Veneto
There is much to see in this Region of Italy. When some think of Veneto, they think of Venice and the flat lands that surround that city. But there is much more. Almost a third of the Region is mountains. The highest in the Dolomites is the Marmolada-massift at 3,342 meters.
The next chunk, just over 50% of the Region, is the Po Valley. It runs from the mountains to the Adriatic Sea. The Euganean Hills, Berici Hills, Colli Asolani and Montello break up the flat lands of the Po. The Region extends to the eastern shore of the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda. There is much to see in this Region.
One of the primary sites is Venice, however, the architecture and history of the other towns and cities should not be missed.
The Veneto Region
The Veneto has lots to offer and if you are touring but without a care. consider taking the train from Turin that will take you through the jewels of Vicenza, Verona, Padua and then Venice.
Asolo
Located about 40 km from Venice, this is a beautiful old walled town that we visited on one of our first trips into the Veneto Region. It is located in the foothills of the Dolomite mountains it is very lush with lots of forests. I remember the road to the town was very scenic.
We stayed at the Hotel Duce. We learned a lot about travelling. Like when you ask to see the room, look out the window to see if you over over something like the entrance to a restaurant! We remember the evening was not-stop noise as guests left the restaurant.
Our first trip was back in 1994 and at that time we remember driving right into the town, up to the square opposite the hotel. It was great. Years later when we returned we found that cars were no longer allowed into the historic centre. Visitors would park outside the town centre. This is actually a good idea as the streets are very narrow and the cars just ruin the ambiance of the town.
Piazza Garibaldi is the centre of the town and it has a 16th Century fountain. It is an easy city to explore. The cathedral is impressive. Medieval, but updated in the 18th Century, it was built on the site of the original Roman baths. It looks plain, but has impressive artwork. There is also part of the ancient roman acquaduct that can be seen in the Piazza Angelo Brugnoli.
Outside the town is the Villa Barbaro which is a very impressive 16th Century villa that has frescoes and an interesting decor.
photo: mytravellinglens - Asolo looked extra dreamy in the rainy weather that greated us.
Bassano del Grappa
Old city, grand buildings and a covered bridge that has been re-built many times. Great colour tones to the buildings of Bassano, this is a nice town to visit. Of course this town is also famous for the Italian pen company - Montegrappa.
Having visited Bassano del Grappa a number of years ago, we returned here in 2009 for a tour of the Montegrappa factory and a visit to the town.
The history of this town has been tied to the World Wars. Infact, it was originally called Bassano Veneto but after thousands of soldiers lost their lives in a battle the name was changed to Bassano del Grappa as the battles took place on Mont Grappa. The symbol of the town is the wooden pontoon bridge. Designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio in 1569. The bridge we see today is a result of rebuilding. It was destroyed many times during World War II. In fact, at one time after the bridge was destroyed, Alpine soldiers, the Alpini, took up a private collection to have the bridge completely rebuilt.
For something a little more current, you are probably aware of the fashion line Diesel. Well its founder and President, Renzo Rosso is a resident of Bassano del Grappa.
Besides the Montegrappa pen factory, there are other sights to see. Like the Cathedral which was built in 1000 (renovated in 1417) and the upper Castle, the Castello Superiore.
Padova
In Italy you will see the name Padova and outside the country the city is often referred to as Padua. Overlooked by some visitors, this is one of the most important art cities in Italy. It can be reached with a 20 minute train ride from Venice. Or, stay in Padova and use it as a base for the Region.
A scenic network of arcaded streets open onto a large communal piazze. A number of bridges cross the branches of the Bacchiglione River.
Palazzo della Ragione with the top floor great hall is the largest roof unsupported by columns in Europe. Work started on the Palazzo in 1172 and it took until 1219 to finish. In 1306 when Giovanni covered the the structure with a single roof - previously there were three roofs and divides to the main hall. After a fire in thre 1400's the salon was refrescoed by Nicolo' Miretto and Stefano da Ferrara (1425 to 1440).
