Being in the city of Treviso, there are 10 things you absolutely must see. These are the places that most characterise the Veneto location, giving it a unique and distinctive charm.
This is the most important square in Treviso, the heart of the city, which has always been a historical and cultural centre: it is theancient meeting point of Roman, place for political discussions and gatherings. Its name derives from the presence of the palaces of the ancient Treviso Signoria, which overlook the very elegant and well-kept square, surrounded by arcades, shops and bars.
Piazza dei Signori is the ideal place to take a break and enjoy an aperitif, with the characteristic cicchetti: small slices of bread topped with local specialities.
The square is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from every point in the historical centre.
It is 850m from the railway station and is served by lines 1 and 7 (the stop is called Piazza dei Signori).
Dominating the main square, with its red bricks and elegance, is Palazzo del Podestà . Dating back to 1400 (a date from which it has undergone various renovations), it takes its name from its ancient function: to house the Podestà of Treviso.
Behind it is the Civic Tower, with all its grandeur: at around 48m, it holds the record for the tallest building in the city. It is one of Treviso’s most representative monuments.
Built in 1210, it is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Treviso and the nerve centre of its ancient political-administrative life.
In 1944, the Palazzo dei Trecento was the object of a disastrous bombing, the wounds of which are still visible today: a row of receding bricks is visible on the facade, distinguishing the original walls from the reconstructed ones.
The name comes from the 300 members of the City Council, whose meetings are still hosted by the red brick arches. In addition to these, the Palace hosts various exhibitions and shows: those scheduled can be viewed on the official website, which contains information on themes, times and prices.
100 metres away is another important symbol of Treviso: the Loggia dei Cavalieri, a historical landmark and ancient forum of the nobles of the time (13th century). The Palazzo dei Trecento is also located in Piazza dei Signori.
Via Calmaggiore, which connects Piazza dei Signori with Piazza Duomo, is the most important and characteristic alleyway in the historic centre of Treviso. Along the street, one can admire the remains of the ancient Roman road and several frescoed palaces that, alongside boutiques and shop windows, mark the combination of history and modernity.
In the courtyard of a small gallery, which connects Via Calmaggiore with the Piazzetta della Torre, is a reproduction of the Fountain of Boobs (Fontana delle Tette). Featuring the bust of a woman, from whose breasts water gushes out, it is a reconstruction of the original (dating back to 1559 and now preserved in the Palazzo dei Trecento). From the latter, designed for the celebration of the new mayor, wine flowed for three days in the past: red from one breast and white from the other.
Via Calmaggiore is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from every point in the historic centre. This is the street that connects the Palazzo dei Trecento with Treviso Cathedral (400 m apart). It is 1km from the railway station.
Treviso has always been surrounded by walls, which enclose the historic centre and are in turn framed by waterways. Until the fairly recent past, access to the city was through the three Treviso gates: Porta San Tomaso, Porta Santi Quaranta and Porta Altinia.
The first, erected in 1518, is located in the north-eastern area and is the most majestic. With its reference to classical triumphal arches and its characteristic dome, the gate houses the statue of the lion of St Mark: testimony to the city’s importance in the Venetian Republic.
The second, erected in 1515, is to the west. A symbol of the government’s strength, it has a deliberately more sober facade, although it does not lack Renaissance references.
The last one, erected in 1514, is located south of the city. Its appearance is less majestic and simpler, but graceful. The gate served for a long time both as a military bulwark and as a link between Treviso and Venice: all goods that did not pass through the Sile passed through there.
The walls and the three gates are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from the historical centre. From the railway station there is access to the centre via Porta Altinia, 400m away.
The Pescheria island (isola della Pescheria) is located right in the centre of Treviso, on the Cagnan Grando river, and is accessible via two small bridges that can be crossed on foot or by bicycle.
The name of the islet comes from the fish market it has hosted every morning since 1850.
It is an unmissable opportunity to savour the daily life and tradition of Treviso: there is no shortage of typical specialities and always fresh fish! It is also an opportunity to admire one of the old mills, used to wash the Monte di Pietà square when the fish market was on the mainland.
The island is 350m from Piazza dei Signori.
The Church of San Nicolò boasts important records: it is the largest building in Treviso and one of the most outstanding examples of Gothic style in the whole of Italy! Built in the 12th century by Dominican friars, this structure also underwent major restoration following the bombing in 1944.
Its three naves reveal precious treasures: frescoes by Tomaso da Modena and his students (14th century), a large organ by Gaetano Callido with painted doors, the sepulchral monument of Roman Senator Agostino Onigo.
The church is located 700m from Piazza dei Signori (Via San Nicolò no. 50) and can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle.
The Santa Caterina complex is now the main location of the Treviso Civic Museums, which also include the Ca’ Da Noal-Casa Robegan-Casa Karwath complex and the Luigi Bailo Museum.
The Santa Caterina site (like the others) is located in the historical centre and, in addition to the museum, includes the Church of Santa Caterina dei Servi di Maria and the convent.
The church is Gothic in style and contains frescoes dating back to the 14th-15th centuries, while the convent houses two cloisters surrounded by greenery and a historical-archaeological section (with evidence of early settlements in the area).
The St Catherine’s site can be reached on foot or by bicycle from anywhere in the city centre. It is 500m from Piazza dei Signori.
