you wander around.

Museum and Crypt of San’Anastasio, 365 Cso Alfieri, 8th C . Mondays closed admission €2.50. Bapistry di San Pietro, Cso Alfieri /Pzz. 1Maggio, Romanesque church and museum complex (Paleantological and Archeological) built 12th C modeled on Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, with cloisters, tower and pilgrims hospice. Closed Monday, admission €2.50. Synagogue and Jewish museum – visit by appointment only. Scassa Tapestry Workshop and museum. Scassa specializes in making tapestries based on famous paintings.Visits are free by appointment.

Palio di Asti, this historic bareback horse race is the oldest one of its type in Italy originating in 1273, when the Astigiani staged a race beneath the walls of the enemy city of Alba causing great devastation to their vineyards. Feste Della Sagre, every second weekend in September. Feste Della Sagre, every second weekend in September. Palio Degli Sbandieratori, Piedmont’s flag-throwing teams are justly famous and every Asti Borgo and provincial town sponsors a team, who compete in the Piazza San Secondo in a night time spectacle during the Palio week.

( Asti – Italy ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting Asti . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Asti – Italy