Scrovegni Chapel, the most famous sight in Padova, has a series of frescoes (1305, by Giotto). Enrico degli Scrovegni, a wealthy banker, commissioned the work for his private chapel that was once attached to his family's palazzo. The frescoes show the life of the Virgin Mary and the series is considered to one of the most important in the world. Other than the work of Giotto's, the inside of the chapel is relatively plain. There is a stark barrel vault roof. Of note is the work by Giotto's, the Last Judgment which covers the entire wall above the chapel's entrance.
Each wall of the chapel has three tiers of frescoes each with four two-meter-square scenes. The panels are noted for their emotional intensity, sculptural figures, and naturalistic space. Between the main scenes Giotto used a faux architectural scheme of painted marble decorations and small recesses.
Entrance to the chapel is an elaborate ordeal, as it involves spending 15 minutes prior to entrance in a climate-controlled, air locked vault, used to stabilize the temperature between the outside world and the inside of the chapel. This is to improve preservation. Book ahead if planning a visit. Book in advance.
Photo: mytravellinglens - Pleasant streets in the historical centre of Padova to explore.
Venice
Covering some 117 islands of the Benetian Lagoon, there is no place like Venice anywhere else you will travel in Italy.
When I was reading the novel The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt, the following few lines brought back some of my impressions of Venice:
"Having spent more than a week there in November 2004, I can attest to the rude mobs that jam the narrow streets, to the ludicrous pigeon-feeding frenzy in St. Mark's Square, to the endless rows of shops peddling cheesy masks and other overpriced junk, to mediocre food, also overpriced, and to the world's most expensive (and worst) martini, at the stupendously overrated Harry's Bar." But that being said, we returned in 2010 and again in 2016. Love Venice.
More than 50,000 tourists a day visit Venice, so be ready for crowds, and some of the not-so-pleasant experiences of traveling, but do visit Venice.
Yes this is a city over-run with tourists in all but the off season, if there is one, but is is a place you just have to experience. Some references to Venice say that this is a city that seduces, this is a city that irritates but it is definitely a city that will impress you.
There are six districts: Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Marco and Castello.
We were last in Venice in 2010. What has changed? The biggest change is there was a lot more tourists in the city! I remembered how busy the city was during the day, but the intensity of tourists was so much higher.
Verona
Verona is the second largest city of the Veneto Region, but it does not feel like an overly large city. We love being in Verona, not only because of a great pen store, but because of the comfortable feel of the city. There is the 1172 Lamberti tower which stands in the centre of the market scqure, the Piazza dell Erbe and a beautiful Romanesque Cathedral. I love the Piazza delle Erebe.
Yes it gets too hectic for me to visit Juliet's balcony. The last time we were there it was like a tourist madhouse!
If you arrive by train, Porta Nuova, it is about a 20 minute walk from the station to the historic centre - the area around Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena. You can travel from Venice in a little under an hour by train.
Photo: mytravellinglens - Roman arena in Verona
Photo: mytravellinglens - In Verona, Juliet's balcony may look peaceful, but beneath is a sea of tourists.
Photo: mytravellinglens - Verona's Piazza des Herbes has great vibes.
Vicenza
The impressive architecture of Vincenzaz reflects its importance under Venetia rule. Famous 16th C architect Andrea Palladio can ben seenh ere and thus the town holds designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto. There is a compactr town centre and attractive villas and viewpoints in the hills a short walk from the town.
Most of the sidtes are found inside the old town walls. Walk along Viale Roma from the train stations. Bus Number 8 will take you for any trips outside the town. Inside the gate, the Corso Andrea Palladio is the city's main street with lots of shops and cafes. The large palaces are found on Contra Portia, which is on the left as you contine.
Piazza dei Signori is the heart of the town. There is the Basilica Palladian and the Torre di Piazza. The Teatro Olimpico, the last work of Palladio and finished by his son and Vincenzo Scamozzi.
We drove to Vincenza, and that year, our car was "upgraded" from a nice small vehicle that could drive on small streets to what I call, the bus - this massive van (there were four in our party) that was impossible to park in the small parking spots of Italian towns. We had to part further away from the centre than we would prefer, and it took me a time period to calm down from the stress of parking. But, once everything got to normal, I loved the city.
Photo: mytravellinglens - Vincenza has impressive architecture and a comfortable feel. On this street we are looiking towards the side of the Basicila.
Travel Journal - Italy
@ 2023 GLENN MARCUS