As promised a long long time ago (in the history of the Internet, anyhow), we’ve got quite a few more blog posts from our month long Europe trip this past January. One of the best parts of the trip was our visit to SCARPA, and associated tourism in one of the older mostly intact northern Italian villages.
Castello, the majestic clock tower dates back to the 10th century.
SCARPA headquarters are located in Asolo, near Montebulluna, Italy. As we were mapping our trip, we saw that Venice was only 40 miles to the south and we planned to visit. But Asolo charmed our wanderlust away. After one glass of Prosecco in 200+ year old Cafe Centrale, we decided to spend a day following the cobbled streets to explore the medieval square of this lovely village.
Asolo is said to have a hundred horizons. The town square which sits on a hill with views from the Dolomites, across vineyards and olive groves to the Mediterranean. Truly, when Lou and I walked around this area, we felt like we were living in a fantasy land. We’ve both grown up in places that had some history, but nothing the breaths an ancient vibe as the medieval walls of an older European city. We had to pinch ourselves. Is this real?
Start of our memorable visit, sipping Prosecco by the Fontana Maggiore. From 1575 to the 1930's, the fountain in the center of Asolo was the main way to collect water from the underground aqueducts.
A few steps from the town square, a 16th century building houses the Civic Museum and Archives where battle scenes of the defeat of Crassus by the Parthians are painted on outside walls.
Gravestones and coats-of-arms of Venetian captains are imbedded in the 16th century exterior walls of the Civic Museum and Archives.
Walking through cobble stone alleys.
Local's cafe a few steps from town square -- suave Italian waiters and the best pizza we've ever tasted.
Delectable.
Looking down of the rolling hills of Asolo. Industrial area is at upper part of photo. That's where SCARPA boots are made.
Via Roberto Browning is named after English playwright and poet Robert Browning (1812 – 1889) who named his last volume of poetry after Asolo.
Robert Browning said Asolo was “the most beautiful spot I ever was privileged to see,” and lived the last years of his life here. An excerpt from his poem, Asolando:
How many a year, my Asolo,
Since–one step just from sea to land–
I found you, loved yet feared you so–
… Italia’s rare
O’errunning beauty crowds the eye
WildSnow Girl, Lisa Dawson, is the luckiest girl in the world. Also known as Mrs. WildSnow.com, she tests whatever gear she wants. She gives the WildSnow family of websites the feminine voice.