Asola

Asola: a gem in the Alto Mantovano

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Asola, a municipality in the province of Mantua that I highly recommend visiting if you are in the Alto Mantovano area. With its 9,874 inhabitants, Asola is a small town rich in history, art, and culture. In this summary, I will talk about some interesting aspects of Asola, from its geological origins to the main tourist attractions.

Physical geography

Asola is located in the heart of the Alto Mantovano, north of Lake Garda and a few kilometers from Mantua and Cremona. Its geographical location makes it a strategic point of passage between these important Lombard cities. In addition, Asola is easily accessible from Brescia, which is about 50 km away.

The climate in Asola is typical of the high Po Valley, with moderately cold winters and hot and humid summers. Spring and autumn are generally rainy. If you like sunny days, I suggest visiting Asola during the summer months when the temperatures are milder and the sky is often clear and bright.

Asola: history and monuments between Mantova and Cremona.

Origin of the name

The name Asola comes from the Latin "ansa," a curve in the Chiese river, near which the city was founded. In addition, prehistoric artifacts have been found in the vicinity of Asola, which testify to the occupation of the territory since prehistoric times.

History

Asola has an ancient history, dating back to the Roman occupation of the area around the 1st century BC. Over the centuries, Asola came under the control of various noble families in the province of Mantua, including the Gonzaga and the Visconti of Milan. In 1440, Asola freed itself from the Gonzaga lordship and freely submitted to the Republic of Venice. This historical period was very important for Asola, which became one of the most important frontiers of the Serenissima. In 1797, the arrival of Napoleon marked the passage of Asola under the control of Austrian Lombardy. Only in 1859, at the end of the Risorgimento, Asola was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia and finally to united Italy.

Monuments and places of interest

Asola is rich in monuments and places of interest, which testify to its long history and its important strategic position. One of the symbols of the city is the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, a remarkable example of Lombard late Gothic architecture. The cathedral houses numerous and important works of art, including an Antegnati organ, paintings by Il Moretto, Romanino, and other important artists. Another tourist attraction in Asola is the Goffredo Bellini Civic Museum, which preserves important archaeological artifacts from the area, including a collection of ancient coins.

But Asola is not just art and culture: the city is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Mincio Park, the Serio Regional Park, and the Oglio Sud Park. If you love trekking and walking in nature, I suggest visiting these splendid parks.

In short, Asola is a perfect tourist destination for those who want to discover the history and culture of the Alto Mantovano and enjoy the beauty of its natural landscapes. If you plan to visit the area, don't miss the opportunity to discover this gem of Lombardy!

Camilla Ricci
Wrote by Camilla Ricci
Updated Tuesday, Feb 15, 2022