Guide to Treviso, Veneto. Italy

By: Karen Bryan
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:59
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Treviso is in the Veneto region of morthern Italy, around 30 kms north of Venice. It is rather overshadowed by its illustrious neighbour. It sits between two rivers, the SIle and Bottenig with canals crisscrossing the city. It is known as the Citta dAcqua, the city of water.

Unique Points

Treviso is a beautiful small city, not on the scale of Venice but I believe a quieter, less touristy, more authentic Italian city. Ryanair fly into Treviso and the airport is only 3 kilometres from the city, making it an ideal short break destination. I really like Treviso it has a very relaxed, refined yet down to earth charn. You can happily wander around the streets, the city walls and the canal side walks to soak up the atmosphere.

History

The city can be traced back to the 15th century BC. It was recognised as a free commune in the 12th century by the Emperor Frederick 1 and know as a a "joyous and harmonious March" during this period. It became part of the Venetian Republic in 1389. The current city walls and gates were originally constructed in 1509 as defence for the Republic. The city was known as the "Granary of the Republic" as the plains by the river were ideal for growing wheat.

What to see

The five domed Cathedral houses frescoes by Pordennone and the Announciation by TItan. The current structure was built in the 15th and 16th century on the site of a 12th century church. San Nicola, a Domonican church has 14th century frescoes by Modena. The Civic Museum in Borgo Cavour, a former Jesuit monastry, has a collection of swords from the Bronze age excavated from the prehistoric site of St Antonino. There are also paintings by Giambellon and Lotto. I enjoyed just wandering along the canalside admiring the painted houses. It is also very beatiful in the evening. The National Park of the River Stile offers various events throughout the year.

Where to eat

Trattoria all"Oca Bianca is a traditional restuarant, open since 1921. They seem to have adopted geese as their logo and even sell goose decorated crockery.

Osteria Ponte Dante, Piazza Garibaldi 6, tel 0442 582924, specialises in fish dishes. It has a terrace which overlooks the River Stile.

Many dishes incorporate the raddicchio rosso. The riaddichio is alleged to allieviate insomnis and help purify the blood. It was very popular with monks in the middle ages to give some colour and zing to their rather plain diet.

There is an annual Chestnut Festival in the village of Combai in the pre-alps for the last three weeks in October. You can taste and buy the marrons. On Sundays there are many activities for children such as painting workshops and guided walks in the woods.

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