10 best things to do in Asolo

On a cool yet perfectly sunny day in late January, we made the short drive to the town of Asolo.

Driving beneath the umbrella of glorious Veneto sunshine, we couldn’t have chosen a better day to visit.

With untold beauty enveloped within its city walls, I'll be sharing the 10 best things to do in Asolo in 1 day.

‘The city of hundred horizons’, as hailed by 19th century Italian poet Giosué Carducci, sits within the province of Treviso.

Treviso, itself, is approximately 45 minutes by car, while Venice is 1 hour and 15 minutes away. Bassano del Grappa is the closest ‘bigger’ city to Asolo at around 27 minutes’ by car.

Like Montemerano in Tuscany, Asolo is recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful borghi. Within its region, Asolo also holds the title of one of the most beautiful villages in Veneto.

A fitting title as Asolo oozes romance from every rock and stone in town.

What is an Italian borgo?

Personally, I'd describe a borgo in Italy as a small inhabited town of medium size.

Officially, borghi can also be characterized by its commercial economy or by its agricultural periphery. In addition, a borgo can also be described as an expansion of a city outside of its circuit of walls.

There are plenty of notable borghi worth adding to your Italy bucket list when planning a trip to Italy.

They include Erice and Castelmola in Sicily, Alberobello and Otranto in Puglia and Tremezzo and Bellano in Lombardy.

10 best things to do in Asolo in 1 day

1. stop at La mura (the wall)

Asolo’s history begins to unfold the second you start walking to the town center.

Carved into its pavements are steel plaques, whose carved inscriptions provide a snapshot of its former past.

As you follow the road (Via Forestuzzo) leading to Asolo’s historic center, you’ll come across the main entrance. A magnificent stone archway in medieval style signals that you’re in the right place.

Signs of the past

On passing through the arch, you’ll see a sign on your left reading ‘LA MVRA’. Translated as ‘the wall’, it reflects a period of history when walls were built to transform Asolo into a fortress.

The first recorded activity was in 1318. The Da Carrara Lords from Padua began the plans for the walls to protect it from outside invaders. However, when the Venetians returned in 1393, they took over and completed the fortification of the city.

The wall, standing at 1360m, included the densely settled area and the castle complex. It didn’t stop there, however, as it extended all the way to the Rocca di Asolo on the top of Monte Ricco.

The wall circuit had 24 towers arranged in strategic points, corresponding to different access and exit routes from the city.

Get inspired in Asolo

Asolo has inspired many poets, writers and artists who walked through its city walls. English poet, Robert Browning, and English writer and traveler, Freya Stark, are just 2 such notable names. So enamored by Asolo’s ambience and history that Freya Stark lived in the town until her death in 1993.

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2. See Villa Freya

Today, Villa Freya stands as it was, with a plaque paying homage to the English writer. The only way to visit the home is with a tour guide.

There are 3 ticket types available when visiting Villa Freya.

• Visit of the park with reading and vegetable picking (depending on the season): €10 ($11.45/£8.45)
• Visit of the archaeological site: €7 ($8.01/£5.92)
• Visit of the park included in the tour of Asolo: €5 ($5.72/£4.23)

Children under 6 years old are free and must be accompanied by an adult.

These details are subject to change. Check the website for the most up-to-date details.

Villa Freya, Via Guglielmo Marconi, 138

Robert Browning and Asolo

Robert Browning only briefly visited Asolo, but the town clearly left a long-lasting mark on his work. His last volume of poems — published on the day he died — was called Asolando.

The term refers to the slow pace of life that you find when strolling through the town. It’s about eating lavishly at one of its taverns, or sipping coffee at a café while overlooking the arcade.

3. Admire the views from Rocca di Asolo (Asolo rock)

On the other side of Asolo, away from the city center and 310m above ground, is the Rocca di Asolo. A symbol of the city, it’s probably Asolo’s most famous landmark.

Built in a period between the 12th and 13th centuries, the fortification served as a garrison for the city.

As mentioned, the rock came to be a vital part of Asolo’s defense strategy, its height being a great advantage.

How to reach La Rocca

The path to get to La Rocca is one filled with scenic views, several historic buildings and plenty of steps.

After passing through Porta Colmarion (Colmarion door), you’ll see a winding stony path that leads up to Rocca di Asolo. Spacious and not too taxing, it’s a bit of a climb till you meet the road at the top.

But, if you think you’ve arrived, think again.

There’s another short stretch of stony path to contend with, this time paved with uneven stones. I was so focused on trying not to fall over that I couldn’t stop to take a photo.

