Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Asti

In 124 BC the Romans built a fortified camp here, which eventually evolved into a city named Hasta. Asti become an important city favored by its strategic position on the Via Fulvia, which linked Derthona (Tortona) to Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). The city was crucial during the early stages of the "barbarian invasions". In early 402 the Visigoths had invaded northern Italy and were advancing on Mediolanum (modern Milan) which was the imperial capital at that time. When Honorius, the Roman emperor took refuge in Hasta, the Goths placed Hasta under siege until March when General Stilicho, bringing troops from the Rhine, fought and defeated the Romans at the Battle of Pollentia. From the 6th century, it was a seat for a Lombard duchy until it was conquered by the Franks in 774. In the late Carolingian age, Asti was ruled directly by his bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. Asti was one of the first free communes of Italy, and in 1140 received the right to mint coins of its own from Conrad II. As the commune, however, entered conflicts with the bishops and local feudatories, Frederick Barbarossa, presented under the city walls with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege. Asti was stormed and burnt. Asti recovered and the 13th century saw the peak of economic and cultural splendor. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II in northern Italy, the city chose his side: Asti was defeated by the Guelphs of Alessandria, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against Thomas II of Savoy became fierce: the Astigiani defeated him at the Battle of Montebruno (1255), but Thomas (who had been taken prisoner) replied ordering all traders from Asti to be arrested in Savoy and France. This led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples, but the Battle of Roccavione, ended Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. In the 1290s, after William VII had also been defeated, Asti was the most powerful city in Piedmont. However, internal struggles for the control of trading and banking enterprises soon divided the city into factions. The most prominent faction was the Solari family, who, in 1314, gave the city to king Robert of Naples. The free Republic of Asti ceased to exist. The cathedral's first construction may have begun around the sixth century, and tradition has it that it replaced earlier buildings, including a primitive church built on the crypt of the martyred Saint Secundus of Asti. Around 1070 the cathedral collapsed, partly as a result of a fire started by Adelaide of Susa in a dispute with the bishops. In 1095 the rebuilt cathedral was consecrated by Pope Urban II, who was here to preach the First Crusade. The Cathedral of Asti ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo") that can be seen today is one of the largest churches in Piedmont. It was erected in the 13th/14th century. The tower is older and belonged to the previous Romanesque building. The "Entombment of Christ" / "Mise au Tombeau"

In 124 BC the Romans built a fortified camp here, which eventually evolved into a city named Hasta. Asti become an important city favored by its strategic position on the Via Fulvia, which linked Derthona (Tortona) to Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). The city was crucial during the early stages of the "barbarian invasions". In early 402 the Visigoths had invaded northern Italy and were advancing on Mediolanum (modern Milan) which was the imperial capital at that time. When Honorius, the Roman emperor took refuge in Hasta, the Goths placed Hasta under siege until March when General Stilicho, bringing troops from the Rhine, fought and defeated the Romans at the Battle of Pollentia. From the 6th century, it was a seat for a Lombard duchy until it was conquered by the Franks in 774. In the late Carolingian age, Asti was ruled directly by his bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. Asti was one of the first free communes of Italy, and in 1140 received the right to mint coins of its own from Conrad II. As the commune, however, entered conflicts with the bishops and local feudatories, Frederick Barbarossa, presented under the city walls with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege. Asti was stormed and burnt. Asti recovered and the 13th century saw the peak of economic and cultural splendor. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II in northern Italy, the city chose his side: Asti was defeated by the Guelphs of Alessandria, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against Thomas II of Savoy became fierce: the Astigiani defeated him at the Battle of Montebruno (1255), but Thomas (who had been taken prisoner) replied ordering all traders from Asti to be arrested in Savoy and France. This led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples, but the Battle of Roccavione, ended Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. In the 1290s, after William VII had also been defeated, Asti was the most powerful city in Piedmont. However, internal struggles for the control of trading and banking enterprises soon divided the city into factions. The most prominent faction was the Solari family, who, in 1314, gave the city to king Robert of Naples. The free Republic of Asti ceased to exist. The cathedral's first construction may have begun around the sixth century, and tradition has it that it replaced earlier buildings, including a primitive church built on the crypt of the martyred Saint Secundus of Asti. Around 1070 the cathedral collapsed, partly as a result of a fire started by Adelaide of Susa in a dispute with the bishops. In 1095 the rebuilt cathedral was consecrated by Pope Urban II, who was here to preach the First Crusade. The Cathedral of Asti ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo") that can be seen today is one of the largest churches in Piedmont. It was erected in the 13th/14th century. The tower is older and belonged to the previous Romanesque building.

