Explore the Region of Veneto Northern Italy

- Approximately 15 Minutes by car - 

Nestled among hills and enjoying a temperate climate, Bassano del Grappa is a picturesque medieval town just minutes from Valstagna.

Strolling through its historic center immerses you in a rich tapestry of art, with streets featuring creations by renowned artists like Palladio, Canova, Jacopo Da Ponte, Marinali, and Dall'Acqua. The town is home to the oldest Civic Museum in the Veneto region, along with the impressive Loggia dei Potestà, both of which are must-see attractions.

The iconic Ponte Vecchio, designed by Palladio, serves as a symbol of the city, linking its history to the Alpine troops of the Great War. This bridge has been rebuilt multiple times due to flooding, yet each reconstruction has preserved Palladio’s original vision. Near the bridge’s entrance, you'll find the captivating Alpine Museum, showcasing historical documents and artifacts.

Bassano del Grappa is renowned for two significant traditions. One is its ceramics, with a legacy tied to the esteemed Antonibon family, whose works are displayed in the Ceramics Museum at Palazzo Sturm. The other is its printing heritage, fostered by the famous Remondini family, who established Italy's leading printing industry between the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, the town features medieval architecture, including a fortress designed for defense, remnants of its towers and walls, the Civic Tower offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the Cathedral.

- Approximately 25 Minutes by car -

Marostica appears to be shaped more by the imaginative vision of an artist than by the tactical considerations of a military leader. This genuine medieval gem is situated amidst the hills that slope down from the Asiago Plateau.

Often hailed as the most beautiful walled city in the Veneto region, Marostica’s origins are somewhat mysterious. However, its distinctive charm can be attributed largely to the Scaliger rule from 1311 to 1387. Today, visitors can see four gates leading into the historic center, twenty watchtowers, and a robust wall connecting two medieval castles—remnants of the centuries-long conflicts between Vicenza and its neighboring lordships. Many regard it as the most picturesque walled city in Veneto, and a walk through its cobblestone streets reveals it!

Known as the City of the Chess Game, Marostica is internationally recognized for its Living Chess Game, a biennial event that features around 600 participants dressed in period costumes. The small Chess Museum within the Lower Castle showcases some of these original costumes, and visitors can engage in chess matches on the large boards located beneath the Doglione, on the northern side of Piazza Castello.

If you decide to use Marostica for exploring the Region of Veneto, you will be rewarded with an authentic experiences. The unique ambiance of a medieval town where souvenir shops are scarce, traditional workshops passed down through generations, and great restaurants.

- Approximately 35 Minutes by car -

Selected the Top 5 "Best European Destinations 2023", the construction of the city walls, originally built as a defensive outpost, began around 1220 and took several decades to complete. Unlike the nearby fortresses that follow the typical quadrangular military design of the era, Citadella is notable for its circular walls. These walls feature four gates aligned with the cardinal directions, each named after the city it faces, along with two main intersecting roads and 16 towers, giving it the appearance of an 'ideal city' prepared to face various threats.

Throughout its extensive history, Citadella has been governed by the Romans, the Scaligeri, the Visconti, and ultimately came under Venetian control. During the War of the League of Cambrai, the only damage recorded was to the Porta Vicenza, which still stands today.

In recent years, visitors can now walk the entire perimeter of the city walls, starting at Porta Bassano. Before exploring the walls, you can visit the Captain's house, which offers a captivating atmosphere filled with ancient arms and furnishings.

Other notable sites include the Palazzo Pretorio, the Cathedral Museum featuring Jacopo di Ponte's "Supper at Emmaus," the Social Theatre, and the Maltese Tower, rumored to have been used by Ezzelino da Romano for the torture of prisoners. Additionally, the ancient church of San Donato is located just outside the city walls on the route to Padua, making it a worthwhile stop.

- Approximately 35 Minutes by car-

Asolo is a captivating hill town that enchants visitors with its rich history, stunning vistas, and artistic legacy. Known as the “City of a Hundred Horizons,” Asolo has long been a muse for poets, writers, and artists, including English poet Robert Browning and actress Eleonora Duse. With its medieval walls, ancient fortress, and charming streets adorned with faded frescoes, Asolo feels like an open-air museum where every corner tells a story.

The town's impressive landmarks, such as the majestic Cathedral and the imposing ruins of La Rocca, offer a deep dive into its storied past. The castle of Queen Caterina Cornaro stands as a regal symbol of Asolo’s medieval heritage. Strolling through its arcaded streets, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Venetian art at Palazzo della Ragione, where local masterpieces adorn the walls.

Beyond its historical allure, Asolo is a haven for wine lovers, famed for its Prosecco DOCG. Vineyards stretch across the hills, producing delicate sparkling wines that capture the essence of the region. Visitors can explore local wineries, savoring the refreshing flavors of Asolo’s renowned bubbly.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Asolo’s scenic landscape offers hiking, trekking, and cycling opportunities, with panoramic views of the Veneto plains and distant mountains. Whether wandering through its charming streets or relaxing in Piazza Garibaldi, Asolo invites you to experience Italy’s beauty and tranquility at its finest.

- Approximately 35 Minutes by car -

Asiago is a charming town of 6,215 residents, located on the Plateau of the Seven Municipalities. Perched at 1,000 meters above sea level, the town is surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, with peaks over 2,000 meters to the north and gentle hills to the south. The region is known for its dense forests of pine, larch, fir, and beech trees, creating a stunning natural backdrop.

