The city of Treviso may not be at the top of your itinerary when exploring the Venice area, located approximately 30 km from the renowned city of canals. However, after visiting, I assure you will be glad you did. A journey through its historic center transports you back to the Middle Ages and provides a delightful romantic walk. You will discover charming canals, exquisite Italian palaces, quaint alleys, and vibrant squares.
Treviso is known as the birthplace of Italy’s most beloved dessert – Tiramisu, the home of the famous fashion label Luciano Benetton, and a producer of exceptional Prosecco wines.
Google link for walking route: Walking route in Treviso
Park your vehicle in the recommended parking lot and embark on a walking tour of the old city (or use a bike – the parking lot offers rentals for all ages).
The first significant site in Treviso – the Bastione San Paolo fortress overlooking the Sile River that runs through the city. Continue along Via Reggimento Italia Libera until you reach the Ponte e Chiesa di Santa Margherita bridge crossing the river. Look to your right – one of the city’s symbols – Ponte Dante on the other side of the river.
Proceed through one of the beautiful arched streets of the city, Via Santa Margherita, on your way to the next site: the Loggia dei Cavalieri (Loggia of the Knights) – one of the historical symbols of power in Treviso.
In a city like Treviso, don’t miss the Piazza dei Signori (Lord’s Square), the heart of the city. The impressive palace that stands out in the square is the Palazzo dei Trecento (Palace of the Three Hundred = the number of council members governing the city in the Middle Ages), dominating the square with its grandeur. The fountain opposite is called “Dee Tete” (the breasts), which was once used to spout white or red wine, depending on the event in the square. Be sure to take the elegant arched street Via Calamagiore leading from Piazza dei Signori towards the city cathedral.
Continue through Piazza Monte di Pietta towards one of the picturesque bridges in the city – the Ponte della Malvasia. The many bridges in the city are a testament to the existence of the Sile River, which once served as a vital transportation route between Treviso and Venice. The next canal we guide you to on this walking tour is called ‘Canale dei Buranelli’ – home and storage location for merchants from the colorful island of Burano who sailed up the Sile River towards Treviso, which was the most important grain storage for the canal city of Venice.
Make your way to the picturesque Piazza Rinaldi on your way back, between bridges and canals to your final stop: the island of Isola della Pescheria – a small island located in the heart of Treviso on the canal known as Cagnan Grando, connected to the city by two small pedestrian bridges. Head to the other side and meet the Mulino Peschiera flour mill.
Recommended restaurants in Treviso:
Le Beccherie
P.za G. Ancilotto, 9, Treviso
Closed on Tuesday
Hostaria Antica Contrada delle Due Torri Treviso
Via Palestro, 8, Treviso
+39 0422 541243
Osteria Dalla Gigia
via Barberia, 20, Treviso
+39 0422 582752
Closed on Sunday
Trattoria Caprese
P.za dell’Università, 7 , Treviso TV
+39 0422 411020
Also a pizzeria