Veneto and its Attracions – September
A unique heritage of art cities and places rich in history
BELLUNO – FELTRE
Feltre, located on the slopes of the Dolomites, is the main center of the Feltre area; around the ancient historical settlement, dating back to Roman times and located on the slopes of a hill called “Colle delle Capre”, today the most modern neighborhoods and buildings can be seen. Walking through the historic center, one is attracted by magnificent palaces, such as the Teatro de La Sena, also called the “Little Fenice” due to its similarity to the Venetian theater; then the Carlo Rizzarda Gallery of Modern Art stands out, with a collection of decorative arts that make it unique throughout Italy. Feltre is also the gateway to the Belluno Dolomites National Park, which can be visited on foot, by bicycle or even on horseback.
FUN FACT: every year in August the Palio dei Quindici Ducati is held in Feltre, a medieval historical re-enactment that recalls the entry of the city of Feltre into the Serenissima.
PADOVA – MONTAGNANA
Montagnana is a small town in the province of Padua and is a member of the association “The most beautiful towns in Italy”. The city is best known for its walls, one of the best preserved examples of medieval military fortifications, once surrounded by a large moat with water arriving from the Frassine River. Of great interest in the historic center is the Castle of San Zeno, whose construction dates back to the 12th century, when Ezzelino III da Romano decided he wanted to fortify the city after setting it on fire in 1242. Today the Castle houses the Civic Museum, the Civic Library and the Study Center for Castles. In the historic center there is also the Duomo, inside which frescoes recently attributed to Giorgione are preserved.
FUN FACT: the walls of Montagnana were included by the FAI in the “Places of the Heart” project, an initiative created in 2003 to protect Italian places not to be forgotten.
ROVIGO – ALBARELLA
Albarella is an island immersed in the Po Delta Park, connected by a bridge to the mainland and an ideal destination for cyclists and lovers of unspoiled nature. On the island you can admire flamingos, hares and squirrels that live in close contact with humans, immersed in lush vegetation. You can move around on foot, by bicycle and on horseback in three woodlands: il bosco dello sguardo, il bosco dell’anima and il bosco della conoscenza, within which special areas have been created for children and birdwatching. On the island, the use of bicycles or electric golf carts is highly recommended, whilst the use of cars is only allowed to reach your home.
FUN FACT: Albarella is perfect as a green destination: in 2020 Albarella Land was inaugurated, the first eco-sustainable adventure park for adults and children.
TREVISO – ROLLE
Rolle, in Cison di Valmarino, is a small town located on the hills of the Treviso Pre-Alps, not far from the Via del Prosecco. In 2004 it became the first Italian village protected by FAI, the Italian Environment Fund, for its pristine identity and its traditional knowledge.
Of particular interest in the historical town center is the Church of San Giacomo and San Filippo, of ancient origin, which is located on a rise from which it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole valley. The current form of the church is due to a restructuring which took place in the 18th century, when it was elevated to the status of parish. Since the 1200s, the small town has been linked to a Benedictine community, whose monastery is still visible today.
FUN FACT: the poet Andrea Zanzotto, in a poem entitled L’aria di Dolle, defined the village as “a postcard sent by the gods”. Verso also spoke about the fountain in the town centre.
VERONA – MALCESINE
Malcesine is a small town on the Veronese shore of Lake Garda. A very popular tourist destination, it offers visitors activities for all, from the white pebble beach to trekking on Monte Baldo and walks along the lakefront. The historic center is also worth a visit: you can taste a medieval atmosphere, as if time had stopped, thanks above all to the Castle of Malcesine. The fortress, which dates back to the medieval period, dominates the town from the top of a spur of rock and overlooks the lake, giving visitors a unique view. Continuing along the small streets of the town center, you can visit the port and the Palazzo dei Capitani, now open to the public for meetings, concerts and weddings.
FUN FACT: inside the Scaligero Castle, in the Goethe Room, the drawings depicting the village and the castle, which the writer Goethe painted during his Grand Tour of Italy, are exhibited.
VICENZA – TONEZZA
Tonezza del Cimone extends over a plateau surrounded by the Val d’Astico and the Cimone and Spitz peaks; its territory is adjacent to the Florentine plateau and in ancient times formed a single plateau with the Asiago plateau.
Walking along its trails, you find yourself immersed in a green and luxuriant nature, characterised by varied flora and many animals, such as chamois, roe deer, hares and hawks. The area also offers many activities, both for summer and winter months: in fact, Tonezza is the chosen destination of many tourists who choose it to spend a few relaxing days to enjoy tranquility and clean air. A visit to the Ossuary of Monte Cimone is also interesting.
FUN FACT: it is said that Tonezza was founded by seven brigands who, to escaping the overwhelming power of the feudal lords, took refuge on the plateau and gave birth to the first seven districts.
