Between Allegory and Heraldry

An exhibition dedicated to the Palio's historical pageant

In the village of Castell'Alfero, near Asti, the majestic Castello dei Conti Amico opens the doors of its Sala Rossa to host Between Allegory and Heraldry, an exhibition celebrating the town's participation in the Palio di Asti. The exhibition is an initiative of the Comitato Palio di Castell'Alfero APS, with the support of the local municipal administration, and brings together the costumes and props created for the 2025 edition of the Palio's historical pageant.

The theme: medieval bestiaries

The exhibition's central thread is the theme chosen by the district for its pageant: medieval bestiaries between allegory and heraldry. Bestiaries were ancient volumes in which theologians and monks drew moral lessons from the observation of animals, both real and fantastical. These same figures populated the coats of arms and blazons of noble families, serving as symbols of strength and power. The exhibition reconstructs the profound link between the study of heraldry and allegory, two core elements of the Palio tradition.

An award-winning journey

The 2025 edition was a memorable one for Castell'Alfero: the town's historical pageant won the prestigious Pergamena d'Autore and the Soroptimist Special Prize for the originality of its theme, during an event that celebrated the 750th anniversary of the first historical mention of the Palio di Asti, featuring over 1,200 participants representing the 21 participating districts, villages, and towns. The exhibition allows visitors to admire the fruits of this craftsmanship up close, from costumes and masks to stage props.

An opportunity to discover Castell'Alfero

Visiting Between Allegory and Heraldry is also a perfect opportunity to explore the Castello dei Conti Amico and the village of Castell'Alfero, nestled in the rolling hills of the Asti Monferrato. Admission to the exhibition is free, an open invitation to all enthusiasts of history, art, and the folk traditions of Piedmont.