Asiago has a rich and storied past, once serving as the capital of the Spettabile Reggenza dei Sette Comuni (The Honorable Regency of the Seven Municipalities), a self-governing federation established in 1310 by the Cimbrian villages. The town’s resilience shines through its recovery after World War I, when it was heavily bombed and left in ruins. Despite this, Asiago has flourished and is now a popular destination for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The town is renowned for its winter sports, especially cross-country skiing, and is equally popular in the summer for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the beautiful surroundings. Asiago is also famous for its world-class Asiago DOP cheese, made locally and celebrated internationally.

Known for its cool, alpine climate, Asiago is one of the coldest towns in the Alps, with record-low temperatures reaching -31°C in January 1942. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and year-round outdoor activities, Asiago offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and tradition.

- Approximately 40 Minutes by car -

Monte Grappa (1,775 m) is the highest peak of the Grappa Massif (Massiccio del Grappa) in the Veneto Prealps, located between the Brenta Valley, Piave Valley, and Feltrino. Its name likely derives from the pre-Latin "Krapp-", meaning 'rock.' In 2021, it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its ecological significance.

The mountain’s geological roots trace back to the Alpine orogeny, where the African and European plates collided. The massif’s rocks are marine in origin, with Jurassic oolitic limestones and Cretaceous "Biancone" limestones. The unique geography, especially the southern slopes leading to the Veneto plain, supports rich flora, from Mediterranean shrublands to boreal mountain forests, with species like fir, beech, and alpine flowers such as snowdrops and clematis.

Monte Grappa is home to diverse wildlife, including roe deer, chamois, red deer, and birds of prey like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon. The climate is highly variable, with hot summers and snowy winters, averaging 60-70 cm of snowfall annually.

At the summit stands the Sacrario Militare, a military shrine dedicated to 12,615 WWI soldiers. Visitors can also explore the Via Eroica and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III, a historic underground fortification. The area is also marked by the Partisan Monument, honoring those who fought against Nazi forces.

Monte Grappa blends natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

- Approximately 25 Minutes by car -

The town of Arsiè is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, just north of Lake Corlo, an artificial lake created in 1954 for hydroelectric power. The municipality includes several peaks such as Monte Novegno, Col del Gallo, Cima di Lan, and Cima Campo, with part of its territory stretching along the slopes of Monte Grappa.

The climate is mild in summer due to the surrounding mountains, but winters can be harsh, with significant snowfall each year. The official hamlets of Fastro, Incino, Mellame, Rivai, Rocca, and San Vito are part of Arsiè, along with other settlements like Col Perer, Corlo, and Tol. The mountain areas of Monte Novegno and Cima Campo also belong to the municipality.

The name Arsiè likely derives from the Latin arso, meaning "burnt" or "dry," referencing the arid land. Some suggest a link to arci sedes, meaning "seat of the castle," referring to a fort along the historic route from Venice to Germany.

During World War I, Arsiè was located near the front lines. After the Caporetto retreat, it became part of the Austrian rear zone. Several forts were built to defend the area, including Forte Cima Lan and Forte Leone (Cima Campo). Some forts were destroyed to prevent enemy occupation, while others, like Forte Leone, were never used in battle.

In World War II, after Italy signed an armistice in 1943, Arsiè was occupied by Nazi forces. The Americans established a headquarters in the Villa Stile Liberty in 1945, marking the town's role in post-war Italy.

- Approximately 35 Minutes by car -

Castelfranco Veneto is a historic town with a population of around 33,000. It is the third-largest municipality in Treviso after the capital Treviso and Conegliano. Strategically located between Treviso, Padua, and Vicenza, it is known for its well-preserved medieval castle and its significance as a commercial and industrial center.

The town lies in a flat area at the western edge of Treviso, bordering Padua, with easy access to several major cities, including Treviso, Venice, Vicenza, and Padua. The area is well-connected by a comprehensive transport network, with three key railway lines converging at the town's station and two important roads, the SS 53 Postumia and SS 245 Castellana, linking it to surrounding cities.

Castelfranco was founded between 1195 and 1199 by the Municipality of Treviso to defend its borders from rivals Padua and Vicenza. The castle was built by about 500 master masons and 1,000 workers, with a moat formed by diverting local rivers. The name "Castelfranco" comes from its status as a "free castle," where 100 families were granted land exempt from taxes.

The town is encircled by medieval walls and towers dating from 1211. The Cathedral of Castelfranco Veneto (Duomo), located within these walls, houses Giorgione's famous painting, the "Pala del Giorgione" (Madonna with St. Francis and Liberalis), painted in 1504. The cathedral was designed by Francesco Maria Preti and also contains fresco fragments by Paolo Veronese.

- Approximately 50 Minutes by car -

The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, along with many other regional parks, is located in the Dolomites Alps. On 26 June 2009, the Dolomites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The park captivates with its broadleaf forests, coniferous trees, rocky landscapes, and crystal-clear waters. Hundreds of trails, mule tracks, and via ferrata routes wind through the area, catering to all levels—from easy walks to routes for expert climbers. A highlight is the 4-km Val Falcina trail, which follows the Mis stream and features informative signs about local flora, fauna, and geology. 

There are also mountain biking and horseback riding routes, such as the Prati di Salet trail, perfect for a peaceful outing. 

The park offers guided tours and inclusive workshops designed for people with disabilities and Down syndrome, raising awareness of the daily lives of those with special needs. In the park's 15 municipalities, numerous local museums tell the story of the region’s history and culture, along with a botanical garden, an educational center, and a natural history museum.

Main attractions include the alpine pastures of Vette Grandi and Monsampiano, Devil’s Square, Lake della Stua, Val del Mis with the Cadini del Brenton, Bus de le Nèole, Val di Piero, Caiàda Forest, Val del Grìsol, and the iconic Gusèla del Vescovà peak, visible from Belluno.

The Dolomites offer stunning landscapes, outdoor adventure, and rich culture.