L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano continues to be a source of local pride. Another notable name associated with Asolo i s S C A R P A , a c o m p a n y k n o w n w o r l d w i d e f o r i t s high-quality mountaineer- i n g a n d h i k i n g f o o t w e a r . Food and wine are also cen- tral to local appeal, as Asolo s i t s i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e P r o s e c c o S u p e r i o r e D O C G r e g i o n , w h e r e some of the finest sparkling wines in Italy are produced. V i s i t o r s c a n t o u r l o c a l wineries to learn about the production process and, of course, enjoy tastings.The culinary scene reflects the Veneto region's traditions, with trattorias serving dish- e s l i k e b i g o l i p a s t a w i t h d u c k r a g ù , a n d r a d i c c h i o risottos, alongside seasonal specialties. A s o l o i s s p e c i a l f o r i t s ability to attract people who v a l u e i t s p e a c e f u l b e a u t y b u t a l s o i t s h i s t o r i c a l wealth; it's a place where the past feels alive in the very rhythms of the town and its modest size allows v i s i t o r s t o e x p l o r e a t a leisurely pace, and find hid- d e n c o u r t y a r d s , f r e s c o e d w a l l s , a n d f a m i l y - r u n s h o p s . T h e r e ' s a s e n s e o f discovery around every cor- ner, and at the end of every of its history in every cor- ner. The Rocca, a fortress b u i l t o n a h i l l a b o v e t h e town, dates back to the 12th century and offers incredi- b l e v i e w s o f t h e V e n e t o plains and the Dolomites in t h e d i s t a n c e . O r i g i n a l l y built to defend the region, it now serves as a reminder of Asolo's strategic importance over the centuries. Below, Renaissance-era buildings blend seamlessly with mod- ern establishments in the medieval town center. Beautiful and well worth a visit is the Cathedral of S a n t a M a r i a A s s u n t a : rebuilt in the 18th century, it houses a remarkable col- lection of art, including an altarpiece by the Venetian Renaissance painter Loren- zo Lotto. The Civic Muse- um, housed in the Palazzo della Ragione, offers fur- ther insights into Asolo's history, with exhibits rang- ing from Roman artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces a n d m e m o r a b i l i a o f i t s famous residents. Today, Asolo's economy thrives on a mix of tradi- t i o n a l c r a f t s a n d m o d e r n industries; the town is par- ticularly known for its lace- m a k i n g , a t r a d i t i o n t h a t d a t e s b a c k c e n t u r i e s a n d street. If you are in town to enjoy a cultural break, you'll find plenty to do, too. Events like the Asolo Art Film Festival, one of the oldest festivals of its kind, draw crowds from around the world. Plus, the many music concerts, art exhibi- tions, and historical reen- a c t m e n t s t h a t t a k e p l a c e throughout the year ensure there's always something happening. The experience of visiting Asolo is one of immersion. I t ' s n o t a p l a c e t o r u s h through, rather, it invites travelers to slow down and absorb its layers. For those willing to look closely, Asolo reveals a story of resilience and reinvention, shaped by the people who have called i t h o m e a n d t h e v i s i t o r s who have fallen under its spell. In a world that often feels hurried and discon- nected, Asolo offers a space to pause, reflect, and recon- nect with a sense of place; its history is tangible, its culture alive, and its spirit welcoming. I t ' s e a s y t o s e e w h y s o many have been drawn to this small but extraordinary town, finding in it not only a destination but a lasting source of inspiration. l a t e 1 9 t h a n d e a r l y 2 0 t h centuries, also known for being the muse and roman- t i c p a r t n e r t o p o e t G a b r i e l e D ' A n n u n z i o . Known for her intense and n a t u r a l i s t i c a c t i n g s t y l e , D u s e w a s d r a w n t o t h e t o w n ' s q u i e t b e a u t y , s o much so that she spent her later years there. She was buried in Asolo's cemetery, and her connection to the town has since become an i n t e g r a l p a r t o f t h e l o c a l identity. Another artistic f i g u r e , t h e E n g l i s h p o e t Robert Browning, was so enamored by Asolo that he named his final collection of poems Asolando, a term that loosely translates to "strolling through Asolo." A s o l o ' s a r t i s t i c l e g a c y extends beyond literature a n d p e r f o r m a n c e , a s t h e town has also been home to explorers and adventurers, m o s t n o t a b l y t h e B r i t i s h travel writer Freya Stark. A pioneer of solo travel in t h e M i d d l e E a s t , S t a r k c h o s e A s o l o a s h e r b a s e later in life, and her house remains a point of interest for those fascinated by her adventurous spirit and pro- lific writings. Walking through Asolo, visitors can feel the weight A solo is a small t o w n i n t h e Veneto region of Italy known for its unique c h a r m , d e e p h i s t o r i c a l roots, rich cultural heritage, and for having long been a magnet for writers, artists, and thinkers. Often referred to as The City of a Hundred Hori- zons due to the endless vis- tas from its elevated posi- tion, Asolo offers not only breathtaking views but also a c o m p e l l i n g n a r r a t i v e shaped by centuries of his- tory and human ambition; its story stretches back to antiquity, with archaeologi- cal evidence suggesting the area was settled during the Neolithic period. Its signifi- cance, then, grew under the Romans, who established it as a municipium because of its strategic location on the ancient Via Aurelia trade route, which made Asolo an i m p o r t a n t h u b . T r a c e s o f Roman life are still visible today, with the remnants of aqueducts and other infra- structure hinting at its for- mer prominence. Asolo's transformation into a cultural and political power, however, began in the Middle Ages when it came under the rule of the Ezzelino family, and later the Republic of Venice, which would shape much of its identity. The Venetian connection is perhaps most f a m o u s l y r e p r e s e n t e d b y C a t e r i n a C o r n a r o , t h e f o r m e r Q u e e n o f C y p r u s who was granted Asolo as her domain in 1489, after c e d i n g h e r k i n g d o m t o Venice. Caterina turned her p a l a c e i n t o a f l o u r i s h i n g court that drew intellectu- als, artists, and poets and, u n d e r h e r i n f l u e n c e , t h e town became synonymous with sophistication and cre- ativity. Her castle, though a l t e r e d o v e r t i m e , s t i l l stands as a symbol of this g o l d e n e r a , a n d i t n o w h o u s e s t h e E l e o n o r a D u s e T h e a t r e , n a m e d a f t e r a n o t h e r o f A s o l o ' s famous residents. Eleonora Duse was a c e l e b r a t e d a c t r e s s o f t h e CHIARA D'ALESSIO Asolo's architecture (Photo: Marioas/Dreamstime); bottom left, actress Eleonora Duse, who spent her last years in Asolo and is today a symbol of the town (Image: Aimé Dupont. Wikicommons. Public Domain) The One Hundred Horizons of Asolo ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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