Reminders of the past

A little out of breath but excited to see the rock up close, we entered the structure’s double doors. Tickets cost €3 ($3.40/£2.50) per person to enter; a small price to pay for the spectacular views that lay ahead.

Before becoming the home of Rocca di Asolo, Monte Ricco was once home to an early medieval chapel. Today, it’s still possible to see a small fragment of the chapel’s mosaic floor on the fortress’ grounds.

While it holds no torch to the mesmerizing mosaics in Ravenna, it’s still an impressive reminder of its former life.

Top of the rock

With the sun beaming down and perfect blues overhead, we reveled in the views from the top. Its structure bears a striking resemblance to Clifford's Tower in York, though the Rocca di Asolo triumphs in size.

From its terraces, we were able to see the entire historic center of Asolo and the wider region of Veneto.

In the distance, we could easily spot the peaks of the Dolomites and the small outline of Venice. Easily one of the best things to do in Asolo, it’s one sight you don’t want to miss.

The Rocca di Asolo is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Tickets cost €3 ($3.40/£2.50), or €2 ($2.29/£1.70) for a reduced ticket.*

La Rocca, Via Rocca, 31011

Map: what to see in Asolo, Veneto

4. Stop by Castello della regina Cornaro (Queen Cornaro’s castle)

Another important symbol of the city is Asolo’s imposing castle. Dating to the 10th century, its official name is Castello della regina Cornaro.

Regina Cornaro was Queen of Cyprus, Jerusalem and Armenia and lived in the castle from 1489 until 1510. After her death, the building underwent various modifications and restoration and served different functions, one of which was a prison.

The bell tower, also known as the civic tower, can be seen from every corner of Asolo. Within its walls are charcoal drawings made by the soldiers who were kept prisoner during WWI.

Today, the courtyard of the castle is used for summer events. Visit the castle to enjoy far-reaching views of Asolo and to learn more about its past.

Tickets costs €3 ($3.40/£2.50) to enter the Civic Tower, but the rest of the grounds are free to explore. Reduced tickets cost €2 ($2.29/£1.70). The tower’s open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.*

Castello della regina Cornaro, Via Sottocastello

5. Step inside the Duomo di Asolo (Asolo Cathedral)

Proudly overlooking the city center is Asolo’s cathedral. The Romanesque-Gothic church with Renaissance elements dates to 1584. However, the first mention of its complex dates all the way to 969.

Its current central façade is the result of a restoration completed in 1889 by Italian architect Pietro Saccardo.

Inside the cathedral are 3 naves with stone columns and a mechanical organ. Two angels sculpted by prominent Italian sculptor Giuseppe Bernardi adorn the main altar.

You can find other paintings inside the church, such as Lorenzo Lotto’s copy of Titian’s ‘Assumption of the Virgin’.

In a previous life

Before the complex became the Duomo it is today, a medieval cathedral once stood in its place. However, in 1606, the roof collapsed, leaving the church in need of great repair. Though the apse, the main altar and roof were later rebuilt, the 17th century collapse destroyed the last medieval remnants.

Duomo di Asolo, RW27+PF

6. Find out more at the Museo Civico (Civic Museum)

Unlike most towns and cities throughout Italy, Asolo doesn’t have a named piazza. There is, however, a central point of the historic center that does closely resemble one.

And, it’s here that along with bars, restaurants and Fontana Maggiore, that you’ll find the Civic Museum.

Considered as the historical and artistic heart of Asolo, you can’t help but be immediately drawn to its yellowish facade.

A fresco reflecting a Roman battle adorns the exterior, while beneath stands a magnificent portico (loggia). It was here where justice was administered during the Venetian period. Today, you can still see tombstones, epigraphs and several coats-of-arms engraved on the walls.

Ancient findings

The museum’s housed in the 15th century Palazzo del Vescovado. Inside the Civic Museum are archaeological details of Asolo’s ancient origins along with an art gallery exhibiting 15th century paintings.

To see manuscripts, maps and documents detailing Asolo’s history, the historical archive stores all of the originals.

The Civic Museum is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 3 to 6pm. Tickets cost €5 ($5.72/£4.23) or €4 ($4.58/£3.38) for a reduced ticket. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 minors) costs €12 ($13.74/£10.15).*

Museo Civico di Asolo, Via Regina Cornaro, 74

7. Ogle over Villa Scotti-Pasini

As you make your way to the Rocca di Asolo, you’ll come across one sight that demands your full attention.

