The Asolo Experience

Over the past month, the full-time American students have been learning the Italian language and getting accustomed to the Italian culture with the help of Professoressa Michela. This month, she took them to the beautiful city of Asolo, just minutes away from our campus in Pieve del Grappa. This beautiful city has much to offer, and Michela led the tour of a lifetime.

They began in the Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of the town. A big, beautiful fountain stays here, and the water that has been flowing for almost two thousand years is that of the Roman Aqueduct. Michela explained the significance of the fountain and how it has been modified through the years. From a panoramic view of the fountain, one can see the Bell Tower, the Cathedral, and the Castle — the most famous components of this city filled with a rich history.

The students and Professoressa Michela began their walk towards Via Cornaro and came across Villa Freya. This monument is the last home of Freya Stark, the great English traveler and writer (1893 - 1993) who chose Asolo as a place to stay after her exploration through the Middle East. It is paramount also because the yard contains ruins of the Roman Theatre.

Asolo has been a special inspiration for creatives over many centuries. Other notable creatives like Freya Stark chose Asolo as their final resting place, including Eleonora Duse, the famous Italian actress. She has been buried there facing Monte Grappa since 1924.

Continuing the path up Via Cornaro, Prefessoressa Michela pointed out the Castle. The Castle’s origins are unknown, however, after 1389, the Castle became the permanent place of the Podestà and its Council. The Castle was also inhabited by the last Monarch of the Kingdom of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro whom Via Cornaro is named after. Caterina abandoned Cyprus in exchange for the Seigniory of Asolo, but she was never truly the Queen because Asolo was under Venetian rule. In 1509, Emperor Massimiliano I and his troops occupied the area. Caterina took refuge in Venice and passed shortly after, never seeing the Venetian repossession of Asolo in 1515.

Professoressa Michela and the students concluded their day together by having lunch in the Piazza. They shared stories, laughs, and more history of Italy. It was a day to remember, and everyone is excited to return to Asolo to appreciate the beauty, which they now know so much more about. Asolo, known as the city of a hundred horizons, is worth the trip with its gorgeous views and rich, interesting history.