In 124 BC the Romans built a fortified camp here, which eventually evolved into a city named Hasta. Asti become an important city favored by its strategic position on the Via Fulvia, which linked Derthona (Tortona) to Augusta Taurinorum (Turin). The city was crucial during the early stages of the "barbarian invasions". In early 402 the Visigoths had invaded northern Italy and were advancing on Mediolanum (modern Milan) which was the imperial capital at that time. When Honorius, the Roman emperor took refuge in Hasta, the Goths placed Hasta under siege until March when General Stilicho, bringing troops from the Rhine, fought and defeated the Romans at the Battle of Pollentia. From the 6th century, it was a seat for a Lombard duchy until it was conquered by the Franks in 774. In the late Carolingian age, Asti was ruled directly by his bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. Asti was one of the first free communes of Italy, and in 1140 received the right to mint coins of its own from Conrad II. As the commune, however, entered conflicts with the bishops and local feudatories, Frederick Barbarossa, presented under the city walls with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege. Asti was stormed and burnt. Asti recovered and the 13th century saw the peak of economic and cultural splendor. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II in northern Italy, the city chose his side: Asti was defeated by the Guelphs of Alessandria, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against Thomas II of Savoy became fierce: the Astigiani defeated him at the Battle of Montebruno (1255), but Thomas (who had been taken prisoner) replied ordering all traders from Asti to be arrested in Savoy and France. This led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples, but the Battle of Roccavione, ended Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. In the 1290s, after William VII had also been defeated, Asti was the most powerful city in Piedmont. However, internal struggles for the control of trading and banking enterprises soon divided the city into factions. The most prominent faction was the Solari family, who, in 1314, gave the city to king Robert of Naples. The free Republic of Asti ceased to exist. The cathedral's first construction may have begun around the sixth century, and tradition has it that it replaced earlier buildings, including a primitive church built on the crypt of the martyred Saint Secundus of Asti. Around 1070 the cathedral collapsed, partly as a result of a fire started by Adelaide of Susa in a dispute with the bishops. In 1095 the rebuilt cathedral was consecrated by Pope Urban II, who was here to preach the First Crusade. The Cathedral of Asti ("Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Gottardo") that can be seen today is one of the largest churches in Piedmont. It was erected in the 13th/14th century. The tower is older and belonged to the previous Romanesque building.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - "San Pietro in Consavia" is also named "Complex of the baptistery of San Pietro" as it is consisting of four buildings dating from the 12th century to the 14th century. The "Rotonda del Santo Sepolcro" was planned already around 1000 as a copy of the "Church of the Holy Sepulchre" in Jerusalem for those who could not travel to Palestine and could therefore follow a local pilgrimage. It was completed in the 12th century - and unfortunalety was locked, when I visited.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - The "Torre Rosso" ("Red Tower") is probably the oldest still existing building in Asti. It was erected in different ages. The red part was made in 1st century, while the highest part was built with tuff in 11th century. It was probably one of the two towers of a city gate of Roman period. The church behind is the Baroque Santa Caterina.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - A predecessor of the cathedral collapsed following a fire set off by Adelaide di Susa in her conflict with the Bishops of Asti. The cathedral erected after the collapse was consecrated in 1095 by Pope Urban II, who passed through Asti on his way to Clermont, where he preached the first cruisade. This cathedral was Romanesque, that got altered about a century later, when it had to be enlarged. Little by little the whole church was rebuilt. According to local tradition it was begun under Bishop Guido di Valperga in office from 1295 to 1327. The three-nave cathedral is done in a Gothic style with pointed arches, obviously influenced by the Angevin architectural experiences of southern France. To the left is the Pelletta portal, named after the Palletta-family, who financed it. The bell tower is Romanesque.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - A predecessor of the cathedral collapsed following a fire set off by Adelaide di Susa in her conflict with the Bishops of Asti. The cathedral erected after the collapse was consecrated in 1095 by Pope Urban II, who passed through Asti on his way to Clermont, where he preached the first cruisade. This cathedral was Romanesque, that got altered about a century later, when it had to be enlarged. Little by little the whole church was rebuilt. According to local tradition it was begun under Bishop Guido di Valperga in office from 1295 to 1327. The three-nave cathedral is done in a Gothic style with pointed arches, obviously influenced by the Angevin architectural experiences of southern France. The facade has three rose windows surmounted by two oculi and a cross window.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. The "Torre dei Comentina" (aka "Torre di San Bernardino") was erected within the 13th century by the powerful Ghibelline Gardino family. The tower measures only 3,32 meters per side at its base while its height is 38,55 meters. This is the tallest tower in Piedmont . The "Palazzo Medici del Vascello" in the foreground is younger than the tower.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. The Collegiate Church of San Secondo, patron saint of the city, is one of the oldest Gothic churches in Asti. According to tradition the church was built on the site of the saint´s martyrdom and burial. The oldest document mentioning the church dates back to 880. Within the 10th century first works to enlarge the church were carried out. In 1256 the chapter of the Canons decreed the beginning of the construction of the present church. Only the Romanesque bell tower remained of the old building. The work continued throughout the century, until the second half of the 14th century. In 1440, the church was completed. Under the crossing dome.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. The Collegiate Church of San Secondo, patron saint of the city, is one of the oldest Gothic churches in Asti. According to tradition the church was built on the site of the saint´s martyrdom and burial. The oldest document mentioning the church dates back to 880. Within the 10th century first works to enlarge the church were carried out. In 1256 the chapter of the Canons decreed the beginning of the construction of the present church. Only the Romanesque bell tower remained of the old building. The work continued throughout the century, until the second half of the 14th century. In 1440, the church was completed.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. The Collegiate Church of San Secondo, patron saint of the city, is one of the oldest Gothic churches in Asti. According to tradition the church was built on the site of the saint´s martyrdom and burial. The oldest document mentioning the church dates back to 880. Within the 10th century first works to enlarge the church were carried out. In 1256 the chapter of the Canons decreed the beginning of the construction of the present church. Only the Romanesque bell tower remained of the old building. The work continued throughout the century, until the second half of the 14th century. In 1440, the church was completed and the facade was finished in 1462.