The Asiago Altopiano - or plateau - of the seven communes (Sieben Comoine) is formed ad tho level at 1000m a.s.l. where the towns are well-protected in a sunlit hollow from the northern winds; and the other level further north, covering a larger area and rising from 1500 to over 2000m.
The Gallio Cross-Country Skiing Resort in situated on the northern level and itself comprises a vast area, reaching a height of 2106 m. on the Ortigara run.

The first inhabitants of the altopiano were probably Barbarian peoples (Cimbri). They had arrived from Northern Germany and probably originated from even further North (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands). About the year 100 B.C. they invaded Northern Italy. After being defeated and forced to flee by the Romans, they found an area that must have seemed like home to them: large forests with vast plateau and clearings. They settled down as woodsmen and sheherds. They spoke high German (hoch Deutsch), similar to the language spoken in Denmark and a clear reflection og thei origins. It was a King of Denmark, Federick IV, who visited the area in 1709 and witnessed a strange event. On his way home after a long tour of Italy the King had visited many cities including Vicenza, and had heard of this small nation on the altopiano who traced their origins back to the Cimbri, the very same peoples who live in Denmark. Intrigued and keen to learn more, he travelled up to the altopiano to be greeted by the people shouting "hoch unser Konig" (long live our King). The King was so astonished and pleased, as ancient document reveal, that he declared that not even in his court could such elegant speech be heard. This small Cimbra-speaking (hoch Deutsch) nation in Italy was an independent republic for a long time (with an isolated population) until the fall of the Venetian Republic, its natural protector.
Another important event in the history of this piece of Nordic land was the total destruction of its town during del Great War (1915/18). The northern level in particular was the scene of terrible battles, the scars of which can still be seen today.