Valle d'Aosta + Piemont + Liguria

A round building towers of the Val di Susa. From the architectural point of view probably one of the most interesting hotels I have ever been in - as it does not have stairs but a helical ramp inside. It was commited by Giovanni Agnelli as a mountain camp for the children of employees of FIAT company and created in 1937 by Vittorio Bonadè Bottino.

A round building towers of the Val di Susa. From the architectural point of view probably one of the most interesting hotels I have ever been in - as it does not have stairs but a helical ramp inside. It was commited by Giovanni Agnelli as a mountain camp for the children of employees of FIAT company and created in 1937 by Vittorio Bonadè Bottino.

A round building towers of the Val di Susa. From the architectural point of view probably one of the most interesting hotels I have ever been in - as it does not have stairs but a helical ramp inside. It was commited by Giovanni Agnelli as a mountain camp for the children of employees of FIAT company and created in 1937 by Vittorio Bonadè Bottino. The Hotel la Torre´s restaurant offers great panoramic views - and excellent food, like these roulades filled with mushroom mousse.

Ancient Novara, which dates to the time of the Ligures and the Celts, was a "municipium", that got its name, by the Romans, when the local Gauls obtained the Roman citizenship. It was destroyed by in 386 by Magnus Maximus, rebuilt by Theodosius I., in 405 sacked by Gothic king Radagaisus and again by Attila in 452. Under the Lombards, Novara became a duchy; under Charles III (aka "Charles the Fat"), emperor of the Carolingian Empire, a countship. In 1110, it was conquered by Henry V and destroyed, but in 1167 it joined the Lombard League. At the end of the 12th century, it accepted the protection of Milan and became practically a dominion of the Visconti and later of the Sforza. In the Battle of Novara in 1513, Swiss mercenaries defending Novara routed the French troops besieging the city. This ended the French invasion of Italy in the "War of the Holy League". Novara was the centre of a bishopric already within the 4th century. A large cathedral was erected within the 11th century. It was demolished in the mid-19th century to make way for the current Neo-Classical structure, built 1863 - 1869.

Ancient Novara, which dates to the time of the Ligures and the Celts, was a "municipium", that got its name, by the Romans, when the local Gauls obtained the Roman citizenship. It was destroyed by in 386 by Magnus Maximus, rebuilt by Theodosius I., in 405 sacked by Gothic king Radagaisus and again by Attila in 452. Under the Lombards, Novara became a duchy; under Charles III (aka "Charles the Fat"), emperor of the Carolingian Empire, a countship. In 1110, it was conquered by Henry V and destroyed, but in 1167 it joined the Lombard League. At the end of the 12th century, it accepted the protection of Milan and became practically a dominion of the Visconti and later of the Sforza. In the Battle of Novara in 1513, Swiss mercenaries defending Novara routed the French troops besieging the city. This ended the French invasion of Italy in the "War of the Holy League". Novara was the centre of a bishopric already within the 4th century. A large cathedral was erected within the 11th century. It was demolished in the mid-19th century to make way for the current Neo-Classical structure, built 1863 - 1869.

Ancient Novara, which dates to the time of the Ligures and the Celts, was a "municipium", that got its name, by the Romans, when the local Gauls obtained the Roman citizenship. It was destroyed by in 386 by Magnus Maximus, rebuilt by Theodosius I., in 405 sacked by Gothic king Radagaisus and again by Attila in 452. Under the Lombards, Novara became a duchy; under Charles III (aka "Charles the Fat"), emperor of the Carolingian Empire, a countship. In 1110, it was conquered by Henry V and destroyed, but in 1167 it joined the Lombard League. At the end of the 12th century, it accepted the protection of Milan and became practically a dominion of the Visconti and later of the Sforza. In the Battle of Novara in 1513, Swiss mercenaries defending Novara routed the French troops besieging the city. This ended the French invasion of Italy in the "War of the Holy League". Novara was the centre of a bishopric already within the 4th century. A large cathedral was erected within the 11th century. It was demolished in the mid-19th century to make way for the current Neo-Classical structure, built 1863 - 1869.

