CNA – Medieval Asti

A Day Strolling Through the Middle Ages

In the heart of Piedmont, Asti stands as a treasure trove of medieval history that remains perfectly preserved. As one of the most powerful and influential free communes in Italy, the city experienced an era of extraordinary splendor between the 12th and 13th centuries, when its noble towers—numbering over a hundred—soared toward the sky, bearing witness to the wealth and prestige of the noble families who had built them.

Strolling through the historic center of Asti means immersing yourself in a labyrinth of narrow streets, squares, and palaces that still tell the story of that golden age today. The Cathedral, a masterpiece of Piedmontese Gothic architecture, dominates the city with its grandeur, while the Collegiate Church of San Secondo houses the remains of the patron saint, a figure who inextricably links Asti to its deepest identity and to the famous Palio race, one of the oldest in Italy.

Things to Do and See in Asti

But Asti is not just about stone and history: it is also a land of world-renowned culinary and wine excellence. This is the birthplace of Barbera d’Asti and Asti Spumante, wines that bring the city’s name to tables around the world, the result of a winemaking tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, when merchants from Asti traded wine, textiles, and spices along European trade routes.

Every corner of the city seems to hold a fragment of that glorious past: from the surviving towers to the Romanesque churches, from the noble palaces to the medieval underground passages hidden beneath the streets of the city center. This heritage makes Asti a must-see destination for anyone wishing to discover the authentic and lesser-known side of Piedmont, amid history, culture, and timeless flavors.

During your stay, there will be a day dedicated to reliving the customs and traditions of medieval Asti, when the city was the undisputed capital of trade and a thriving financial center.
A fascinating tour that takes you through the city’s most evocative sites, dating back to its heyday.
A journey back in time to the medieval “Arti e Mercanti” market, skillfully recreated by the CNA of Asti, featuring artisan workshops, merchants, and taverns, along with the ever-present jesters, musicians, knights, and archers.