The Troyana Tower, also known as the Red Tower, is the tallest tower in Asti and a symbol of its medieval past. Climbing the 199 steps leads to a terrace at 44 meters high, providing a 360-degree view of the historic center and surrounding hills. Located in Piazza Medici, it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the city.
- Breathtaking view of the entire historic center of Asti and the Monferrato hills
- The only accessible medieval tower in Asti open to the public
- 13th-century brick structure with Ghibelline battlements and a historic clock
- Central location in Piazza Medici, near other medieval monuments
The Troyana Tower, standing 44 meters tall in the heart of Asti, offers a panoramic view of medieval palaces, Romanesque churches, and the Monferrato hills. It is the only accessible medieval tower in Asti, featuring a brick structure and a historic clock.
- https://www.comune.asti.it/pagina806_torre-troiana.html
- info@fondazioneastimusei.it
- Piazza Medici, Asti (AT)
- +39 0141 399 489
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Torre Troyana a Asti
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Introduction
The Troyana Tower soars 44 meters high in the heart of Asti, dominating the historic center’s skyline. Also known as the Red Tower for its brick color, it’s the only medieval tower in Asti still accessible to the public. Climbing to its summit offers a unique thrill: from up there, your gaze sweeps across the rooftops of tower houses, Romanesque churches, and stretches toward the gentle hills of Monferrato. It’s not just a monument, but a true balcony overlooking the history and beauty of this Piedmontese land.
Historical Notes
The Troyana Tower dates back to the 13th century, a period of great splendor for the noble families of Asti who built towers as symbols of power. It belonged to the powerful Troya family, from whom it takes its name, who controlled important commercial traffic in the region. In the Middle Ages, Asti counted over 120 towers, but only a few have survived to this day. The tower has withstood centuries of history, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of the city today.
- 13th century: construction by the Troya family
- Middle Ages: one of the 120 towers that characterized the urban landscape
- Today: perfectly preserved symbolic monument
The Panoramic Ascent
To reach the summit of Troyana Tower, you must climb a staircase of 199 steps, but every effort is abundantly rewarded. Upon reaching the top, you’ll find yourself on an open terrace offering a breathtaking 360-degree view. You can clearly distinguish the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Collegiate Church of San Secondo, and the San Pietro in Consavia complex. To the south, on clear days, you can glimpse the first hills of Monferrato with their vineyards. The perspective from above allows you to perfectly understand the medieval urban layout of Asti and the strategic importance of these towers.
Architecture and Details
The structure of Troyana Tower is a perfect example of medieval Piedmontese civil architecture. Built with solid bricks, it features a square base that slightly tapers upward. The Ghibelline battlements crowning the top testify to its allegiance to an imperial family. Particularly interesting are the arrow slits and openings used for surveillance and defense. Inside, the wooden and stone staircase still preserves the ancient atmosphere, while the walls show signs of time and the restorations that have kept this historical testimony intact.
Why Visit It
Visiting the Troyana Tower means fully immersing yourself in Asti’s medieval history. It’s the only spot in the city where you can simultaneously admire the entire historic center and the surrounding landscape. The view of the other surviving towers – such as the Comentina Tower and the de Regibus Tower – allows you to understand Asti’s ancient skyline. Moreover, its central location makes it easy to combine your visit with other nearby monuments, creating a complete itinerary for discovering medieval Asti without having to cover long distances.
When to Go
The best time to ascend the Troyana Tower is in the early afternoon, when the sunlight perfectly illuminates the monuments of the historic center and the Monferrato hills appear particularly defined. During the shoulder seasons, especially in spring and autumn, the atmosphere becomes even more evocative due to the quality of the light and the lower crowds. The clear days following rain offer exceptional views stretching all the way to the Ligurian Apennines.
In the Surroundings
Just steps away from the Troyana Tower stands the Asti Synagogue, a testament to the city’s ancient Jewish community, with its fascinating museum. To complete the medieval experience, it’s worth visiting Palazzo Mazzetti, home to the Civic Museum with artifacts and artworks that tell the story of Asti and its territory, including precious illuminated manuscripts.
💡 Did You Know…?
Torre Troyana takes its name from the Troya family, one of the most influential families in Asti during the Middle Ages. It is said that from its top, during patron saint festivals, coins were thrown to the crowd, a tradition that symbolized prosperity. Today, climbing it means reliving that atmosphere, with the sound of bells echoing through the alleyways.