Things to Do and See in Treviso

Treviso, the provincial capital and known as the “courteous city.” In the historic center, surrounded by imposing city walls, the majestic Cathedral of St. Peter stands in Piazza Duomo, featuring seven domes and a complex blend of architectural styles resulting from numerous renovations carried out over the centuries. Be sure to visit the Luigi Bailo Civic Museum, which houses an archaeological collection, an interesting art gallery featuring works by great Venetian artists, and a collection of modern art. Piazza dei Signori is the beating heart of the city, surrounded by palaces such as the Gothic Palazzo dei Trecento; built in 1210, it served as the seat of the city’s Grand Council. On the long side of the square stands the neo-Gothic Palazzo del Podestà, dating from the 19th century, dominated by the large Town Hall Tower. Behind the palace are the richly decorated chapels of Santa Lucia and San Vito. Elsewhere in the province, we recommend visiting Asolo, which—nestled in nature and an enchanting landscape—is known as “the city of a hundred horizons.” Here you can admire the Rocca, the Castello della Regina Cornaro, and Renaissance architecture such as Villa Contarini degli Armeni and the Casa Longobarda (Asolo), Villa Rovero (San Zenone degli Ezzelini), and Villa di Maser—designed by Palladio—with the adjacent Tempietto. In Possagno, don’t miss the temple dedicated to the famous Canova and the Gipsoteca, which displays some of his masterpieces; while in Riese Pio X, be sure to visit the splendid Villa Zorzi Gradenigo Venier, the Birthplace of St. Pius X, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Cathedral of Castelfranco Veneto, which houses an interesting work by Giorgione. The province, like the rest of the Veneto region, is rich in magnificent Venetian villas, among which the following stand out: Villa Albrizzi Franchetti, a noble residence in the Venetian style surrounded by a splendid park, Villa Taverna with a beautiful Italian-style garden, Villa Trevisanato nestled in the greenery of a small wood, and Villa Furlanis, built according to an original design by Palladio. For history lovers, we recommend exploring some historical itineraries near Monte Grappa, Montello, and the Piave River to better understand the war that marked the early 20th century, during which countless men lost their lives, as evidenced, for example, by the remains interred in the Italian and French Military Memorials and the British Cemetery.