Standing on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ricco, Villa Scotti-Pasini dominates the central square overlooking the town. Historical sources suggest that building of the villa began in the early 17th century.

Not much is known about Antonio Pasini, one half of the villa’s namesake owner.

A little more is known about another previous owner, Robert Browning Jr. The son of the English poet bought Villa Scotti-Pasini at the end of the 19th century. It was Browning Jr. who remodeled and restructured the villa you see today, adding English style to the Italian home.

Unfortunately, Villa Scotti-Pasini isn’t open to the public. But, you can still freely ogle the villa and manicured gardens — just from afar.

Villa Scotti-Pasini, Via Colmarion, 6

8. Pick up an antique at the market

Every second Sunday of the month, Asolo hosts a fabulous antique market. Like Piazzola sul Brenta, you can find a world of treasures, from jewelry and silverware to prints and books.

The antique market takes place in Piazza Monsignor Angelo Brugnoli and beneath the Loggia del Capitano.

9. Sip on a glass of Prosecco

No trip to Asolo, or anywhere in Italy, would be complete without sampling the local produce. And, in Asolo, there’s one wine that you’ll see in everyone’s glass: Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG.

Montello and Colli Asolani is a DOC (controlled designation of origin) of the Veneto wine region. It produces sparkling white Prosecco as well as robust cabernets.

Whether you drink inside, or al fresco, you’ll see many of these wines served on Asolo tables and in wine bars.

10. Eat like an Asolano

Being in Asolo, we were naturally keen to try some of the local food. Though we’re familiar with Venetian dishes and the delicious art of cicchetti, I’m always curious to try new regional cuisine.

Outdoor lunch at Due Mori

Hunger struck at the end of our morning in Asolo. As luck would have it, there were a few top restaurants located by our then location, the castle. After checking the menu and having a quick peek through the window, we opted for Due Mori.

With its strapline ‘cucina con vista’ (kitchen with view) we knew instantly that we’d made the right choice.

Daytime sunshine was at its peak and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky so we opted to eat outside. The weather was a perfect accompaniment to our meal of homemade sopressa (ham), tortelloni al morlacco and gnocchi di polenta. Morlacco is one of my favorite local cheeses and I was elated to see it on the menu.

Served with 2 glasses of chilled prosecco and a view of the Veneto countryside, our day in Asolo was complete.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Asolo, I can assure you that Due Mori will not disappoint.

Due Mori, Piazza Gabriele D'Annunzio, 5

Where to stay in Asolo

Should you decide to spend the night (or 2) in Asolo, I’ve 2 recommendations for you to consider.

On the course to the Rocca di Asolo is the strikingly beautiful Albergo al Sole.

The 5-star hotel has spacious rooms decorated in warm tones and decked out with antique furniture. Rooms come with a minibar and a hydromassage shower or antique bathtub. On site is La Terrazza bar and restaurant as well as a gym — in case you overindulge.

Offering cooking lessons and free mountain bikes, Albergo al Sole is more than just a place to sleep in Asolo.

Albergo al Sole, Via Collegio, 33

Swap a hotel for an Italian villa experience at Hotel Villa Cipriani. With 28 rooms and suites, the villa focuses on its guests’ relaxation and wellbeing.

The Terrace Suites come with a furnished terrace overlooking the valley, while the Garden Suite overlooks the manicured gardens. Wholly romantic, the hotel’s ideal for couples looking to honeymoon in Italy or a romantic getaway.

Hotel Villa Cipriani, Via Canova, 298

Top tips for visiting Asolo

Where to park in Asolo

When driving into Asolo, I advise parking in the lot just outside the city center (Parcheggio Coperto ‘Cipressina’). There’s another right in the town square (Parcheggio Strisce Blu) but it’s smaller and more restricted.

While this parking lot is more convenient, it may be closed some weekends because of the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato). These are zones that help to protect historic city centers by limiting the amount of traffic.

Instead, the Parcheggio Coperto ‘Cipressina’ is a covered parking lot, reasonably priced and about 5 minutes’ walk to the center.

Parcheggio Strisce Blu, Via Roma, 50
Parcheggio Coperto ‘Cipressina’, Via Cipressina, 5

Suitable shoes

When visiting Asolo, it’s essential to wear flat walking shoes with a good grip. The path leading to Rocca di Asolo is long, a little steep at times and with some uneven stones.

What do you think about Asolo? Would you like to visit this beautiful borgo in northern Italy? Let me know in the comments below.

*Prices correct at the time of publishing

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