Valbelluna and Feltrino

<< Veneto

The valley formed by the Piave river among the Alps in the southern part of the Province of Belluno is known as Valbelluna. The provincial capital is located here, as well as the second largest town in the area, Feltre, which is at the center of a region called Feltrino. These cities offer various historic attractions and are surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Belluno

Belluno is a city in the northern part of Veneto, located in a valley formed by the Piave river among the Alps, and it is the most important center on the Eastern side of the Dolomites. Belluno has a long history, it was a Roman city and it was ruled by the Lombards and then the Franks in the Early Middle Ages, before becoming a free comune. Belluno eventually submitted to Venice and, after the short French and Austrian occupations, became part of Italy in 1866. For centuries Belluno has been a link between the Po Valley and the Alps, and it is now a tourist access point toward the Dolomites.

✪ Piazza dei Martiri

Piazza dei Martiri is the largest and busiest square in Belluno, surrounded by historic buildings and adorned with trees and monuments. On the southern side of the square, two city gates connect this plaza with the old town, the narrow Porta Dante and the decorated Porta Dojona, with the second one being adjacent to the Neoclassical Teatro Comunale. Meanwhile, the northern side host the Renaissance Church of San Rocco.

✪ Piazza Duomo

Piazza Duomo stands in front of the Belluno Cathedral and it is surrounded by other various important and historic buildings. Palazzo Rosso, a Gothic Revival palace hosting the local municipality stands on the western side. The Renaissance Palazzo dei Rettori dominates the northern side of Piazza Duomo and it features a clock tower. To the east is the Palazzo dei Vescovi-Conti, former seat of the local bishops that ruled the city. This palace is topped by the Civic Tower and was originally built in the 12th century, but it has been reworked several times and now it hosts an auditorium.

Belluno Cathedral

Also known as: Basilica Cathedral of San Martino (Basilica Cattedrale di San Martino)

The Belluno Cathedral (Duomo di Belluno) is the main church in the city. It was built between the 16th and 17th century in Renaissance style with Gothic and Baroque influences. The church dominates over Piazza Duomo, it features an unfinished facade and it hosts a few artworks.

Civic Museum of Belluno

The Civic Museum of Belluno (Museo Civico di Belluno) hosts a rich collection of artworks from artists that worked in the city, mostly from the 15th century until today. The museum also houses an archaeological section showcasing the history of Belluno and its territory.

Nevegal

Nevegal is a plateau located among the mountains to the southeast of Belluno. A popular tourist destination both in summer and in winter, it offers spectacular views over the surrounding valley and the Alps.

Botanical Garden of the Eastern Alps

The Botanical Garden of the Eastern Alps (Giardino Botanico delle Alpi Orientali) is located on the Nevegal plateau and it hosts a wide range of alpine plants and trees. The area also offers great views over the surrounding region.

Feltre

Feltre is a walled city located in the hills just south of the Dolomites, and it’s the second most important center in the area, after Belluno. It was already a flourishing city during the Roman period, but later declined and was ruled by surrounding local powers, including almost four centuries of Venetian domination. Now it is mainly known as a tourist destination due to its position and beautiful old town.

✪ Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is the main square of Feltre. It is dominated by the Church of Santi Rocco e Sebastiano, which stands close to the medieval Castle of Alboin, adorned with a clock tower. The decorated fountains known as Fontane Lombardesche are located just under the church, while the central part of the square is adorned with statues. The Renaissance Palazzo della Ragione, on the southwestern corner of Piazza Maggiore, hosts the historic and elaborate Teatro de la Sena.

Walls of Feltre

Feltre is still mostly surrounded by its ancient city walls, with the old town located on an elevated area. Walking around the walls, the main sights are the three historic city gates Porta Imperiale, Porta Pusterla and Porta Oria.

Feltre Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo (Concattedrale di San Pietro Apostolo)

The Feltre Cathedral is the main religious building in the city, and it stands just south of the old walled town. It’s a large Renaissance church hosting some artworks and a crypt. In front of the cathedral there is a small Archaeological Area dating from the Roman age.

Sanctuary of Santi Vittore e Corona

The Sanctuary of Santi Vittore e Corona stands on top of a hill just a few kilometers south of Feltre, near the village of Anzù. The church was inaugurated in 1101 and it blends Romanesque architecture with beautiful Byzantine-style frescoes and decorations.