How often does a school begin with a countess’s generous heart? Collegio Salesiano Astori stands before us. It is more than just a school. It is a testament to Venetian philanthropy and educational innovation.
In the late 1800s Countess Bellavite Astori wanted to help the children of farmers. Rural Veneto faced hardship. She donated to found an agricultural colony. Thus the Collegio Salesiano Astori was born in 1882.
Initially, the Collegio Salesiano Astori focused on agriculture. It soon expanded its curriculum. Artisan trades such as carpentry and blacksmithing were added. Elementary and grammar schools opened in 1883. A detached agricultural colony operated at Villa Grapputo from 1895 to 1906.
During World War I the Collegio Salesiano Astori transformed into a military hospital. It served the Third Army during battles along the Piave River. The school continued to grow after the war. In 1964 a technical institute for accountants opened. A technical industrial institute specializing in mechanics followed in 1971. The high school opened in 1975. Elementary schools reopened in the 2000s. Student numbers stabilized around one thousand from the 1980s.
The Collegio Salesiano Astori building evolved over time. The main villa of the Astori family expanded. Architect Pietro Saccardo led the initial redesign. Subsequent expansions accommodated the growing school. A neo-Romanesque church was built in 1915. It features paintings and mosaics from the early 20th century. A large Gustavo Zanin organ was installed in 1942.
Paolo Gaspari and Giuseppe Berto are notable alumni. Gaspari is a local publisher and historian. Berto was a writer and playwright. The Collegio Salesiano Astori offers various services. A theater seats 250 people. The library holds 55000 volumes and is open to the public.
Today the Collegio Salesiano Astori excels as a Catholic school. It upholds the educational principles of Giovanni Bosco. It provides both academic instruction and religious guidance. The Collegio Salesiano Astori continues to shape young minds. It prepares them to be good Christians and honest citizens. It stands as a beacon of education and community spirit.