Eco Hotel a Asti, Piedmont
Asti • Italy • Alloggio sostenibile in the heart of Monferrato wine country
Perché Soggiornare a Asti?
Asti is the sparkling heart of Piedmont — a city where Roman history, medieval towers, and world-famous wine converge beneath the rolling hills of Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. With a population of around 76,000, Asti offers an authentic Italian experience that larger cities like Turin cannot match.
The city's claim to fame is Asti Spumante, the delicate sparkling wine made from Moscato Bianco grapes that has delighted palates since the 19th century. But Asti is far more than its bubbles. The historic centre is crowned by a dozen surviving medieval towers — symbols of the noble families who once competed for power here. The grand Piazza Vittorio Alfieri, dedicated to the city's most famous poet, forms the elegant heart of Asti, flanked by Baroque palaces and lively cafes.
Every September, the city transforms for the Palio di Asti, Italy's oldest recorded horse race (dating to 1275), a thunderous bareback competition through the historic streets that rivals Siena's more famous Palio in tradition and pageantry. Asti's cuisine is equally compelling: white truffles from Monferrato, tajarin pasta, bagna càuda, and the famous hazelnuts that go into Piedmont's finest chocolates.
For the eco-conscious traveller, Asti is a natural choice. The surrounding hills are a landscape of sustainable agriculture, family-run vineyards practising organic methods, and agriturismi that source ingredients from their own land. By booking through IMPT, every stay in Asti removes 1 tonne of CO₂ emissions — making your visit to this historic wine capital genuinely carbon-positive.
Asti at a Glance
Come Sfruttare al Meglio Your Visit
Getting there — Asti is exceptionally well connected. Trains from Turin Porta Nuova run approximately every 30 minutes and reach Asti in 40 minutes. From Milan, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes via the A21 motorway. By car, exit the A21 at Asti Est or Asti Ovest, and the city centre is minutes away. The nearest airports are Turin Caselle (1 hour) and Milan Malpensa (1 hour 45 minutes).
Exploring the centre — The best way to experience Asti is on foot. The historic core is compact and walkable, centred around Piazza Vittorio Alfieri. Follow the Percorso delle Torri (Towers Route) to see all 12 surviving medieval towers, including the soaring Torre Troyana (66 metres), Torre dei Vallenzini, and Torre del Comune. Each tower tells a story of Asti's fractious medieval past, when noble families built ever-higher structures to assert their dominance.
Wine tasting — No visit to Asti is complete without exploring the region's wine cellars. The Strada del Vino Asti e Monferrato wine route winds through vineyards producing Asti Spumante, Moscato d'Asti, Barbera d'Asti Superiore, and Grignolino. Many wineries offer guided tastings and cellar tours. The Douja d'Or wine festival in September is the perfect opportunity to sample dozens of local producers in one place.
Day trips — Asti's location makes it an ideal base for exploring southern Piedmont. Alba (30 minutes), home of the white truffle and Ferrero's headquarters, is perfect for food lovers. The Barolo and Barbaresco wine regions are within 45 minutes. Turin, with its Egyptian Museum and royal palaces, is an easy 40-minute train ride. The Sacra di San Michele abbey and the Langhe hills are also within easy reach for unforgettable day trips.
Dove Alloggiare in Asti
Centro Storico
The historic centre is ideal for first-time visitors. You are steps away from Piazza Vittorio Alfieri, the cathedral, and the best restaurants and wine bars. Staying here means you can walk everywhere and soak up the medieval atmosphere from your window.
Piazza Alfieri Area
The area immediately surrounding the main square is the most lively part of Asti, with cafes, shops, and the majority of attractions all within a five-minute walk. Hotels here tend to be in historic buildings with characterful interiors.
Borgo Santa Maria Nuova
A quieter residential neighbourhood just across the Tanaro River, offering a more local experience. This area is popular with families and travellers seeking a peaceful base with easy access to the centre via the Ponte Marconi bridge.
Torretta
On the northern edge of the city centre, Torretta offers a good balance of tranquillity and access. The area is close to the train station, making it convenient for day trips, with several good-value hotels and easy parking.
Hotels in Asti
Cosa Fare a Asti
Piazza Vittorio Alfieri
The elegant centrepiece of Asti, named after the playwright Vittorio Alfieri. This elongated square is lined with Baroque and Neoclassical palaces, including Palazzo Ottolenghi and Palazzo del Municipio. Cafes spill onto the pavement, and the statue of Alfieri watches over the city. It is the natural starting point for any exploration of Asti.