Here is one of the most evocative views of Treviso. This is a branch of the Botteniga river, which flows through the city into the historic centre, creating wonderful water features on its way, enhanced especially during the Christmas period, when warm lights are installed and reflected in the canal, creating an exciting spectacle.
But its charm is not only in winter: in the second half of June, the Buranelli Festival is held. The sub-portico of the same name comes to life with concerts, shows and tastings of local specialities.
Canale Buranelli is located at Via Campana 4, 220m from Piazza dei Signori and 1.1km from the railway station.
Better known as the Duomo, the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle is one of Italy’s national monuments: those considered by the state to be historically significant and a landmark for the nation.
The Duomo (the construction of which began in the 6th century) is characterised by its seven domes, its wide frontal staircase and the six Ionic columns towering above it. But that’s not all: inside it holds valuable works such as Titian’s Annunciation. Romanesque meets Neoclassical style, in a reminder of ancient Roman and Greek temples.
Treviso Cathedral is located in Piazza del Duomo n.1, 290m from Piazza dei Signori.
The city is fascinating, but there are also 10 things to see in the province of Treviso to immerse yourself in nature and history.
A walkway suspended between rocks leads past caves, waterfalls, natural pools and vegetation with a tropical flavour.
The loop route is 1 km long, so the duration of the visit is generally 1 hour. The path presents no particular difficulty and is suitable for everyone, including children and dogs. You just have to pay attention to some of the more slippery spots. Comfortable and sporty clothing is recommended.
The full price is 3.50 euro. For children up to 12 years of age it is free of charge.
Paid parking costs 2 euro per hour.
This protected natural area stretches along the course of the Sile, Italy’s longest spring river.
The park contains natural, plant and animal treasures characteristic of resurgence areas and rural areas. But it also has a historical-anthropological-cultural interest, including infrastructures related to the history of man in the area.
We recommend the cycle-pedestrian route, the so-called Greenway del Sile: an excursion from Treviso to Jesolo that does not present any particular difficulty and stretches for 52 or 63 km, depending on the destination (Jesolo town or lido).
The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An expanse of vines, from which the well-known Prosecco Superiore DOCG originates, stretches between hills and verdant forests.
We recommend the Prosecco Hills walk, which covers 50 km in four stages and offers incomparable views. It is also possible to stop for a break in local wine cellars and indulge in a wine tasting against a rural backdrop.
This borgo is one of the most beautiful in Italy and offers many opportunities. Every August, ‘Artigianato Vivo’ is held: an event linked to the local manufacturing tradition, ancient arts and crafts, enriched by concerts and food and wine exhibitions.
A stone’s throw from the historical centre is Castelbrando: one of the largest and oldest castles in Europe, offering unmissable views. In addition, Borgo Cison di Valmarino is the starting point of many excursions, with itineraries to be undertaken on foot, by bicycle and even on horseback.
Significant sites of the Great War, which still preserve the memory of it.
As many as 61 monuments, including crosses, tombstones, plaques and memorial stones have been preserved from the neglect of time. Among them is the Military Shrine of Nervesa della Battaglia, which houses the remains of Italian fallen soldiers during the First World War.
These are hiking hubs with itineraries for cycling or walking, travelling through history.
One of the most evocative corners of the Marca Trevigiana reveals an ancient water mill, whose foundations rest on the bare rock (the ‘croda’ of the mountain). The Molinetto della Croda, a characteristic example of 17th century rural architecture, milled its last flour in 1953. However, its millstone is still functioning today.
It is possible to visit its interior, used as a milling museum and hosting various exhibitions, and to follow the path up to the waterfall. The total cost of this experience is 4 euros per person (free of charge up to 14 years of age).
An unusual place, ideal for lovers of Brutalist architecture, the Brion Tomb is located in the San Vito cemetery.
It is a monumental funeral complex designed for two spouses in 1969. The author is the architect Carlo Scarpa who, after working on the project for ten years, also wanted to be buried there. Part of the FAI heritage, the hard lines and grey concrete of the Memorial blend with the Venetian countryside, dotted with greenery and criss-crossed by canals.
The cost of the guided tour is 10 euros.
The castle of Conegliano is the medieval and historical heart of the city, of which it is the identity symbol. Characterised by its walls and towers, it houses a museum with frescoes, tombstones, armour, documents and exhibits of local history. At the top of the castle is the terrace from which you can admire the wonderful panorama, which sweeps from the mountains to the sea.
The full-price ticket costs €2.50 and there are reductions for children, university students, the over-65s and the disabled.
Colle della Tombola derives its name from tumba: ledge, rise of land. Of great scenic interest, the view from the hill takes in the entire surrounding plain, reaching as far as Venice on clear days.
An evocative route connects the hill with Susegana, passing through castles, fortresses and unspoilt nature. Traversable on foot or by bike, it stretches 6.5 km and is of medium difficulty.
The Church of the Templars in Ormelle was probably built in the 12th century by the monastic-military Order of the Knights of the Temple, who were succeeded in the 14th century by the Knights of Malta.
The Templars settled in this place where one of the ancient Roman routes ran: the Via Opitergium-Tridentum (Oderzo-Trento), very close to the Via Postumia that connected Genoa to Aquileia.
Lonely, mysterious and isolated in the middle of the Treviso countryside, the charm of its Romanesque architecture blends with various pictorial testimonies. The church can be visited freely from the outside, guided tours require an appointment.
The Foscarini Via Terraglio, 4,
31021 Mogliano Veneto TV – ITALY
