Asti’s Renaissance Journey: Towered City and Rinascimentale itinerary
Step back into the Renaissance era in Asti and immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of the 16th century. The city, deeply influenced by the genius of Gandolfino da Roreto, boasts exceptional artistic productions from this period.
Many of Asti’s palaces, once owned by illustrious families like Malabayla and Falletti, exhibit Renaissance architectural brilliance. Allow yourself to be captivated by the mesmerizing loggia of Palazzo Zoya and the refined elegance of Palazzo Mazzola. The aura of the 15th and 16th centuries is palpable here.
Asti’s Renaissance Journey: Towered City and Rinascimentale itinerary
Explore the wonders of the Renaissance in Asti with the “Itinerario Asti Rinascimentale: Respiri di un’epoca nuova.” Embark on a captivating journey through time, experiencing the artistry and architectural brilliance of the 16th century influenced by Gandolfino da Roreto. Discover palaces like Palazzo Malabayla and Palazzo Mazzola, and delve deep into Asti’s rich artistic heritage.
| Stage & Location | Average Walk Time | Brief Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| A: Collegiata di San Secondo | 10 mins | A prime church in Asti showcasing 15th-century iconography in its central rose window and decor. Inside, one can marvel at Gandolfino da Roreto’s polyptych featuring the Adoration of the Magi and his portrayal of Madonna among saints. |
| B: Palazzo Malabayla | 15 mins | Located in Via Mazzini, this palace stands as one of the significant Renaissance structures in the city. With a porticoed courtyard and cross-windows reflecting French style, it once hosted the French King Louis XII between 1503 and 1507. |
| C: Santuario della Madonna del Portone | 12 mins | This sanctuary honors the Blessed Virgin “Portae Paradisi,” popularly known as Madonna del Portone. Constructed around a revered depiction of Madonna with Child among saints, this work is credited to Gandolfino da Roreto. |
| D: Palazzo Mazzola and Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta | 15 mins | Palazzo Mazzola, built by the Mazzola family circa 1516, stands as a prominent example of Renaissance architecture in Asti. Nearby lies the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the spiritual heart of Asti, housing several 16th-century paintings by Gandolfino da Roreto. |
| E: Palazzo Verasis-Asinari and Palazzo Falletti | 10 mins | Moving towards Via Natta, one can encounter Palazzo Verasis-Asinari, and not far in Via Giobert, Palazzo Falletti. Both were refurbished during the Renaissance period. |
| F: Seminario Vescovile | 12 mins | Located in Piazza Catena, the Palace of the Episcopal Seminary showcases the Nativity painting with saints Bartholomew and Benedict by Gandolfino da Roreto, the most renowned Renaissance painter of Asti. |
| G: Chiesa Santa Maria Nuova | 14 mins | This church, situated in its namesake square, offers a glimpse into the 16th-century wooden furnishings and works by Gandolfino da Roreto, including an altar painting of Madonna with Child and Saints. |
| H: Complesso di San Pietro | 13 mins | Concluding the Renaissance journey is the Complex of San Pietro. Its Valperga chapel, constructed in the mid-15th century by prior Giorgio Valperga, is particularly notable for the terracotta friezes that adorn its perimeter. |
Conclusion:
Embarking on this Renaissance tour in Asti is like traveling back in time. Each stop paints a vivid picture of the 16th century, blending architecture, art, and history in a mesmerizing tableau. It’s a journey not just through Asti’s streets but through the pages of its rich history. Don’t just visit; experience, absorb, and let the Renaissance breath of Asti captivate your spirit.
