cityofmonth Archivi - The Hidden Treasures Tours

City of the Month

Asolo

Located in the north-eastern Italian region of Veneto, Asolo is a hidden gem that has been awarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy (“I Borghi più belli d’Italia”).

A place of refuge

The name Asolo comes from the Latin word “asylum”, meaning refuge. In this context, Asolo offers a retreat for those who would like to escape the hustle and bustly of everyday life and spend some relaxing days in the hills of Venento. This history goes back many centuries: already in Roman times, it has been a town with a theatre and a spa.

A hundred horizons

Characteristic of Asolo, called the “city of a hundred horizons” by Giosuè Carducci, are the gentle hills, magnificent churches, typical squares (like Piazza Garibaldi) and small streets but even more the ancient walls, frescoes and historic villas – a reminder of the town’s millennial history.

Something for every taste

The city of Asolo and its surroundings offer something for all tastes and interests: from history, art and culture in local museums, art galleries and theatres, to cycling in the hills of Veneto, enjoying a coffee in Cafè Centrale watching the town life, immersing into the rich local cuisine or exploring the nearby Street of Prosecco – Asolo offers everything that makes an enjoyable holiday.

Relaxation and "la dolce vita"

Curious to discover Asolo? If you would like to get to know Asolo in a particularly relaxed way, we can highly recommend our Yoga Retreats which also take place in Asolo. Together with the wonderful Austrian yoga teacher Stefanie Mandl we offer a combination of yoga and sound retreats as well as a full immersion in the dolce vita that Asolo has to offer. Find out more here!

Top 10 places to visit in Asolo:

Rocca di Asolo
Castello della Regina Cornaro
Mercatino dell’Antiquariato (antique market, every second Sunday of the month)
Piazza Garibaldi
Duomo di Asolo
Villa Freya Stark (amphitheatre)
Museo Civico
Teatro Duse
Convento Padri Cappuccini
Due Mori (restaurant with authentic dishes and fantastic views)

City of the Month

Alba

Situated in the southern part of the Italian region of Piedmont, Alba is considered to be the heart of the vineyard landscape Langhe – one of 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. Once of a polygonal shape, Alba remains to have some of its fantastic medieval characteristics.

Alba Pompeia

With archeological findings dating back to the Neolithic and the Iron Age period, Alba’s history starts before the Roman civilization. In the first century, Alba has been home to Celtic and Ligurian tribe settlements. Under its Ancient name “Alba Pompeia”, the city was situated in a strategic location along the important route beween Acqui Terme and Turin.

City of hundred towers

Back in the days, Alba was known as the city of hundred towers. Once as a measure of defense, some towers are still well-maintained nowadays and are considered to be the central symbols of Alba.

The capital of white truffle

Being the home of “tartufi bianchi” (white truffles), Alba is also a perfect getaway for foodies. Launched more than 80 years ago, the International Alba White Truffle Fair takes place on weekends from the beginning of October to the end of November and is the place to be for truffle lovers.

In vino veritas

Located closeby to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the vineyard landscape of Monferrato as well as lovely towns such as Barolo, Asti or Barbaresco, Alba is furthermore a great place for wine lovers. Some of its most famous wines include Barbera, Dolcetto, Barolo and Moscato. What is more, every year in April, Alba hosts the famous Vinum wine festival.

Top 10 places to visit in Alba:

Palazzo Communale (Town Hall)
City Towers
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Church of San Domenico
Federico Eusebio Civic Museum of Archaelogoy and Natural Sciences
Michele Ferrero Square
Church of San Giuseppe
Church of St John the Baptist
Palazzo Mostre e Congressi
Church of Santa Maria Maddalena

alba cityofmonth piedmont

City of the Month

Pienza

Situated in the valley “Val d’Orcia”, Pienza is a small town in the province of Siena in southern Tuscany. Since 1996, the “ideal city of the Renaissance” is one of currently 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. Pienza is located between Montalcino and Montepulciano, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and lovely hills.

Renaissance architecture at its best

Pienza (meaning “the city of Pius”) was named after its most famous son, Enea Silvio Piccolomini who became Pope Pius II in 1458. With the support of architect Bernardo Rossellino, he aimed to transform his home town – back then known as Corsignano – into a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance (“the Utopian city”).

The capital of “cacio”

Strolling through the narrow streets of Pienza, you will discover numerous little shops selling the most famous local product: Pecorino cheese (“cacio”) – made of sheep’s (in Italian “pecora”) milk. If you like cheese, Pienza is definitely your place to be as it is known to be the capital of pecorino cheese. A must eat in Pienza is probably the most famous local dish: “Pici con cacio e pepe” – handmade pasta with pecorino cheese and pepper.

About love and kisses

Pienza is considered to be also a very romatic city: With street names such as “Via dell’Amore” (love) and “Via del Bacio” (kiss), you will find Italy’s most romantic streets in Pienza. However, be aware that it can get quite busy on the streets of love on Valentine’s Day. The streets of love and the kiss are surrounded by “Via della Fortuna” (luck) – with a magnificent panoramic view overlooking the valley – and “Via Buia” (darkness), reminding its visitors that wherever there is light, there is also darkness.

From rolling chesses to flowers and chestnuts

If you happen to be in Pienza in early September, don’t miss the famous “fiera del cacio” – a fair dedicated to pecorino cheese and other typical local products. Great fun is “palio del cacio fuso”, a game in which participants – representing each quarter of the town – roll an entire round of “cacio” around the “fuso” (a wooden spindle centered in the main square). Other highly recommended fairs are “Pienza e i fiori” (flowers) in May, “Festa di Primavera” (spring) in April or May and “La Festa Della Castagna A Pienza” (chestnuts) in November.