Description
At the corner of Via Carducci and Via Giobert, in the heart of Asti’s Cathedral district, stands the Torre Solaro, a reminder of Guelph power in medieval Asti.
Built during the fourteenth century, the tower is the only surviving part of an imposing architectural complex once owned by the Solaro family, one of the city’s most influential noble dynasties.
The solid Gothic structure has a square plan and plain wall surfaces. On the upper storeys, these are punctuated by single-light windows and two elegant mullioned windows with pointed arches, distinguished by the contrasting colours of terracotta and sandstone.
The tower measures more than 5.5 metres across internally at its base, suggesting that it was originally considerably taller.
Although its present height is lower than it once was, the broad base still hints at the tower’s former soaring proportions. The roof terrace is the result of alterations carried out during the twentieth century, which transformed this former defensive structure into a stark and silent landmark on Asti’s skyline.