Treviso

Treviso, a city in Italy's Veneto region, lies 30 km north of Venice. Its medieval walls, Piazza dei Signori, and the Duomo cathedral showcase its rich history. You can explore the city's canals, visit the lively fish market on Isola della Pescheria, or taste local specialties like radicchio and tiramisu. Treviso is also a gateway to the Prosecco wine region, allowing you to experience both urban Italian life and the surrounding countryside.

Exploring Treviso's Center

When you enter Treviso through one of its city gates, such as Porta San Tomaso, you'll find yourself on narrow cobblestone streets with arcaded walkways. In Piazza dei Signori, the main square, you'll see the 13th-century Palazzo dei Trecento, which now hosts art exhibitions. Nearby stands the Loggia dei Cavalieri, once a meeting place for nobles in the Middle Ages. Visit the Duomo to see frescoes and a painting by Titian. As you walk, notice the colorful frescoes on many building facades, a characteristic of Treviso's architecture.

Canals and Rivers

The Sile and Botteniga rivers feed a network of canals throughout Treviso. Take a walk along the Buranelli canal, where medieval buildings line the banks and old stone bridges cross the water. You can stop at a waterside cafe for an aperitivo in the evening. On Isola della Pescheria, a small island in the Cagnan river, you'll find a fish market that has operated for centuries. Look out for the waterwheels and old mills along the canals, which hint at the city's former industries.

Treviso's Culinary Scene

Treviso claims to be the birthplace of tiramisu, the coffee-flavored dessert. You can try an authentic version at Le Beccherie restaurant, where locals say it was created in the 1960s. The city is also known for its radicchio, a bitter red chicory used in many local dishes. Visit Hostaria dai Naneti, a long-standing tavern, to sample regional specialties like risotto al radicchio or bigoli pasta with duck ragu. Pair your meal with a glass of locally-produced Prosecco. To see local life, explore the daily market on Isola della Pescheria or the large Saturday market outside Porta San Tomaso.

Art and Culture

Treviso has several noteworthy art venues. The Museo di Santa Caterina, in a former convent, houses art from the 14th to 19th centuries, including works by Titian and Bellini. For contemporary art, visit the Gallerie delle Prigioni, set in a former Habsburg prison, which hosts rotating exhibitions of modern works. Treviso is also home to international companies like Benetton. If you're interested in fashion, you can visit concept stores like Fabrica to see current Italian design.

Cycling in and Around Treviso

You can easily explore Treviso by bicycle. Rent a bike to ride along the medieval walls or follow the Restera, a path along the Sile river. For a longer trip, head to the nearby Prosecco hills. Between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, you'll find cycling routes that pass vineyards and historic villages. You can stop at a winery like Dal Din to taste the region's sparkling wine. If you're an experienced cyclist, you might want to climb Monte Grappa for views of the Venetian plain.

Getting There and Around

Treviso has a small airport served by budget airlines. The city also has good train connections, with frequent services to Venice (30 minutes) and other major Italian cities. In Treviso, you can walk or bike through the compact center. The city has a bus network for reaching outer areas. From Treviso, you can take day trips to Venice, Padua, and the Dolomites by public transport or car.