Piazza Asolo

Asolo is a small town, famous for its lace and silk weaving. It is also resplendent with monuments, such as the remains of an amphitheatre and an aqueduct, the Rocca (castle of the 12th early 13th century), or you can visit the Palazzo della Ragione which has now become the museum of the city. In the last century it was a privileged resort by artists and writers such as Robert Browning, Igor Stravinsky, Ernest Hemmingway and the famous Eleonora Duse. Asolo is known for its wine, its fabrics and embroidery, hand-painted ceramics, and antique furniture (with an antiques fair on the second Sunday of each month). 

During the summer months, there are live concerts and music festivals. Wander the lovely boutiques and local artisan shops in Asolo. Asolo is a great place to take peaceful walks to enjoy the scenery.

Excursions in the area are possible on foot, bicycle or horseback; and three golf courses are nearby. 

Asolo is only an hour’s drive (50 minutes by train) from Venice. The nearest railway stations are Castelfranco 16 km, Bassano del Grappa 16 km and Montebelluna 15 km; transfers can be arranged.

The Venetian Villas: In the sixteenth century, with Veneto’s architect Andrea Palladio (1508 – 1580) a new type of mansion was born: the temple-villa, like the nearby Villa Barbaro in Maser. More than 3000 villas were built in the hinterland of Venice between the 15th and 19th century. Some are open to the public. The most famous are the Palladian villas such as Villa Barbaro at Maser, Villa Emo at Fanzolo and La Rotonda near Vincenza. Do not miss the Villa Valmarana “Ai Nani” with frescoes by Tiepolo, Catajo Castle and Villa Barbarigo with its baroque garden and a maze of boxwood.

The ‘Barco della Regina Cornaro’ in Altivole it is worth mentioning. This was the country residence of the former Queen of Cyprus Caterina Cornaro and was built at the end of the 15th century, adorned with beautiful gardens, hunting grounds, canals and watergames.

Possignano is also very easy to reach: it is the home of the neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova, where his birthhouse and the ‘Gipsoteca’ temple can be visited in a truly inspirational environment.

Castelfranco Veneto is renowned for being the birthplace of the famous painter Giorgione. Within its spectacular medieval walls, the ‘Museo Casa Giorgione’ allows visitors to explore the history and evolution of the town under the influence of this artist.

Bassano del Grappa, 16 km from Asolo, is a medieval city, well-known for its picturesque wooden bridge, the ceramic stores and the wine bars where it is possible to taste the traditional distillate of the city, ‘grappa’. This alcoholic beverage has been made in the town's distilleries since 1779, when the ‘Nardini’ factory (still one of the most renowned, along with ‘Poli’) was founded. Besides its centenary-old distilleries, the city is mostly renowned for Palladio’s ‘Ponte Vecchio’ (Old Bridge), probably one of the most famous symbols of Italy: architect Andrea Palladio was commissioned to design it in 1569. Bassano is also noteworthy for the ‘Museo Civico’, one of the most ancient in Veneto, hosting over 500 paintings from the 13th century to nowadays.

A few minutes away from Bassano stands Marostica with its stunning human chess game. This famous game is the ultimate expression of a local tradition and a magical moment for this town, that is also known as the ‘City of Chess’.

In Venice you will have the opportunity to visit any of the 84 churches present in the city, including of course the Basilica of St. Marco, which stands next to the Doge’s Palazzo, one of the main landmarks of Venice. You can also visit the islands, such as Murano, famous for its beautiful hand blown glass.

48 km from Asolo, you will find Padua. If you had to choose one thing to see, it would be the Cappella degli Scrovegni, a chapel entirely painted with frescoes by Giotto in the 14th century. This is considered the work which marks the beginning of the Renaissance. The main museum of Padua exposes wonderful artworks. The Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of Reason) is a surprising builing which rises above all the rest of the historical center of Padua.

At Vicenza you will be dazzled by Palladio’s genius. The beauty of the Olympic Theatre, an embodiment of Andrea Palladio, the Palladian Basilica, another of his masterworks, or the Loggia del Capitano. The small streets of this compact city want to be explored on foot, which will bring an exciting reward at each 20 steps you take.

The city of Verona contains many treasures: start with the Roman monuments, such as the Roman Arena. Garden lovers will want to visit the Giardino Giusti. The San Zeno church will stay with you for long. Every day the Piazza delle Erbe, a beautiful square in the center of town has a colourful market.