Asolo​​​​​​​​​​​

I think it is safe to say that Asolo is Italy’s finest hilltown. Its beautifully elegant and I have never travelled to a more exquisite little town. As you drive up the scenic winding roads to reach the town’s center you pass numerous villas and palaces, once inhabited by poets, famous travellers, movie stars and even royalty of the past.

Parking is very limited and the central parking lot fills up fast so be prepared to park below Asolo and walk up. There is a bus service that runs from Bassano del Grappa to Asolo which would be the simplest way to get there if you do not have a car.
Asolo is known for its upscale antiques market which is held the second Sunday of the month. People come from all over the world to sell their wares at the market. It is a fine selection of furniture, pictures and jewellery.

If you visit Asolo when there is no antiques market there are still plenty of things to do. You can visit the old fortress at the top of the hill, walk around the town center admiring the beautiful clothing boutiques and visit the book shops which stock antique books and produce exquisite hand bound leather books, or you can visit one of the wine bars and enjoy a taste of the local wines. You can also sit at an outdoor table at the chic Caffe Centrale, which overlooks the Fontana Maggiore with its winged lion, and watch the stylish people come and go.

Marco and I make a point of visiting the Pizzaria Cornaro every time we are in Asolo as the pizzaiolo there makes by far the best pizza we have eaten anywhere in the world. We have also had the simple pleasure of eating a delicious ciabatta roll with sliced porchetta served with a glass of Malbec from the stall situated in the central parking area.

Asolo is a town of great historical, artistic and cultural value. It is almost as if the pristine little village with its alleyways, mansions and arcades is one big museum.
For the historian a visit to Asolo is a must. Just a few minutes drive from Asolo are two of the most important masterpieces of Andrea Palladio (1508 - 1580) who was an Italian architect of the Renaissance period. All of his buildings are located in northern Italy and tourists come from all over the world to visit these architectural masterpieces.
Finally be sure to save time for The Church of Sant'Anna, a small retreat on the top of a hill, where you can visit the tomb of the world famous actress Eleonora Duse.
I can guarantee once you have visited Asolo you will be drawn back to the little hilltop town again as its beauty and elegance is unsurpassed.


How to get there:
By car or by bus from Bassano del Grappa. There are no trains to Asolo.

Highlights:
The Winged Lion Fountain (Fontana maggiore)
The Cathedral – this beautiful cathedral dates back to 1584
Castello della regina Cornaro – one of the symbols of the Asolan countryside which seems to date back to the 10th century
The Roman Aqueduct “La Bot” – this ancient copper clad underground water system dates back to the first century A.D. and was used to provide water to the Roman baths
Antiques Fair – every second Sunday of the month

Where to stay:
Albergo al Sole – upmarket beautifully appointed modern hotel
Hotel Duse – situated in the center of the old town this is a classic Italian hotel.

Where to eat:
Ristorante Pizzeria Cornaro – the best pizza in the region run by a family from Naples.

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