Description
At the corner of Corso Alfieri and Piazza Roma stands one of Asti’s most iconic landmarks. Here, the Torre Comentina rises to 38 metres, making it one of the most imposing medieval towers in Piedmont.
Built during the thirteenth century, the square-plan tower retains its original soaring proportions. It is crowned by distinctive Ghibelline swallow-tailed battlements and decorated with elegant bands of small arches in terracotta and sandstone. Its name derives from historical research attributing its construction to the Comentina family.
For centuries, this stone sentinel served as the bell tower of the Convent of San Bernardino, marking the rhythm of religious life. It also played an important role in the civic life of Asti, offering a privileged vantage point from which to watch the Palio when the race was run “alla lunga”, along the long route through the contrada maestra, now Corso Alfieri.
The surrounding area underwent profound changes during the nineteenth century, when the former fruit and vegetable market was transformed into present-day Piazza Roma. In a striking dialogue between different historical periods, the medieval tower was incorporated into the neo-Gothic Palazzo Medici del Vascello in the late nineteenth century.
At the centre of the square stands an imposing monument commemorating the Risorgimento. Commissioned by Leonetto Ottolenghi, it celebrates the unification of Italy. An obelisk rises beside an allegorical figure of Italy, shown offering a laurel wreath to those who fell in the struggle for national unity.
The balustrade surrounding the base is decorated with torches, fasces and lions bearing coats of arms. At the same time, the small pillars are inscribed with the names of battles fought during the Risorgimento.
In recognition of Leonetto Ottolenghi’s generosity, the Municipality placed a commemorative plaque in his honour in the square in 1899.