Asti, which is situated on the Borbore stream, used to be an ancient Roman settlement called Hasta Pompeia. The Palio, a spectacular medieval re-enactment takes place there every year in the first half of September. Its admirable artistic heritage ranges from Romanesque to Baroque, with the elegant profile of sacred buildings and noble palaces, such as Palazzo Mazzetti, seat of the Civic Art Gallery and exhibition venue, Palazzo Ottolenghi, (seat of the Risorgimento Museum) and Palazzo Alfieri, birthplace of the count and artist Vittorio Alfieri. You can admire the charming UNESCO vineyard hills of Monferrato Astigiano just outside the town. Meanwhile the nearby town of Canelli is characterised by the "Underground Cathedrals": historic cellars dug into the sixteenth and nineteenth century limestone tuff that hold fine wines and sparkling wines to enrich tables around the world. Find out more on www.visitlmr.it