Asti Culture

Asti is one of the Piedmont region’s most important cities. It is the ideal destination for travelers seeking cultural experiences, as it has a vast history which has shaped its current sightseeing, culinary flavors, and local activities. The city is known worldwide for its gastronomy, Romanesque style architecture, and lively local events and festivals.

ART

For artistic travelers, visit the Palazzo Mazzetti. This eighteenth-century palace was once the home of the Mazzetti family. As if the grand, ornate designs and frescoes within the palace itself are not artistic enough, it also contains a civic museum. The museum features paintings from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries, as well as sculptures and an archeological collection which includes Roman artifacts.

Another location to take in art is the city’s cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. The interior features a variety of frescoes and paintings by artists such as Gandolfino d’Asti, Moncalvo, Carlo Innocenzo Carlone, and others. The church itself dates back to the end of the thirteenth century/beginning of the fourteenth century. The Cathedral was actually constructed on the site of a previous church and the ancient mosaic flooring of the church can still be admired in the Cathedral to this day. Renowned for its Gothic architecture and Romanesque bell tower, the church is also home to beautiful eighteenth century wood carvings.

In addition to being an architectural site, the Church of San Pietro in Consavia is another great location for those seeking art. The church houses an archaeological and paleontological museum and features twelfth-century sandstone friezes in addition to ancient pottery, bronzes, terracotta urns, and more.

Asti’s Fondazione Guglielminetti, which is located in Palazzo Alfieri, is dedicated to local scenographer, sculptor, and painter, Eugenio Guglielminetti. The permanent collection features many of the artist’s original sculptures and other artworks. The foundation also hosts many of the city’s temporary exhibitions.

Other artists who hailed from Asti include early Renaissance painter Gandolfino d’Asti and nineteenth century religious painter Michelangelo Pittatore.

ARCHITECTURE

Asti’s history dates back to Roman times. The city flourished during the twelfth century, and as a result, today it is characterized by unique ancient architecture. From the remains of medieval walls to many towers – there were nearly 150 constructed throughout the city during its glory days, and currently, 12 remain – there are remnants of historic buildings, monuments, and structures throughout Asti.

The towers of Asti are iconic. The Torre Troyana is a symbol of the city and is the only tower in Asti which can be climbed. Torre Troyana is also the tallest tower in the Piedmont region and stands tall at a height of 144 feet.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the region’s most important churches. This Romanesque-Gothic style cathedral features stunning detailing on the exterior and a fantastic painted interior.

Another must-see architectural site in Asti is the Baptistery of St. Peter in Consavia. It is one of the city’s most important Romanesque monuments. The complex includes a baptistery, a fifteenth-century church, and a cloister – all of which feature unique architectural elements.

One of the best ways to experience Asti’s architecture is on foot. Walking the narrow, cobblestone streets while gazing upon the historic houses, buildings, and towers is an excellent way to enjoy the city.

FOOD & WINE

It is impossible to speak of Asti’s culture without mentioning its gastronomy and winemaking traditions.

After sightseeing, there is nothing better than sitting down at any of the city’s restaurants, cafés, or food shops to enjoy some local cuisine. Travelers will enjoy the rich, hearty flavor profile of the region’s cuisine in the form of iconic dishes such as bagna cauda (a fondue-like dip for vegetables during the appetizer course) and agnolotti (handmade stuffed pasta). Local cuisine is often topped with the crown jewel of the area – truffles.

Wine is practically a food group of its own, particularly in Asti, as its region of Piedmont is one of Italy’s top wine producing areas. Asti is home of the legendary Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti sparkling white wines.

To celebrate the culinary traditions of the area, Asti holds a variety of food-focused festivals throughout the year. From the Festival of Festivals and its incredible food and wine fair to the truffle festivals held throughout October to December, it’s clear that food is close to the hearts of people in Asti.

LITERATURE

Famed Italian writer Vittorio Alfieri was born in Asti in 1749. Known as the “founder of Italian tragedy,” Alfieri was an eighteenth-century poet and playwright. Travelers can visit the Palazzo Alfieri, where he was born, to see the Alfieri Museum. Inside this Baroque building, which is located in Corso Alfieri in the town’s Cathedral district, visitors will find a variety of relics and belongings of the famous writer.

Another writer who hailed from Asti was Giorgio Faletti. Best known for his thriller novels, Faletti’s books have achieved international acclaim and have been translated into more than 20 languages.

CINEMA

Over the decades, Asti has served as a filming location for a modest number of Italian movies. Movies set or filmed in the province of Asti include Spaghetti a mezzanotte (1981), Zoè (2008), Romanzo di una strage (2012), Aspirante vedovo (2013), and In un posto belissimo (2015).

MUSIC

Held each year in Asti, the music festival Astimusica takes place in the Cathedral Square. It is one of Italy’s most important music festivals and is a main event during the Summertime in Asti. Many locals attend the event to see live performances by a variety of music artists of varying styles.

Another way to experience music in Asti is to take in a show at the historic Teatro Alfieri. It was originally built in the early 1800s but has since been renovated. Despite the updates, the theater is characteristic and historic.

Asti-born musicians include Paolo Conte – a singer-songwriter and composer – Maurizio Lobina – a member of Eiffel 65, known for their dance music – Ettore Desderi, a composer known for his religious music, specifically his cantata Job, and pianist Fabio Mengozzi.

SCIENCE

For travelers interested in science, visit the Museo Paleontologico, or Paleontological Museum. Housed in a once-sixteenth-century monastery, the museum features exhibits containing local fossils as well as an aquarium.

Asti has long been a destination for lovers of food and wine, and yet this historic city also offers a remarkable wealth of cultural attractions. Travelers to Asti can spend their days exploring the city’s historic churches, towers, and museums, and their evenings indulging in the local cuisine.

Travel Guides

The Piedmont Region of Italy

The Cities of Piedmont, Italy