Treviso

<< Veneto

Treviso is a quiet city located north of Venice, notable for its clothing industry and wine production. The town was founded in ancient times but it only became important in the Middle Ages, as the capital of the March of Treviso. Eventually Treviso came under the rule of Venice, sharing its history with the rest of Veneto until today. Treviso still features many historic medieval buildings and interesting works of art.

✪ Piazza dei Signori

The main square of Treviso hosts some of its most important landmarks. The most notable of these is Palazzo dei Trecento, a 13th-century palace with a loggia that has been for centuries the seat of local power. Heavily damaged during World War II, it was later rebuilt and now it hosts some artworks. Adjacent to Palazzo dei Trecento is Palazzo del Podestà, dating to the Venetian domination over the city and topped by the 13th-century Civic Tower. The 17th-century Palazzo Pretorio closes the square standing parallel to Palazzo dei Trecento.

✪ Civic Museums of Treviso

The Civic Museums of Treviso (Musei Civici di Treviso) are divided into three different sections. The main exhibition space is the Santa Caterina Complex, a former monastery hosting a rich archaeological section and a collection of medieval and Renaissance artworks, while the adjacent Church of Santa Caterina features a wonderful cycle of 14th-century frescoes. The Bailo Museum instead houses the collection of 19th and 20th century art of the Civic Museums. Meanwhile, the Complex of Ca’ da Noal, Casa Robegan, and Casa Karwath is a group of medieval buildings used for temporary exhibitions.

✪ Pescheria Island

Treviso is crossed by a series of canals, one of which is the Cagnan Grande, which forms a small island in the center of the city. Known as Pescheria Island (Isola della Pescheria), this place was originally a swampy area that was rearranged during the 19th century. Pescheria Island was used ever since host the local fish market, and it is one of the most picturesque areas of Treviso.

Buranelli Channel

One of the canals crossing Treviso is the Buranelli Channel (Canale dei Buranelli), which connects the rivers Botteniga and Sile. Various historic buildings face the canal, and it features a series of bridges with a great view on the ancient palaces. The whole area crossed by the Buranelli Channel is among the most photographed in Treviso.

Treviso Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo

The imposing Treviso Cathedral (Duomo di Treviso) has its origins in the Early Middle Ages, but the current Neoclassical building was only built between the 18th and 19th century. There are a few notable artworks inside, like a painting by Titian, while the crypt under the church hosts some ancient relics, and dates back to the time of the original church. Next to the cathedral is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a medieval Romanesque building used as a baptistery.

Church of San Vito

The Church of San Vito is a building of medieval origins hosting various ancient frescoes. Connected to this church is the Church of Santa Lucia, another medieval religious site also housing a series of interesting historic frescoes and other artworks.

Church of San Nicolò

The Church of San Nicolò is the largest religious building in Treviso. It was built during the 13th century in a Romanesque and Gothic style and it hosts a series of ancient frescoes. Notable is also the adjacent Episcopal Seminary, which houses a series of 13th-century portraits that feature the oldest known depictions of eyeglasses and magnifying glasses.

Church of San Francesco

The Church of San Francesco is a large 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic church. It features various medieval frescoes and other artworks, as well as the tombs of the son of Dante Alighieri and the daughter of Petrarch.

Walls of Treviso

Some sections of the medieval and Renaissance walls that protected Treviso still stand today. The best preserved section runs around the northern part of the city center between the decorated city gates Porta San Tomaso and Porta Santi Quaranta, and it is mostly surrounded by a park.

Fontana delle Tette

Fontana delle Tette (“Fountain of the Tits”) is a 16th-century fountain depicting a topless woman that used to pour wine from its breasts during special events. The original statue was later removed and placed inside Palazzo dei Trecento, while a replica built in 1989 now stands in its place.