Cripta di Sant'Anastasio: Unearthing Asti's Ancient Soul

The Cripta di Sant'Anastasio, located in the heart of Asti, offers a captivating journey through the city's layered past. This historical treasure lies beneath the modern streets, revealing remnants of Roman and Lombard eras. The crypt itself dates back to the early 8th century, possibly initiated during the reign of King Liutprand of the Lombards. Visiting the Cripta di Sant'Anastasio is an immersive experience, allowing you to literally step into Asti's most ancient history. The basilica-style crypt is divided into three small naves with cross vaults, creating a sense of awe and wonder. See the remains of the Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Anastasius, which became an important female monastery from the 11th century onwards. The church, constructed shortly after 1000 AD, featured three naves and an impressive system of cross vaults supported by quadrangular masonry pillars or supports formed by four half-columns. The museum attached to the crypt displays a collection of stone artifacts from the city's noble palaces. Admire the coats of arms of Asti's noble families, architectural decorations, and a fragment of a multi-headed fountain. The site also contains tombs dating back to the Lombard period, from the late 7th to the end of the 9th centuries.