Montello, the Serenissima’s woodland: a blend of nature and history

Whilst Asolo represents the historical and cultural heart of the area, the Montello hill above all illustrates its relationship with nature and history. The hill that rises just behind the River Piave was for centuries the ‘Bosco della Serenissima’, from which some of the timber used for boats and the construction of buildings in the lagoon city was sourced. Even today, woods, vineyards and winding country lanes define a landscape in which one of the most iconic sites is the Abbey of Sant’Eustachio, in Nervesa della Battaglia. Overlooking the riverbank, the Benedictine complex – now restored following the severe damage it sustained during the First World War – was for centuries an important cultural centre and, in the 16th century, hosted Giovanni Della Casa, who worked here on his *Galateo overo de’ costumi*. The landscape of the Montello is also deeply marked by memories linked to the battles of the Great War, one of the decisive moments of which took place here in June 1918: this history can be retraced through footpaths, monuments and places of remembrance set within the landscape, starting with the Montello Military Memorial and (also in Nervesa) the monument dedicated to the pilot Francesco Baracca. The memory of the war is also kept alive at the Jonathan Collection Foundation, where historic aircraft are preserved and flown from the Bessoneau Type H hangar. Finally, Montello is also an area of natural beauty, forming part of the Monte Grappa UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve, recognised in 2021 and characterised by an ecosystem of woods, vineyards, meadows and other rural environments.

https://montello.travel/

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