Treviso
Treviso is a tranquil oasis where a peaceful walk lets visitors admire the sober elegance that characterizes every corner of this charming “città cortese” (courteous city).
In the city center stands the Duomo, surrounded by its old defensive walls; it is a superb example of the complex stratification of architectonic styles. Such is due to the numerous restoration works implemented over the centuries. Borgo Cavour leads to the Luigi Bailo Civic Museum and its archaeological collection, an interesting art gallery with pieces by great Venetian artists, in addition to a Modern art collection.
The elegance of Treviso Province matches that of the city, with its villas constructed during the times of the Venetian Republic. Along the Terraglio River and towards Mestre lie numerous of these villas: Villa Fabrizi Franchetti, a Venetian-style aristocratic mansion surrounded by a wonderful park; Villa Taverna, with its beautiful Italian-style garden; Villa Trevisanato, within the green of a small wood and an example of the harmonious landscapes of architect Antonio Caregaro Negrin; and Villa Furlanis, based on a design by Palladio.
The past has left its mark all over the Province, and many cultural routes offer a journey into the past, through the places touched by World War I, the architecture of the Renaissance and Middle Ages, all the way back to relics from the period of Roman domination.
There is a reason why the small town of Asolo is defined as the “city of a hundred of landscapes."
Its surrounding landscape is a natural treasure trove of lush and flourishing plant life, a mosaic of centuries-old woods, and expansive vineyards and olive groves interspersed with monumental structures, e.b. the Fortress (Rocca) and the Castello della Regina Corsaro. Renaissance buildings dot the terrain as well, such as Villa Contarini degli Armeni; the Casa Longobarda (Asolo); Villa Rovero (San Zenone degli Ezzelini) and Villa di Maser, by Palladio, with the Tempietto.
Do not pass up a visit to Possagno, dominated by the majestic Temple that is dedicated to its most distinguished citizen, the great Canova; and by the Museo Canova Gipsoteca, an exhibit of the plaster casts of Canova's masterpieces.
Towards the southwest is Riese Pio X, with its wonderful Villa Zorzi Gradenigo Venier and the birth home of San Pio X. Not to be left out are the elegantly-understated Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Cathedral of Castelfranco Veneto, conserving an important work by Giorgione.
Near Vedelago stands one of the most beautiful buildings ever designed by Andrea Palladio, Villa Emo, with two barchesse (rural buildings), each of which are supported by eleven arches. Ca’ Corner della Regina - the 16th-Century residence of Caterina Cornaro - is most impressive, as is the Barchessa di Villa Pola Pomini. In Badoere, be sure to see the sprawling Piazza del Mercato, more commonly known as the Rotonda di Badoere; it features numerous arches set in semicircle.
Finally, Monte Grappa, Montello and Piave were the scenes of heroic battles that checked the advance of the Austro-Hungarian troops during the Great War. Visiting these places helps us to understand the drama and the suffering resulting from the First World War. The remains of many who fought are preserved in the British Cemetery, while the Italian and French war memorials keep their memories alive.
The northern Marca is famous predominantly for its wine production, while the Conegliano and Valdobbiane areas are home to flourishing vineyards growing Prosecco grapes. This magnificent landscape is ideal for its Wine Routes, itineraries filled with excellent wine tastings in the midsts of beautiful scenery. The Duomo of Conegliano, also the birthplace of Giambattista Cima (i.e. Cima da Conegliano), is well worth a visit.