The ideal starting point for a tour is the Fontanella Zen (the Zen Fountain), a small water basin built by the Zen family in 1571 under agreement with the city council. Then you can enter the historic centre through Via Browning, which is characterised by an arcade and numerous villas and historic houses. At this point, you arrive at the town’s true core. You will probably first notice Palazzo della Ragione (the Reason Palace), now home to the local Civic Museum, which was built in the 15th century to accommodate minor Venetian representatives and the Podestà in his role as administrator.

Not far away is the Fontana Maggiore (the Greater Fountain), the ideal centre of the town and a tangible solution to centuries-old problems experienced by the people of Asolo in their search for a water supply. To the left, in a lowered position, stands the Cathedral, which was built on pre-existing Roman remains and remodelled in 1747 to a project by Giorgio Massari. Inside, you can admire the beautiful altarpiece by Lorenzo Lotto dedicated to the Assumption.

As you walk up Via Regina Cornaro, you will see some prestigious and pleasant Asolo houses. Some of these have hosted illustrious personalities who fell in love with the town’s atmosphere. At the end of the street stands the imposing Castle, a massive, ancient structure that was once the residence of Caterina Cornaro. The two remaining towers are worth a visit: the Torre Reata (the Reata Tower), which has an external staircase, and the Torre Civica (the Civic Tower), which was formerly a prison. The tour then continues to Palazzo Beltramini, an 18th-century palace that now houses the town hall.

Proceeding from this point, you may take the right-hand path towards Via Dante, and subsequently ascend towards Via Collegio, where you will arrive at the Convento dei SS. Pietro e Paolo (the Convent of Saints Peter and Paul), erected in the 17th century and formerly home to a Benedictine monastery until 1807. Next, you exit through the Porta del Col Mariòn (the Col Mariòn Gate), the only gate that has preserved its medieval features. From there, you can ascend the cobbled road, which runs alongside a part of the Carraresi-Venetian walls, to the Rocca, which presents a single tower to the east. This building, which dominates the Asolo landscape and offers a spectacular view of the historic centre and the surrounding foothills, is a symbol of the city. The irregularly shaped structure dates back to the late 12th or early 13th century, but the first settlement can be traced back to the 10th or 11th century. You can then retrace your steps, descending again towards the centre for a final glimpse of the numerous historical buildings or to stop in one of the town’s many cafés.

Finally, you can leave the town from Via Bembo, following the walls until you reach Porta Dieda (Dieda Gate), where you can rejoin the route at Porta Loreggia (Loreggia Gate).