EMBEDDED JEWELS
IN THE WORLD HERITAGE HILLS
The Valdobbiadene hills offer an amazing sight. Embroidered slopes all around, an area completely shaped and transformed by man, within which architectural and panoramic pearls for unconventional tourism can be found. Some of these can be visited free of charge.
CHARM AND SPIRITUALITY
What makes Follina one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy is undoubtedly its magnificent abbey. Built in the 12th century in Romanesque and Gothic style, it preserves beautiful frescoes inside. As you go out through a side door of the church, an amazing sight opens up onto the 13th-century cloister characterised by many columns of different shapes and ornamentation. Follina Abbey as well as the cloister is almost always open to visitors. Admission is free.
A PALLADIAN WORK OF ART
The Villa of Maser is a palace built in the mid-16th century by Andrea Palladio for the Barbaro family. The villa is listed as a Unesco heritage site and it is possible to visit the interior, frescoed by Paolo Veronese, as well as the garden.
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BORGUES IN ITALY
Situated on the top of a hill and surrounded by vineyards, Asolo is a hamlet filled with ancient shops and artistic monuments such as the 16th-century fountain, the Cathedral (with a painting by Lorenzo Lotto) and several ancient buildings, including the Castle, once the residence of Caterina Cornaro, who married the king of Cyprus and then moved to Asolo with her court. Asolo is also home to Eleonora Duse, the actress also known as “the divine”, who was Gabriele d'Annunzio's lover. Other sights of interest are Porta Loreggia and the Zen fountain, built in the Middle Ages to quench the thirst of travellers. The garden of Villa Freya, where the traveller and writer Freya Stark lived. And finally, the Fortress, which towers over Asolo and can be reached on foot.
IN THE LIERZA VALLEY
This is an ancient mill dating back to 1630 that, after years of neglect, has been recovered and put back into activity. It is also possible to visit the small museum located inside with the millstone in function.
ALONG THE PROSECCO ROAD
Rolle is located in the hills through which the Prosecco Road that connects Conegliano and Valdobbiadene passes, and is an ideal location for cycling, for walks, and for the picturesque glimpses that make it a popular spot for motorcyclists. The church dedicated to Saint James and Saint Philip, positioned in the centre of the village, is certainly one of the places to visit on a hilltop that can be reached by a flight of steps.
AND CASTELBRANDO
Cison di Valmarino is a small mediaeval village known for being listed among the Most Beautiful borgues in Italy. Worth seeing in the town are Piazza Roma with the parish church, Palazzo Barbi (now used as the town hall), the theatre and the Museum of Antique Radios. But even more renowned is Castelbrando, the fortress overlooking it, which was built in the 12th century. Today it stands as an elegant noble palace. The structure has become a four-star hotel but you can still access the complex and freely visit the gardens, courtyards and an art gallery.
