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My sister, Judi, lives in Asti, formerly with her beloved dog, Mop, who passed away in October. She is an actress and currently runs the office of a language school and translation center in Alessandria, a neighboring town. I had some free time at the beginning of 2003 so I decided to go visit her. Piedmont in February is quite cold. Still I got to see the city and some of the beautiful countryside. Her boyfriend, Max, took me one day out to see a cantina. Piedmont and especially Asti is know for its wonderful wines. You should see how many bottles I carried back on the plane.
An ancient town which has been an important centre for over a thousand years owing to its particular geographic position at the centre of the wide plains of the River Tanaro. It became a provincial capital again only in 1935 when it regained its role of leading town which historically belongs to it. Already during the Neolithic Age it was a dwelling place for the prehistoric population. Its territory expands widely to include a remarkable number of hamlets and villages situated at a considerable distance from the town itself and which used to be autonomous communes in the past. Asti was almost certainly populated by people of Ligurian tribe of the Statielli from whom the place name of Aste or Ast (hill) derives. It used to be thought that the name derived from Hasta Pompeia, the name attributed to the town around 130 a.C. during the Roman Empire and ratified by the Roman citizens in 49 a.C. Hasta in Latin indicates a pole which was planted into the ground to indicate one's property after acquisition. In 1095 Asti was one of the first "free communes" in Italy and in 1140 it was awarded the privilege of coin minting. The town greatly developed during the Middle Ages, owing to the growth of economical activities and thanks to the initiatives of the local bankers, who travelled afar and controlled business transactions throughout Europe. The historical town centre, certainly one of the best looked after in Piedmont, still maintains many relics of notable architectural interest. A large number of the one hundred or so towers still stand as evidence of the dwelling places and strongholds of the more influential aristocratic families which competed against each other to continually enrich their homes. This competition lasted for centuries from the Renaissance period to the Baroque period.
- Pros:Beautiful old city. Quaint.
- Cons:Very small town. Not much to do.
Reviews (16)
Juventus
Sports & Outdoors
(1)
The Italians are fanatical about their football- called caldo. The local team out of Torino is Juventus. See them at... more travel advice
Stylish Glasses
Shopping
(2)
Great selection of the latest frames- regular glasses and sunglasses. I was able to get the latest Chanel sunglasses for... more travel advice
City of Towers
Things to Do
(5)
Walking around Asti you can view many of the remnants of Towers or Torres. A large number (15) of the one hundred or so... more travel advice
Biblioteca e Museo Alfieriano
Things to Do
(5)
This museum is devoted to the town's most famous son, Count Vittorio Alfieri. In the "salotto" there is a portrait of... more travel advice
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Comments (6)
Your description of dinner in Piemonte feels like I am already a guest in someones's home.
A superb page on a city that I have only partly visited. I enjoyed especially your restaurant tips ! Good job !
L'Altra Campagna has closed down since 2003. But it was only so so in my opinion, for the same price Barolo & Co, just off Piazza Alfiero is much better, ask for the tasting menu, which includes a different wine with each course.
great infos and wonderful pics ! Piemonte is on my list-to-visit, not only for the famous cherries...
Thanks for the info. I'm planning a trip to the Piedmont in September and haven't found good information on the area. Yours was very helpful. Thanks again
Very informative page: I love your info on Piedmonte cuisine and wines; Asti, Judi and Mop look fantastic :-)))
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