Asso

Asso: an ancient and charming town

Hello friends, today I will tell you about a characteristic town in the province of Como, called Asso. This village is rich in history and culture, and its origins go back to 2000 BC.

Physical Geography

Asso is located in Valle Assina, Lombardy, and is surrounded by mountains such as the Corni di Canzo, Monte Megna, Palanzone, Dosso Mattone, Barzaghino, and Croce Pizzallo. The territory is very varied, with some hamlets at a higher altitude than the historic center, such as Brazzova, Ca' Nova, Fraino, Gemù, and Mudronno, which, along with Rezzago and Caglio, form the famous Monti di Sera.

Ace: history, nature and culture in a Lombard village.

Climate

Asso's climate is typical of the Alpine region, with usually cool summers and rainy autumns and springs.

The History of Asso

Antiquity

Asso has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the first settlements dating back to 2000 BC. However, it was only in 1183 that the city acquired its own civil and criminal statutes, always under the sovereignty of the Archbishop of Milan.

From the Visconti to Napoleon

In 1409, the Vallassina was given by Giovanni Maria Visconti to Facino Cane and, subsequently, to Luigi Dal Verme. In the eighteenth century, during the Kingdom of Italy, Asso became the capital of the IV canton of the IV district of Lario. In 1878-1880, the hamlets of Scarenna and Pagnano were merged into the municipality.

Asso has been a center of tourism since its early years and today numerous industrial activities rely on it, including the silk-textile activity of the Oltolina company.

Meaning of the Name Asso

Despite numerous hypotheses, the meaning of the name Asso has not yet been definitively established. According to some, the toponym could derive from the water or springs in the area, while others suppose it may refer to the pastures of a local community. Still, others speculate that the name may derive from the term "principio" or "primo."

Curiosities

A curiosity about Asso is that the city enjoys religious-administrative autonomy in the form of "Pievi milanesi arcivescovile." This means that the provost of Asso has the right to the title of monsignor for the entire duration of his or her mandate.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Asso is a place with an ancient and fascinating history, immersed in the Lombard mountains and with an Alpine climate. This village is perfect for nature and history lovers and offers numerous opportunities for tourists and those who want to discover the cultural heritage of the area. I hope you enjoyed this brief presentation of Asso and I warmly invite you to visit this enchanting Lombard village.

Martina Caruso
Updated Thursday, Jun 30, 2022