Asti: Roman Traces, Towers and Wine Traditions

Asti lies on the left bank of the Tanaro, where it meets the Borbore, amid the hills of the Astesana. To the west of the city, the Riserva Naturale della Valle Andona, Valle Botto e Val Grande comprises two adjoining but separate hilly areas. The river setting, historic city and protected landscape offer different perspectives on Asti that you can take into account when planning your trip.

Roman Remains and Historic Routes

At the Domus Romana, archaeological and technical remains come together. Its triclinium features a mosaic considered unique in Piedmont for its quality. Pillars from a Roman hypocaust heating system are also still visible. The heating system and the mosaic highlight two very different aspects of a Roman house: its furnishings and its technical infrastructure.

Roman traces also shape Asti’s historic character beyond the Domus Romana. A sixteen-sided Roman tower stands on the site of an ancient city gate. In 1987, remains of an amphitheatre dating to the second half of the 1st century AD were also discovered in Asti. The date and discovery of the amphitheatre offer a different perspective on the Roman past from the visible pillars or mosaic.

There are two walking routes with different focuses for exploring on foot. The medieval route can be completed over two days and takes you through the historic city districts and borghi. The tower route leads through the streets and squares of the historic centre in search of surviving city towers. You can choose your focus: the districts and borghi, or specifically the towers that help shape the city’s historic skyline.

Renaissance Art and Religious Buildings

The Palazzo Malabaila on Via Mazzini is one of the notable examples of Renaissance architecture and is considered an outstanding example in Asti. The cathedral’s interior also features numerous Renaissance artistic elements. The collegiate church houses works of art by Gandolfino da Roreto, including a polyptych. The Sanctuary of Madonna della Porta was built around a revered 14th-century image of the Virgin Mary and redesigned by Gandolfino da Roreto in 1500. Together, these buildings showcase different facets of Asti’s art history, from architecture to religious works.

Palio, Wine and Regional Cuisine

A special event is the historic procession of the Palio di Asti. It features 1,200 people in costume representing participating city districts, borghi and municipalities in the province. This brings various local groups together in a historic procession. Check the latest dates and programme before your trip.

The ten-day Douja d’Or takes place in Asti in September. The event programme includes wine tastings, performances and cultural walking tours. It also features guided tastings with dishes created by chefs, masterclasses and other cultural events. If you’re interested in wine, the Douja d’Or offers more than a single tasting: its programme brings together wine, food and culture.

The Festival delle Sagre puts traditional dishes and wine at its heart. More than 40 participating Pro Loco associations serve dishes with 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 festival takes place on the second Sunday in September and begins on Saturday evening. The two events are quite distinct: the Douja d’Or combines tastings with performances and cultural activities, while the Festival delle Sagre puts the associations’ stalls and the procession in the foreground.

Getting There and Getting Around

Asti is served by road and rail connections; travelling by car or train is recommended. The railway station is close to the historic city centre, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. The bus and taxi station is also located by the railway station. If you arrive by train, the station provides a clear reference point for getting from the station to the historic centre. Check current connections and timetables before setting off.

When planning your days, it helps to consider the different highlights together: the walking routes take you through historic districts or to city towers, while the buildings and archaeological remains bring individual eras to life. The wine festivals, in turn, combine tastings, regional cuisine and cultural events. This makes it easy to explore Asti according to the themes that matter to your trip.

Discover more destinations: San Matteo, Cassinasco, Celle Enomondo, Agliano, Baldichieri D'asti, Tonco, Ferrere, Cinaglio, Casorzo, Repergo, Castagnole Monferrato, Gorra, Boglietto, Pasquana, Castelnuovo Belbo, Cerro Tanaro, Valenzani, Stazione Cocconato, Fontanile, Castel Rocchero, Castel Boglione, Moasca, Calosso, Montemagno, Villa San Secondo, Serravalle, Cornalea, Villanova d'Asti, Nizza Monferrato, Montegrosso D'asti, Roccaverano, Montafia, Costigliole Dʼasti, Calamandrana, Cortiglione, Scurzolengo, Olmo Gentile, Cossombrato, Frinco, Vesime, Mongardino, Incisa Scapaccino, Monale, Cortanze, Castelletto Molina, Castell'alfero, Loazzolo, Viarigi, Villa, Albugnano, Baglio, Passerano, Robella, Quarto, Revigliasco D'asti, Montechiaro D'asti, San Damiano D'asti, Antignano, Rocchetta Tanaro, San Martino Alfieri, Soglio, Vigliano D'asti, 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, 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, Vinchio, Castagnole Delle Lanze

For the broader travel overview: Piedmont.