Eleonora Duse, considered by many the greatest actress of the 19th century — Sarah Bernhardt's only rival — chose Asolo as her home for the final decades of her life, returning here between international tours. The small hilltop cemetery of Sant'Anna, a ten-minute walk above the old centre, holds her grave: a simple slab under the cypresses, often with fresh flowers left by visitors.
The cemetery itself has views over the valley, and the walk up is pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon. A room in the Museo Civico is devoted to Duse's life and work. If you know her reputation as an actress who made Stanislavski weep, the quiet of her grave has a particular weight.