48 hours in ASOLO

The medieval hilltop town of Asolo has captivated the imagination of visitors for centuries. Amanda Robinson finds out more about this beautiful- and romantic - Venetian gem...

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Amere hour's drive north from the bustle of Venice, the tiny town of Asolo sits high in the rolling hills. Dotted with vineyards, which stretch to the Dolomites foothills, everywhere you turn offers yet another glorious vista, which is why the lyrical description as the 'city of 100 horizons' by 19th-century Italian poet Giosuè Carducci is so well deserved. Steeped in history, notable residents such as Robert Browning, Freya Stark and Eleonora Duse have fallen under the town's spell in centuries past.

Today, its medieval cobbled streets, not one but two castles (Cornaro and Rocca di Asolo), Venetian architecture, elegant piazzas and friendly bars continue to weave their magic.

A weekend's stay will give you enough time to soak up the local Asolani atmosphere, find out more about the town's noble past and Venetian connections, browse its independent shops and tap into a slower pace of life, ideally with a glass of Asolo Prosecco in hand.

Visit Villa Freya

This magnificent residence in the centre of Asolo was the home of Freya Stark (1893-1993), the intrepid 20th-century British explorer and travel writer. The extensive gardens include a beautiful rose garden bursting with English varieties, as well as sweeping lawns and the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, a noble vestige of Asolo's Roman heritage.

Contact the office to book a visit with your very own guide to show you around this fascinating place. villafreya.it

Museo Civico