Historic Hotel
Originally a Renaissance-era villa from the 1550s, once owned by poet Robert Browning. It showcases Palladian architecture and has been a glamorous hotel since the 1960s, managed by Giuseppe Cipriani. The hotel embodies the magic of Asolo through time thanks to the heritage of its most illustrious people: Queen Caterina Cornaro, Lord Rupert Guinness, and Giuseppe Cipriani.
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Year erected: 1550
What is the history of the property?
It's a XVI century villa designed by Andrea Palladio's school. In the XIX century Robert Browning, the British poet bought the villa and settled in Asolo.
In the 1960s, Lord Iveagh hired Giuseppe Cipriani - founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice, to transform it into a charming hotel: Villa Cipriani. That's when from being always a private property the villa became a hotel, one of the iconic properties in Italy during "dolce vita's time"
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The school of Andrea Palladio designed the villa.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
It's located in the historic town of Asolo, a middle age town with its own castle and bishop
Has restoration work taken place?
Yes, a painstaking restoration took place over a 6 years period bringing back the property to its ancient splendour
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
the architecture design
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
Robert Browning and Lord Guiness have owned the property.
Among its guests Queen Mother of England, Prince Phillip of Edinburgh, Juliana of Holland, Albert of Monaco, and actors such as Marcello Mastroianni, Vittorio de Sica, Orson Welles, Peter O’Toole, Catherine Deneuve, Kim Basinger, Sharon Stone.
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
Historic Hotels of Europe
Would you describe your property as (or has it ever been in the past) a: Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify?
The property has a 5-acre garden, its most significant feature. A garden that changes through seasons
