Day 1 in Treviso

Welcome to the beautiful town of Treviso in the Veneto region of northeast Italy! Upon arrival, head to your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Treviso benefits from its historical defensive fortifications, which still stand in fantastic condition today. In addition, the city has a host of important religious structures and a number of interesting museums. Being only 40 minutes from Venice, Treviso also benefits from having a beautiful array of canals that are excellent to explore in the nice weather.

The narrow streets and bridges are picturesque and charming. Wander through the streets to make your way to Piazza dei Signori, the historic town center and also where you`ll find Treviso Cathedral. The Cathedral is undoubtedly the most impressive structure in the city, named after St. Peter the Apostle, resembling an ancient Roman temple. The façade of the cathedral was completed in 1836 and is a perfect example of neoclassical architecture, although in reality the whole building is a mix of styles: Romanesque, Renaissance (the chapels), neo-Renaissance (the main aisles) and neoclassical. The Malchiostro Chapel is particularly noteworthy and contains some gorgeous religious artwork. Also, underneath the church you can find the original crypt that dates back to the 11th century.

This Piazza die Signori also boasts lovely architecture as well as many shops and stalls to browse for some local souvenirs.

The Canoniche Vecchie, accessible from a side street, today houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, where works by artists such as Tommaso da Modena can be seen and it also contains a fantastic array of relics and artifacts relating to the church and the religious history of the city. To reach it, go to the Via Conoche and you will find what remains of a beautiful early Christian mosaic brought back to the surface a few years ago. Note: the museum is open every day from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, on Mondays and Tuesdays only in the morning.

Next, make your way to the ancient City walls and gates. Treviso is an ancient city that had an extensive system of defensive fortifications, guard towers and gates. The historic old town is still separated today from the modern parts and much of the cities original city walls and gates remain in good condition. Created in the 15th century, the walls covered the entire old town and much of the sections ran parallel to the River Sile and the man-made canals that were channeled. Porta San Tomaso and Porta Santi Quaranta are two of the most impressive gate houses that still stand, and in the north eastern corner of the old town, you can see one of the round towers that served as a defensive garrison.

Continue your exploration at the Church of San Nicolo, the largest church in Treviso that began construction in the 13th century. The exterior of the church is relatively simple and features minimal decoration but the interior contrasts greatly. Inside the church you will find beautiful decorations and features such as the wooden paneled ceiling, the stone and brick columns and arches, and the colored tiled floor. There are also a number of frescos from various time periods displayed throughout the church.

Finish your afternoon walking along the beautiful canals of the city. Known as `little Venice`, Treviso is host to a range of man-made canals that wind through the historic city center, the most famous of these canals is Buranelli. This network of canals has a range of connecting bridges, simply strolling through the streets and exploring the hidden waterways is a perfect way to end the day. These picturesque waterways flow right up to the houses, most of which have small docking platforms or terraces that open out onto the water.

Spend your evening at the Piazza dei Signori to enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at one of the various cafes and restaurants that surround the area. Pair your dinner with a great wine from the surrounding area (try the Prosecco!) To finish off your dinner, don`t think twice and just order the tiramisu, Treviso is the birthplace of this mouth-watering dessert.

Piazza San vito is only a short distance from the Piazza dei Signori and covers a larger area. An easy walk here will be rewarded with a pleasant place to enjoy a drink while taking in the evening ambiance. Or enjoy some shopping. This Piazza is also surrounded by beautiful buildings and the center has a large outdoor seating area for the cafes that sit on the piazza.

Day 2 in Treviso

Start your morning off like many locals - grab a coffee at one of the local cafes and fuel up. And if you really want to ` do as the locals do`, after ordering your coffee, taste it while standing by the counter.

Spend the early part of your day at Museo Bailo. This museum is located in the north western corner of the old town and can be found on the Borgo Camillo. The museum is home to a fantastic collection of art and archaeology. The art section contains both historical works and contemporary art spanning Impressionism to Avant-garde. This museum is a highlight for those who appreciate fine art.

For lunch, head to the Isola della Pescheria which is literally an island dedicated to the sale of fresh fish. Located on one of the central canals in the town center, this small island can be accessed by two bridges and in the center there is a bustling fish market. This part of Treviso is one of the most authentic and there is no better way to watch the locals than to visit the fish market and watch the traders and buyers haggle and strike up a deal. Surrounding the fish market you can find several sculptures such as a mermaid and fish which adds to the style and intrigue of the island. Grab lunch while you`re here at one of the restaurants that overlooks the canals. Perfection!

After filling up, get cultural by visiting one of the cool exhibitions at Casa dei Carraresi. This house was previously owned by a very rich, noble family and has now been transformed into a great art space.

As you explore the city, take in the quirky fountains of Treviso. One of them, for example is a small old water fountain that is said to have given Treviso its name. The Tre Visi fountain (the fountain of three faces) has three sculpted faces each facing at 120 degrees from the other. Secondly, Fontana delle Tete (fountain with breasts) is the quirkiest of all. Used in the past to dispense wine, this small old fountain depicts a woman with bare breasts dispensing water through her nipples.

Aperitivo time! Just like in the other parts of Europe, you can also taste amazing cicchetti (small snacks or side dishes) in Treviso. And of course, drink all the wine you want! Treviso is famous among locals for its great plates of mixed cheeses and cold cuts -which are always washed down with a good ombra (glass of wine).

We recommend a relaxing walk atop the Venetian Walls of Treviso, the sunset views are stunning and in the summer evenings you`ll be mesmerized by the small music concerts that are usually held. It`s the perfect way to end a beautiful day in Treviso.

Before calling it a night, head to one of the restaurants in town. If you are looking for authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, there is plenty of restaurants that won`t disappoint. In the Piazza San Vito and the vicinity of the square and streets such as Via Campana you can find a range of first class restaurants.

Treviso is not known for its vibrant nightlife but it does have a selection of enjoyable bars and clubs if you are looking for a night out in the city. You`ll find a good selection around Piazza dei Signori which is one of the best locations to enjoy a few drinks in the evening.

Additional Days in Treviso

Should you be able to spend additional days in Treviso continue to discover the region around the city by visiting Padua, a fantastic city located only a short distance from Treviso (approximately one hour by train or bus). This commune has a great deal to offer considering its relative size and it is known as being the University City where Galileo was educated. The main attractions of Padua include the gorgeous Basilica di Sant Antonio, the Piazza dei Signori, Padua Cathedral and the botanical gardens. Padua also has a small network of beautiful canals to explore.

Another great way to spend an additional day is to enjoy the Vineyards of Treviso. Only in this corner of the northern Veneto is this variety of wine cultivated. Beyond the old city walls lie the radicchio fields. One of Treviso`s claim to culinary fame is the local wine: prosecco, which in recent years has been granted DOCG status, preventing the name from being used for wines made outside the protected area. Running from Treviso to Valdobbiadene, the prosecco route is lined with vineyards. The winemakers love to host visitors and will welcome you with a taste of their delicious wine, cold meats and cheese.

Alternatively, take a trip to Venice - the island city of love. Renowned worldwide for its stunning network of canals and waterways, Venice is actually made up of hundreds of small islands that are interconnected with canals and bridges. Aside from the canals, Venice also has a range of beautiful structures such as St. Mark`s Campanile, St. Mark`s Cathedral, the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore and the Rialto Bridge. Venice can be reached within 40 minutes by train or bus from Treviso.

Your Last Day In Treviso

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the Treviso and the beautiful northeastern region of Italy.