Ancient Novara, which dates to the time of the Ligures and the Celts, was a "municipium", that got its name, by the Romans, when the local Gauls obtained the Roman citizenship. It was destroyed by in 386 by Magnus Maximus, rebuilt by Theodosius I., in 405 sacked by Gothic king Radagaisus and again by Attila in 452. Under the Lombards, Novara became a duchy; under Charles III (aka "Charles the Fat"), emperor of the Carolingian Empire, a countship. In 1110, it was conquered by Henry V and destroyed, but in 1167 it joined the Lombard League. At the end of the 12th century, it accepted the protection of Milan and became practically a dominion of the Visconti and later of the Sforza. In the Battle of Novara in 1513, Swiss mercenaries defending Novara routed the French troops besieging the city. This ended the French invasion of Italy in the "War of the Holy League". Novara was the centre of a bishopric already within the 4th century. A large cathedral was erected within the 11th century. It was demolished in the mid-19th century to make way for the current Neo-Classical structure, built 1863 - 1869. The baptistery was spared from Antonelli´s renovation. It is the earliest Christian monument in Novara, dating back to the early 5th century, built on a side already occupied in Roman times

Ancient Novara, which dates to the time of the Ligures and the Celts, was a "municipium", that got its name, by the Romans, when the local Gauls obtained the Roman citizenship. It was destroyed by in 386 by Magnus Maximus, rebuilt by Theodosius I., in 405 sacked by Gothic king Radagaisus and again by Attila in 452. Under the Lombards, Novara became a duchy; under Charles III (aka "Charles the Fat"), emperor of the Carolingian Empire, a countship. In 1110, it was conquered by Henry V and destroyed, but in 1167 it joined the Lombard League. At the end of the 12th century, it accepted the protection of Milan and became practically a dominion of the Visconti and later of the Sforza. In the Battle of Novara in 1513, Swiss mercenaries defending Novara routed the French troops besieging the city. This ended the French invasion of Italy in the "War of the Holy League". Novara was the centre of a bishopric already within the 4th century. A large cathedral was erected within the 11th century. It was demolished in the mid-19th century to make way for the current Neo-Classical structure, built 1863 - 1869. The baptistery was spared from Antonelli´s renovation. It is the earliest Christian monument in Novara, dating back to the early 5th century, built on a side already occupied in Roman times. Standing inside - the dome.

Ancient Novara, which dates to the time of the Ligures and the Celts, was a "municipium", that got its name, by the Romans, when the local Gauls obtained the Roman citizenship. It was destroyed by in 386 by Magnus Maximus, rebuilt by Theodosius I., in 405 sacked by Gothic king Radagaisus and again by Attila in 452. Under the Lombards, Novara became a duchy; under Charles III (aka "Charles the Fat"), emperor of the Carolingian Empire, a countship. In 1110, it was conquered by Henry V and destroyed, but in 1167 it joined the Lombard League. At the end of the 12th century, it accepted the protection of Milan and became practically a dominion of the Visconti and later of the Sforza. In the Battle of Novara in 1513, Swiss mercenaries defending Novara routed the French troops besieging the city. This ended the French invasion of Italy in the "War of the Holy League". Novara was the centre of a bishopric already within the 4th century. A large cathedral was erected within the 11th century. It was demolished in the mid-19th century to make way for the current Neo-Classical structure, built 1863 - 1869. The baptistery was spared from Antonelli´s renovation. It is the earliest Christian monument in Novara, dating back to the early 5th century, built on a side already occupied in Roman times. In the centzer are the remains of an octagonal pool used for baptism by immersion.

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.

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. 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 "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.

"Il Cortiletto", founded in 1926, is known since ages in and around Asti, for stylish underwear. Unfortunately shops like Intimissimi have taken a large market share from its "granny".

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. - 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. - 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. - "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.