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Portobuffole

Near Treviso (see map lower down the page for the exact location) is a medieval gem called Portobuffolè. Sadly few of the millions of tourists who visit the Veneto ever visit. .. most have only one thought in mind... Venice!

They have missed out on a wonderful experience!

You don't need more than a morning to experience it either. Of course if you have the time spend the night in the area. I can strongly recommend the delightful Hotel Villa Luppis, which is a mile or two out of town - it's way better than the hotels right in town

What to See

Well, it isn't so much a case of endless things to see as of the whole. Everything about the little town seems to fit together perfectly.

Incredibly, here is a village where nothing has been added in the last hundred years that detracts from the beauty of the town. Well, actually, from what I could see, nothing much has been added at all!

If you are one of those people who won't bother with a place unless there are a few great historic sights to see, then don't despair; there are a few!

Here are the main ones:

As you cross the bridge and pass through the town gates, a captivating sight awaits you: Piazza Beccaro. Here, a remarkable ensemble of buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries frames the square, leaving you in awe of your own wisdom in choosing to visit Portobuffole.

Venture beyond Piazza Beccaro, and a delightful discovery awaits at the Casa di Gaia. This exquisite 13th-century villa once belonged to the esteemed poetess Gaia da Camino. Today, it stands as a museum, showcasing its rich history and adorned with delightful frescoes on the first floor. The harmonious blend of this enchanting abode and the idyllic village surroundings undoubtedly served as an inspiration for great poetry. Perhaps even I, in the midst of this charming setting, may find my muse awakened... well, maybe not in the realm of poetry, but certainly in appreciating the poetic beauty of Portobuffole.

Don't miss the impressive Torre Civica tower, dating back to the 10th century. Once a castle tower, it stands as the last remaining structure of the seven that once graced the town's skyline.

Another noteworthy stop is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, where you can immerse yourself in the ambiance of this lively square. And of course, the 16th-century Duomo, or Cathedral, awaits your exploration.

The Duomo offers a unique twist to its history, as it was originally a Synagogue before its conversion into a church. Step inside to discover a world of beauty, as the cathedral is bathed in luminosity and adorned with exquisite works by the talented artist Sanfiori.

While there is much more to see, one particular gem deserves a special mention: the Church of San Rocca. Located slightly outside the town, this 16th-century church was built to cater to the spiritual needs of those in quarantine and suffering from the devastating plague in the nearby hospital. It stands as a poignant testament to resilience and faith amidst adversity.

So, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Portobuffole's history and architectural wonders. From the ancient tower to the vibrant piazzas and remarkable churches, each landmark unveils a captivating story that adds to the allure of this charming town.

Where and What to Eat

They love eating things in this little town that most people wouldn't even want to try. Things like pigeon and tripe are specialties and, according to my husband who'll eat nearly anything, they are delicious.

If you'd prefer tasty homemade cooking with more normal things like gnocchi, pasta and lamb then the Vecchia Dogana in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is the restaurant to try.