What to see in Conegliano: historic center, the Castle and surroundings

Conegliano, renowned for being the birthplace of the famous painter Giambattista Cima , has its roots in a privileged position, embraced by the majestic Treviso Prealps. Its historic centre, known as the ancient Contrada Granda, reveals the magnificence of the Renaissance with its palaces decorated in carved stone and frescoed along the main streets such as via XX Settembre and Piazza Cima. Let's discover the beauties to visit of this Venetian city: currently, the city is positioned as the second inhabited center of the province, after the capital Treviso and shines in the wine sector, with the presence of the Wine School, the oldest in Italy and Europe, founded in 1876.

The city is the starting point of the " Road of Prosecco and Wines of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Hills ", the first Italian wine itinerary. Its strategic position and proximity to the airports of Treviso and Venice have contributed to facilitating the influx of tourists linked to food and wine.

The castle of Conegliano

The Castle of Conegliano , majestic and imposing, stands on the hill close to Piazza Cima, representing one of the most iconic symbols of the city. This fortress, wrapped in its historical aura, is much more than a stone structure; it is a journey through time, a tangible testimony of the rich history of Conegliano. The history of Conegliano Castle begins with the ancient Carrara walls that line the walking paths to access it. Built in a strategic position, the castle had a dual function: to defend the city from possible attacks and to project prestige through its imposing presence. Its construction dates back to medieval times, an era when security and defense were priorities.

A distinctive element of Conegliano Castle is its panoramic position . From the top of the fortress, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view that embraces the vast foothill scenery, ranging from the majestic UNESCO Dolomites to the picturesque Venice . This enchanting view is a step back in time, a visual experience that connects the present with the region's thousand-year history.

Access to the Castle via the ancient walking paths, skirting the Carrara walls, is a journey through time. The ancient stones underfoot tell stories of battles, conquests and changes over the centuries. The sensation of walking on paths that were once passable only by warriors and castle defenders adds a touch of authenticity and magic to the experience. Finally, the Civic Museum of Conegliano , housed in the Castle Tower , offers a complete overview of local history. From the lapidary with evidence of the ancient Porta della Castagnera to the paintings by renowned artists such as Palma il Giovane, the museum represents a cultural treasure of inestimable value.

The Cathedral of Conegliano

The Cathedral of Conegliano , dedicated to S. Maria Annunziata and S. Leonardo, is an architectural gem that reflects the profound spirituality and artistic excellence of the city. Built over the centuries with significant artistic and architectural contributions, the Cathedral is a symbol of religious and cultural identity for Conegliano. The history of the Cathedral begins in 1345, when the Battuti, a congregation born in Umbria, began its construction. The church, initially dedicated to S. Maria Nuova dei Battuti, was located in the center of a hospice for pilgrims managed by the congregation. During the 14th century, the meeting room and presbytery were added.

The Cathedral of Conegliano currently has two distinct parts: the fourteenth-century naves and the modern presbytery. The naves retain decorative candelabra elements, some of which have been integrated in the modern era. The interior of the church houses a rich artistic heritage.

Among the most significant works of art is the altarpiece created by Giambattista Cima da Conegliano in 1493. This work depicts the Madonna with Child and angels, surrounded by saints John the Baptist, Nicholas, Catherine of Alexandria, Apollonia, Francis and Peter. Positioned in the presbytery, the altarpiece is an eloquent example of Cima's Renaissance style and a tribute to the artistic heritage of Conegliano. Other notable works of art include the painting by Francesco Beccaruzzi, a 16th-century artist from Conegliano, which depicts St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Jacopo Palma the Younger contributed a canvas depicting St. Catherine.

The Hall of the Battuti and the Chapter Hall

The façade of the Cathedral is partly hidden by the Sala dei Battuti , characterized by nine pointed arches frescoed at the end of the sixteenth century by Ludovico Toeput, known as Pozzoserrato. This room was used by the Battuti for their meetings, and inside there is a cycle of frescoes of great historical value which narrates episodes from the creation of the world to the Last Judgment. Adjacent to the Hall of the Battuti is the Chapter Hall , which houses five fine Flemish tapestries dating from around 1560. These tapestries portray stories of David and Bathsheba and add a touch of artistic sophistication to this place of worship.

Other places to visit in Conegliano

Worth visiting in the city are the splendid Venetian villas, ancient buildings which are partly still inhabited, the Brolo del Convento di San Francesco, once the botanical garden of the Franciscan friars, was restored in the 1990s. The recovery of this garden has contributed to preserving the ancient cultivations, producing fragolino wine, olive oil and jams and the oratory of the Madonna della Neve , with its history dating back to the seventeenth century, reflects the evolution of the city after the submission to Venice.

Sleeping in Conegliano

Sleeping in Conegliano means discovering a splendid enclosed and medieval city, an enchanting place that can transform itself into a bridgehead for visiting beautiful places such as Venice and Treviso. Staying here is a strategic way to stay close to some of the most interesting tourist points in Veneto, spending less and at the same time experiencing an atmosphere of magic that can be felt in every place. Precisely for this reason, booking an apartment online without stress becomes a way to optimize budgets and enjoy a completely relaxing holiday.