Located a short distance from the famous Venice , Treviso is a hidden gem that fascinates travelers with its peaceful coexistence between nature and human architecture. The beating heart of the city is Piazza dei Signori , a place steeped in history and culture, surrounded by iconic monuments such as the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo dei Trecento and the Torre Civica.
What to see in Treviso: a complete overview
Exploring a city rich in history and culture like Treviso can be a fascinating and compelling experience. To fully enjoy everything this fascinating destination has to offer, it is essential to have a well-structured itinerary. Planning your visit not only allows you to maximize the time available, but also to discover the hidden treasures and most evocative corners of the city, so let's see some of the most popular attractions in the city
Piazza dei Signori: the heart of Treviso
Piazza dei Signori is the living room of Treviso, surrounded by elegant arcades, restaurants and shops. Here stands the majestic Palazzo del Podestà , a building that dates back to the 13th century and served as the seat of the Podestà, a legal figure who could not have come from Treviso or the nearby cities. Next door, the Palazzo dei Trecento, built in 1210, dominates the square, still used today for city council meetings. This Romanesque building preserves thirteenth-century frescoes that narrate the history of the city.
The Palazzo dei Trecento , built in 1210, overlooks the Piazza dei Signori with its imposing red brick façade. This building was the seat of the Municipal Council and testifies to the historical importance of Treviso. Despite the damage suffered during the bombing of 1944, the Palace preserves the thirteenth-century frescoes that narrate the deeds of the city, offering a journey into the past.
Finally, inside the Piazza dei Signori, there is the Loggia dei Cavalieri , a fascinating building dating back to 1200. This structure with irregular arches served as a meeting point for local nobles, a place where history was intertwined with social life . Today, the Loggia dei Cavalieri is one of the most representative monuments of Treviso, recalling an era of games and entertainment for the nobility.
Calmaggiore and the Fontana delle Tette
Calmaggiore, Treviso's main commercial street, plays a crucial role in connecting the civil heart of Piazza dei Signori to the Duomo, transporting visitors through a fascinating fusion of past and present. This street, originally the Roman Cardo Maggiore, is today an elegant alleyway lined with shops, boutiques and historic residences.
Originally part of the Roman Cardo Maggiore, Calmaggiore has been transformed over the centuries into an iconic Treviso shopping street . Through well-preserved arcades and a cobbled street, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's history as they explore the glittering storefronts, shops and boutiques along the way. This street represents a tangible symbol of the harmony between Treviso's past and present.
In the courtyard of Palazzo Zignoli , there is a recreation of the Fontana delle Tette , an iconic representation of the Treviso tradition dating back to 1559. This unusual fountain features the bust of a woman, from whose breasts water flows. The original statue, kept in the Palazzo dei Trecento, was part of the festivities to celebrate the mayor's inauguration
During the mayor's inaugurations, the Fountain of Tits generously dispensed white wine from one breast and red wine from the other, creating an atmosphere of celebration and conviviality.
Treviso Cathedral and Church of San Nicolò
The Santa Caterina Complex, home to the Civic Museums of Treviso , is an unmissable stop for those who want to immerse themselves in the rich history and art of the city. Consisting of the church and the convent, this place bears witness to centuries of cultural and spiritual evolution in Treviso. The church is a jewel of Gothic architecture, dating back to a period spanning the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The interior of the church is enriched with frescoes that narrate biblical stories and scenes from the life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. These artistic masterpieces, dating between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistic mastery of those times and the historical and religious context in which they were created.
The convent, however, has green cloisters, an oasis of tranquility framed by the lush greenery of the surrounding nature. These spaces, in addition to offering a serene refuge, act as treasure chests for an archaeological section that dates back to 300,000 years ago, testifying to human presence in these lands since ancient times. In addition to the church and convent, the Santa Caterina Complex hosts the Civic Museums of Treviso, further enriching the cultural experience of visitors.
The walls and waterways of Treviso
Dating back to Roman times, the walls of Treviso surrounded the city, protecting it. The historic gates such as Porta San Tommaso , Porta Santi Quaranta and Porta Altinia testify to the thousand-year history. While, the waterways surrounding Treviso offer a unique perspective on the city. Dante's bridge and the quiet along the route underline the connection between the history of the waters and the tranquility of the city. Finally, for those who want to explore the city a visit must not be denied to the Isola della Pescheria , center of the fish market, this islet in the Cagnan Grando river is a meeting point for lovers of tradition. The Buranelli Festival in June offers an overview of local traditions.
From this quick description of Treviso and its beauties it is clear that a single day will not be enough to visit it completely, furthermore, the city is an excellent starting point for visiting Venice and staying overnight at lower prices and this is why it is always advisable to book , in advance, an apartment that leaves ample freedom of maneuver.
Newsletter
Enter your email and stay updated on last minute offers & discounts for staying in Veneto