ASTI, a city of Montferrat in Italy, seated on the
Tanaro, and capital of the county of the same name.
It is a bishop's see, and well fortified with strong walls
and deep ditches; and is divided into the city, borough,
citadel, and castle. There are a great many churches
and convents, as well as other handsome buildings; and
its territory is well watered, abounding with groves,
pleasant hills, and spacious fields. It was taken by the
French in 1745, and retaken by the king of Sardinia
in 1746. E. Long. 8. 15. N. Lat. 54. 50.