Guided tour of Freya Stark's Garden in Asolo

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Would you like a guided tour of the Garden of Villa Freya in Asolo with a local guide? Ask me how it works!

Asolo never ceases to amaze. It may be a small village, but believe me, even when we think we have explored every corner, there is always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

The Garden of Villa Freya is one such place. Although it has been open to the public for several years, few people are aware of it. We could call it one of those "secret corners" sought out by those who look for "something extra" that makes a visit to Asolo even more magical.

What secrets does Villa Freya hold, the home of the renowned English traveler and writer Freya Stark? Together, we will embark on a journey filled with stories, testimonies, and curiosities, discovering one of the most enchanting spots in the village.

A Garden in the Heart of Asolo

A garden-park adorned with flowers and centuries-old plants, thoughtfully divided into different sections: from flower beds of English roses and aromatic herbs to the wildflower meadow, from the avenue of French roses to the White Hornbeam path, all the way to the orchard and organic vegetable garden on the ancient terraces.

The garden is in constant transformation—thanks to the meticulous care of its owners and the ever-evolving spectacle of nature through the changing seasons.

Visiting it is an immersive experience. Why not stop beneath the monumental holm oaks, taking in a unique perspective of Asolo while enjoying their vast shade on a hot summer day? Why not wander into the vegetable garden to pick some seasonal greens or taste a ripe apple, plum, or delicious fig?

We also can't miss the chance to breathe in the intense fragrance of the roses, just as Freya loved to do—perhaps while getting lost in her travel stories, which evoke distant lands and flavors, and the allure of Arab culture, which, in the early 20th century, became intertwined with Asolo’s history.

The English explorer Freya Stark

Strolling through the garden, we will get to know the extraordinary figure of Freya Madaleine Stark—one of the first women to venture alone into the uncharted lands of the Middle East and Ancient Persia, traveling on mules and camels while dressed in local attire.

A strong and fearless character, driven by innate curiosity, she lived incredible adventures, which she later recounted in her fascinating travel books. Her long and intense life, spanning a century, bound her deeply to her home in Asolo—a haven where she could, in her own words, be “happy to rock gently with the sway of the world.”

Artists, ambassadors, diplomats, and royalty from around the world passed through her home, making it a unique cultural crossroads.

The Roman Theater of Ancient Acelum

The Garden of Villa Freya also holds immense historical significance, as it includes the archaeological site of the Roman theater of ancient Acelum.

To fully understand Asolo’s history and its urban evolution, a visit to this site is essential. The counter-slope theater, the cryptoporticus with its basilica function, and the hypothetical forum square—what was the town like during Roman times, according to the findings of Pacifico Scomazzetto?

Contact me for a guided tour of Freya Stark's Garden in Asolo!