Torre Troyana
The tallest of Asti's medieval towers at 66 metres, Torre Troyana (also known as Torre dell'Orologio) dominates the skyline. Climb the 199 steps for panoramic views across the city and the Monferrato hills. The clock mechanism dates from the 16th century and is still wound by hand each week.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
One of the largest Gothic churches in Piedmont, the cathedral dates from the 13th century. Its stunning facade in alternating bands of brick and sandstone, magnificent rose window, and interior frescoes make it a must-see. The treasury houses precious liturgical objects from the medieval period.
Collegiata di San Secondo
Dedicated to Asti's patron saint, this Romanesque-Gothic collegiate church sits on Piazza San Secondo. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it features a striking campanile and houses the relics of San Secondo. The interior contains important fresco cycles from the Piedmontese school.
Palazzo Mazzetti
The 18th-century Palazzo Mazzetti houses the city's art museum, with works spanning from the medieval period to the 20th century. The restored interior — with its grand staircase, frescoed ceilings, and elegant apartments — is as impressive as the art collection itself. Check for temporary exhibitions during your visit.
Museo del Palio
Housed in the medieval Palazzo del Comune Vecchio, this museum tells the story of the Palio di Asti through historical documents, costumes, paintings, and the prize banners (palii) themselves. It opens year-round and provides fascinating context for the September race.
Battistero di San Pietro
One of the oldest buildings in Asti, this Romanesque baptistery dates from the 12th century. Its simple, austere octagonal form and ancient fresco fragments offer a quiet contrast to the city's more ornate churches. It is only open on certain days, so check in advance.
Asti Spumante Wine Tours
No visit to Asti is complete without exploring the wine territory. Many cantinas in and around the city offer tours and tastings of Asti Spumante, Moscato d'Asti, and Barbera d'Asti. The Consorzio Asti DOCG on Piazza Alfieri is a good starting point for information and organised tours.
Palio di Asti
Held on the third Sunday of September, the Palio di Asti is Italy's oldest recorded horse race. Dating back to 1275, it features bareback riders representing Asti's historic districts (rioni) and nearby towns. The race is preceded by a magnificent medieval pageant through the streets, with hundreds of participants in period costume.
Recommended Sentieri
Medieval Towers Walk
Start at Piazza Vittorio Alfieri and follow the Percorso delle Torri signposted route. In about 2 hours, you will see all 12 of Asti's surviving medieval towers: Torre Troyana, Torre del Comune, Torre dei Guttuari, Torre dei Vallenzini, Torre dei Natta, Torre dei Grassi, and others hidden in courtyards and between buildings. Each tower has an information panel detailing its history and the noble family who built it.
Tanaro River Promenade
Escape the city bustle with a walk along the Tanaro River. The riverside path runs from the Ponte Marconi eastwards, offering views of the city skyline with its towers silhouetted against the hills. The walk is especially beautiful at sunset when the brick towers catch the golden light. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for a there-and-back stroll.
Wine Trail through the Monferrato Hills
For a longer excursion, follow the Strada del Vino out of the city into the Monferrato hills. This walking route takes you through vineyards, past farmsteads and cellars, with panoramic views over the UNESCO-listed landscape. Several wineries along the way welcome walkers for tastings. Allow 3-4 hours for a loop walk of around 10 km.
Nearby Destinations
Domande Frequenti
What is the best time to visit Asti, Piedmont?
The best time to visit Asti is between April and October. September is the highlight with the historic Palio di Asti horse race and the Douja d'Or wine festival celebrating Asti Spumante and other local wines. Spring offers mild weather and blooming vineyards, while autumn brings the truffle season.
How do I get to Asti from Turin?
Asti is easily reachable by train from Turin Porta Nuova in about 40 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day. By car, take the A21 motorway (Turin-Piacenza), exit at Asti Est or Asti Ovest. The journey takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic.
What makes Asti famous for wine?
Asti is the capital of Asti Spumante, Italy's most famous sparkling wine made from Moscato Bianco grapes. The region also produces Barbera d'Asti, a premium red wine, and Moscato d'Asti dessert wine. The surrounding Monferrato hills are a UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape.
Are there hotel ecologici in Asti?
Yes, many hotels in and around Asti are adopting sustainable practices: energy efficiency, local sourcing, waste reduction, and organic amenities. IMPT offers eco-conscious bookings across 8M+ hotels in the region, removing 1 tonne of CO₂ per booking at the same price as Booking.com, plus 5% cashback and €5 di credito gratuito on your first booking.
What are the top attractions in Asti?
Top attractions include Piazza Vittorio Alfieri, Torre Troyana (the tallest medieval tower at 66 metres), Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the Collegiata di San Secondo, Palazzo Mazzetti art museum, and wine-tasting tours in the surrounding Monferrato hills. The Palio horse race in September is a spectacular annual highlight.