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Altopiano of Asiago |
The Altopiano of Asiago, known also historically as the
Altopiano of the "Sette Comuni", extends for
over 466 km2 up the north border of the Vicenza province
and is delimited by the Astico valley (west), by the Sella
valley and by Valsugana (north) and by the Brenta river
(east). It is part of the prealps of Veneto and fades
progressively toward the Vicenza flatland. The communes of the Altopiano are
actually 8:
to the seven "historical" communes (Asiago, Enego, Foza, Gallio,
Lusiana,
Roana
and Rotzo) was later added Conco, trasformed in commune in 1796,
creating the current eight districts.
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A
border land
The Altopiano always represented a border land: from the time
when the legend tells that the Cimbri,
coming from Denmark, were defeated in the north of Italy by Caio Mario in 101 b.C. and took refuge in that
district, passing through the invasions of the Habsburg Armies in 1400-1500,
until the strategic location occupied during World War 1st. |
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The
"Sette Comuni"
As happened in the whole north of Italy, around 1200 also
on the Altopiano appeared a form of organization of several
settlements in "communes". At first supporting the
rule of Ezzelini, after their fall the populations of the Altopiano founded a
federation with wide autonomy and relevant economic and
administrative privileges.
Passed under the rule of Scaligeri from Verona and,
later, of Visconti from Milano, the Sette Comuni kept their
administrative autonomy. At the beginning of 1400
the federation made act of devotion to the Republic of Venezia,
obtaining the confirmation of its exemptions and benefits; in
exchange for, the Sette Comuni were obliged to
defend the north border to the Empire territory. In
charge of the government of the federation was a counsel known
as "La Spettabile Reggenza" consisting by 14
counsellers (two for each commune), the "Reggenti". |
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The
Altopiano today
Today the Altopiano presents a wide offer of entertainment,
amusement, culture and gastronomy. Its little
capital, Asiago, is a resort visited by a national and
international tourism.
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