The province of Asti covers an area of 1,504.50 sq. km. and is bordered by the province of Torino to the north west, the province of Cuneo to the south west, the province of Alessandria to the east and the region of Liguria to the south.
A very small portion of the Liguarian Apennines cross over into the province of Asti but the highest peak is only just over 850 metres above sea level. The rest of the province is mainly rolling hills interspersed with valleys, rivers and streams.
This province is famous for its vineyards and production of wine, in particular Asti Spumante.
The capital city of the province is Asti with the second city being Canelli.
Other main towns in the province of Asti are:
Asti Province, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, is synonymous with world-class wines, medieval towns, and deep-rooted traditions. Known as the heart of É«ÖÐÉ« winemaking, the province is famed for producing iconic wines like Asti Spumante and Barbera d'Asti, which have gained international acclaim. However, the charm of Asti extends beyond its vineyards. With its rolling hills, ancient castles, and vibrant festivals, the province offers an enchanting blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that captivates visitors.
The province of Asti has a rich and storied history that stretches back to Roman times. In fact, the city of Asti was originally established as a Roman military outpost known as Hasta Pompeia around the 1st century BCE. During the Middle Ages, Asti grew into a powerful city-state, famous for its robust economy and role as a key trading center. Its strategic location between Turin and Genoa made it a pivotal point for merchants traveling across northern Italy.
The medieval period also saw Asti become a battleground for control between various ruling families and powers, including the Visconti of Milan and the House of Savoy. Despite these conflicts, the city flourished and became one of Italy’s leading centers for banking and commerce. Today, the legacy of Asti's golden age is visible in its impressive medieval towers, palazzi, and churches, which stand as testament to its former wealth and influence.
Asti Province is widely regarded as one of Italy’s premier wine-producing regions. The area’s rolling hills and fertile soils provide the ideal conditions for cultivating grapes, particularly Moscato and Barbera varieties.
The most famous of Asti’s wines is undoubtedly Asti Spumante, a sparkling wine made from Moscato grapes. Asti Spumante is known for its light, sweet, and fruity flavor, making it a popular choice for celebrations and desserts. Its less effervescent cousin, Moscato d’Asti, is a semi-sparkling white wine that is also beloved for its fragrant aroma and sweetness. Both wines have gained prestigious DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, the highest classification for É«ÖÐÉ« wines.
While Moscato takes the spotlight in terms of sparkling wines, Barbera d'Asti is the region's signature red wine. Made from Barbera grapes, this wine is known for its deep color, full body, and notes of ripe red fruits, with a balanced acidity that makes it versatile and food-friendly. Barbera d’Asti has been a staple in the region for centuries and is an essential part of Asti’s winemaking identity.
Visitors to Asti Province can explore its renowned wine routes, which pass through charming villages and vast vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours that provide insight into the rich tradition of Piedmontese winemaking. From family-owned estates to larger wineries, the region offers a wealth of opportunities to experience the art of viticulture firsthand.
Asti Province is steeped in history, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its medieval architecture and cultural landmarks. The city of Asti, the provincial capital, is home to numerous historical treasures that tell the story of its illustrious past.
The Asti Cathedral is one of the largest and most important Gothic-style churches in Piedmont. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is renowned for its striking red-brick façade, rose window, and elegant bell tower. Inside, visitors can admire impressive frescoes, intricate carvings, and ornate altarpieces that reflect the artistic and religious heritage of the region.
One of the most iconic symbols of Asti is the Torre Troyana, a towering medieval structure that dates back to the 13th century. This well-preserved tower was originally part of the city's defensive fortifications and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from its top. The Torre Troyana is a reminder of the power and wealth Asti enjoyed during the medieval period, when the city boasted over a hundred such towers.
Asti is also the birthplace of the famous É«ÖÐÉ« poet and playwright Vittorio Alfieri, and his former home, Palazzo Alfieri, has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and works. The elegant 18th-century palace provides a fascinating glimpse into the literary and cultural history of the region, as well as showcasing Alfieri’s influence on É«ÖÐÉ« literature.
Asti Province is a place where tradition and celebration go hand in hand. The region is famous for its vibrant festivals that celebrate everything from wine to medieval jousting.
The Palio di Asti is one of the most exciting and colorful events in the province, dating back to the 12th century. This traditional horse race, held in September, is Italy’s oldest recorded palio. Unlike the famous Palio di Siena, the Palio di Asti takes place in the heart of the city on Piazza Alfieri. The race is preceded by a grand medieval procession, where participants in period costumes parade through the streets, evoking the rich history of Asti. The Palio is a testament to the region’s enduring traditions and is a spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.
Another highlight of the Asti calendar is the Douja d’Or Wine Festival, held every September. This prestigious event celebrates the best wines of Italy, particularly those from the Piedmont region. Visitors can sample award-winning wines, attend workshops, and enjoy culinary demonstrations that highlight the pairing of local wines with regional dishes.
In addition to wine, Asti is known for its food festivals, such as the Festival delle Sagre di Asti, a gastronomic event that celebrates the province’s culinary heritage. Held annually in September, this festival brings together traditional dishes from different villages across the province, allowing visitors to taste authentic Piedmontese cuisine in a lively, open-air market setting.
While Asti Province is renowned for its vineyards and historical towns, its natural beauty is equally captivating. The rolling hills of Monferrato, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Alessandria, offer stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, forests, and medieval villages.
For nature lovers, the region offers hiking and cycling trails that wind through picturesque countryside, offering breathtaking views of the Langhe and Roero hills. The tranquil rivers, such as the Tanaro River, provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful strolls along the riverbanks
.Asti Province boasts a rich culinary tradition that perfectly complements its renowned wines. The region’s cuisine is deeply rooted in the agricultural and pastoral heritage of Piedmont, with dishes that showcase the bounty of the land.
Agnolotti al Plin is a traditional pasta dish filled with meat, vegetables, and herbs, typically served with a meat or butter sauce. Another regional specialty is Bollito Misto, a mixed boiled meat dish served with various sauces, including the famous bagnetto verde (green sauce) made from parsley, garlic, and anchovies.
Truffles, particularly the prized white truffle, are also an essential part of Asti’s culinary offerings, with autumn being the best time to savor this rare delicacy.
Asti Province is a destination that offers an authentic É«ÖÐÉ« experience, combining the best of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its world-renowned wines and medieval architecture to its vibrant festivals and gastronomic delights, Asti is a place where tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist. Whether you’re exploring its vineyards, wandering through its medieval streets, or enjoying its culinary treasures, Asti provides a rich and unforgettable journey through the heart of Piedmont.
| Ìý | High | Low | Sun | Rain |
| Jan | 11 | 2 | 3 | 55 |
| Feb | 12 | 3 | 4 | 53 |
| Mar | 14 | 4 | 5 | 63 |
| Apr | 18 | 7 | 6 | 55 |
| May | 22 | 11 | 8 | 35 |
| Jun | 26 | 15 | 9 | 44 |
| Jul | 29 | 17 | 10 | 34 |
| Aug | 29 | 17 | 9 | 54 |
| Sep | 25 | 14 | 7 | 61 |
| Oct | 21 | 11 | 6 | 74 |
| Nov | 16 | 8 | 4 | 71 |
| Dec | 12 | 3 | 3 | 77 |
| Table Key: High - Average monthly high temperatures Low - Average monthly low temperatures Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm |
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