Asti

(a ˙ s´tē), a town of Northern Italy, province of A le and ria, 28 miles E.S.E. of Turin, the see of 287 a bishop, with an old cathedral. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most powerful republics of Northern Italy. It was the birthplace of Alfieri, the poet, whose statue adorns the principal square. There is also an equestrian statue of King Humbert. The industries comprise silk, matches, gold, mosaic wares, . A favourite wine is produced in the neighbourhood. Asti, anciently Asta , was a place of some importance under the Roman emperors, and in the Middle Ages was an independent republic. Pop. 41,252.