Asti

The gothic Collegiate Church of San Secondo has roots extending back before the year 1000.

Adjacent to the Town Hall, and overlooking Piazza San Secondo, it is at the heart of the city. Dedicated to San Secondo, the patron saint of Asti, according to tradition, it was built on the site of his martyrdom and burial.

Construction of the current church began in 1256; the only trace of the previous structure is the imposing Romanesque bell tower. In 1440 the church was enlarged with the last span and the facade was finished in 1462.

The plan is longitudinal, divided into three irregular aisles; the nave, which ends with a pentagonal apse, is the largest.

The left aisle ends with a square apse, while that on the right is rounded.

The facade has a typical Romanesque gable layout divided into three parts. Two ocular lights flank a central brick rosette decorated with Renaissance elements. The side doors date from the 16th century, while the central door go back to the 18th century.