Known for being one of the largest plateaus in Italy and Europe, the Asiago Plateau is distinguished by the variety of landscapes and activities that can be carried out. From sport to history, to relaxing, this place is ideal for a journey of self-discovery and the incredible history that surrounds it, including the ethnic and linguistic minority of the Cimbri.
The Asiago Plateau, also called the Plateau of the Seven Municipalities, is a vast plateau located on the Vicentine Prealps, between the provinces of Vicenza and Trento. It is one of the most elegant resorts for summer and winter tourism, since the area offers countless activities of different types – cultural, sporting or simply relaxing – to all tourists, so as to meet all needs. The name “Altopiano dei Sette Comuni” is due to the seven municipalities within the territory, namely Asiago (the largest), Engeo, Foza, Gallio, Lusiana Conco, Roana and Rotzo. The altitude of the Plateau varies between 87 and 2314 meters, thus having a variety of landscapes and landscapes.
Among the most curious aspects that generally attract most tourists, there are those related to World War I, where the Asiago Plateau played a strategic role, and the ethnic and linguistic minority of the Cimbri.
Who are the Cimbri?
You are therefore wondering who the Cimbri are, this mysterious and fascinating ethnic and linguistic minority that inhabits a small part of the Alps. Well, it is an ethnic group located in a few alpine provinces of northern Italy, specifically, in the Asiago Plateau, the largest concentration is in the town of Roana.
It seems that the Cimbri community has Bavarian origins and that they were immigrants to the north-western Veneto during the Middle Age. To date, Cimbri retain traditions and traditions and distinctive features like a strong attachment to religion and the presence of a linden tree in the center of the main square of the Cimbrian municipalities, which symbolizes justice.
From a linguistic point of view, the Cimbrian language is a Germanic language widespread in all Cimbrian settlements. As a minority language, it is unfortunately disappearing and is protected by the European Charter of Regional or Minority Languages, but also by institutes that promote the Cimbrian language and culture, such as the Institute of Cimbrian Culture “Agostino del Pozzo” and the Museum of Cimbrian Tradition in Roana.
Asiago Plateau during World War I
Also in the town of Roana, there is the Varena Fort, the place that sanctioned the entry into the war of Italy on May 24, 1915 with a cannon shot. Being on the border between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Plateau played an essential role in the war, being involved – unfortunately – actively.
The Asiago Plateau was also the scene of the largest mountain battle ever fought in history, when the Austro-Hungarian army forced the Italian army to retreat during the Spring Offensive. The estimated 1.5 million bombs that hit the Plateau during the war years destroyed many cities, such as Asiago, which was completely razed to the ground.
Activities in the Asiago Plateau
A visit to the Asiago Plateau, therefore, can be articulated and declined in hundreds of different ways. Starting from the relaxing mountain air, the sunny summer days or the abundant winter snow, on the Asiago plateau there is really no way or time to get bored or not be amazed. For sports fans, this place has everything you need. Lifts and slopes within walking distance for ski lovers in winter, but also very long trails for summer or winter trekking (maybe with snowshoes) that offer breathtaking and unparalleled views. Or, again, the possibility of long mountain bike tours, to fully enjoy the mountain air.
For history lovers, however, you cannot miss to visit important archaeological sites such as Calà del Sasso, a staircase of 4444 steps with a vertical drop of 810 meters, religious architecture such as the Cathedral of Asiago, or important historical sites such as the aforementioned Fort Varena, the war cemetery, trenches and bunkers of the First World War.
Cover Image: asiagogo
