| 
WHERE: Asti, Italy
WHEN: 01 September 2024
Wavers. Parades. Suggestive shows. And an ancient horse race, dating back to the 13th century, older than Siena.
All this, in a splendid Italian city that combines art, history and gastronomy.
Here are the reasons that make the Palio of Asti one of the most important autumn events in Italy. A truly exciting event in which 20 challengers will take part (this year Montechiaro was excluded).
In addition to the race, at the Palio di Asti you could have attended numerous equally suggestive events and shows. Among these, the historical parade of the Palio di Asti. An extraordinary medieval re-enactment, with about 1200 figures parading through the streets of the historic city center.
Asti celebrates 3 days before the official start, with parades of children, propitiatory local dinners, race trials and splendid markets. Among the various stalls in the Rioni, you can admire objects and artifacts linked to the Palio of Asti, and savor the typical delights.
Photo ©, Laura Massarelli
PRACTICAL INFO
LOCATION
Asti is perfectly accessible by car and train. The train station is located in the city center, not far from the main points of interest.
The location of the event is, of course, Piazza Alfieri, about 600 meters from the station.
In the center, the Square is easily accessible on foot
PALIO DI ASTI TIMETABLES AND PROGRAM 2024
The program takes place following a well-established tradition.
At 11:00 o’clock, in San Secondo Square, appointment with the flag-wavers.
At 14:00, from Piazza Cattedrale, departure of the
Historical Procession and Parade through the streets of the city.
From 16:00, in Piazza Alfieri, the Horse races begin.
At the end of the final, at around 18:30, the prize-giving ceremony and the final show of the flag-wavers.
TICKETS
The cheapest way to attend the Palio di Asti is from the Parterre. In this case it is preferable to arrive a couple of hours early, because you will find many people waiting, risking being left out. The cost is €5 per person
Alternatively, you can buy a special ticket, and watch the event comfortably seated. Four different grandstands are available, with prices starting from a minimum of €25 (Grandstands Guttuari and Isnardi, in the curve, or Pelletta, Comentini, Gardini in the straight) to a maximum of €100 (Grandstand Argano) depending on the sector. Availability is quite limited.
PALIO MUSEUM
Near Piazza Cattedrale, a visit to the Palio Museum is the best opportunity to learn more about this event. Housed in Palazzo Mazzola, it houses artifacts and objects related to the Palio, and interesting exhibitions.
Open Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 13:00. Tuesday, also open from 15:00 to 17:30.
The square is very beautiful, dominated by the marvelous Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Gottardo. Not to be missed when visiting Asti.
*all information contained herein, including timetables and prices, is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered official. All names and trademarks herein belong to their respective owners.