Treviso Italy - The Friendly Town

Treviso is an absolute joy to explore. It's got much of the architecture and traditions of Venice without all the crowds. I love everything about this city, and I know you will too.

I'll take you exploring in a moment, and then, near the end, I'm going to share a secret with you: it's one of Italy's loveliest little towns, a delightful town upon a hill with a gorgeous medieval old town center, and surrounded by hills of vineyards, olives, and cypress groves. Lovelier than even the towns of Tuscany. You'll find more about it under the Nearby section at the end of this article. First, let's explore Treviso.

About Treviso

If you're planning a trip to Italy, you absolutely must put Treviso on your list. This charming little city, nestled in the Veneto region, often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Venice. But let me tell you, Treviso is a hidden gem that's brimming with character, history, delightful experiences and 81,000 inhabitants—friendly inhabitants they are too. I generally find that the people of the Veneto are the friendliest in the north of Italy, and Treviso is the friendliest place of the lot; many say it is the friendliest town in all of Italy.

Where to Stay in and around Treviso Italy

Apartments

Palazzo Bianchetti is a great option; it is well located and has everything you need to make your stay in Treviso perfect. Living in an apartment also gives you the wonderful opportunity to experience life like a local: shop at the markets, take your cooking to new heights with wonderful local ingredients, chat with the neighbors, and enjoy a morning cappuccino and croissant at the lovely little bar around the corner.

Hotels

Treviso has a few really good hotels and they cost way less than Venice. Since you are only a short train ride from Venice, it is a great option if you'd like to explore Venice without the expense of actually staying there. Which hotel, though?  My choice is the Hotel Rovere.

What to See

Treviso is steeped in history, with its origins dating back to Roman times. Wander through the medieval city walls and gates, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Piazza dei Signori is the heart of Treviso, surrounded by stunning buildings such as the Palazzo dei Trecento and the Loggia dei Cavalieri.

A few hours wandering around the city center and the arcaded streets in the area surrounding Piazza dei Signori will be hours well spent. Visit the tourist office just off the Piazza in Piazzetta Monte di Pietà, 8 – they have some decent walking tours and maps of the main sights.

Let’s talk about the canals. Yes, Treviso has its own network of picturesque canals, albeit on a smaller scale than Venice. These canals wind their way through the historic center, lined with beautiful old buildings, quaint bridges, and cozy cafes. It’s the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening walk. Don’t forget your camera because the photo ops are endless!

Being the home of Benetton it is also a very prosperous place and the shops you find are mostly of the quality designer/very expensive variety. The main shopping axis extends from Corso del Popolo through Piazza dei Signori and into via Calmaggiore.

For those who love antiques the Mercatino D'Antiquariato, held on the fourth Sunday of each month, has some real gems and a whole lot of rubbish too. It is a great way to spend a day and even if you don’t buy much you'll experience really genuine Italian hustle and bustle - I love it!

Treviso is home to the Museo di Santa Caterina, which houses an impressive collection of artworks, including pieces by renowned Italian artists like Titian. The city itself is like an open-air museum, with its well-preserved architecture and charming streets.

The simple yet moving 13th century Church of San Francesco is a particular favorite of mine and is a place in which a sense of peace prevails, a nice place to sit quietly and have a chat with the guy upstairs.

Do visit the Duomo of Treviso (St Peter's Cathedral), originally built in the 6th century but completely rebuilt in the 18th century, the cathedral is full of beautiful frescoes .

Also a must-see is the Loggia dei Cavalieri which was once a 13th century club for the rich.

Where to Eat

It is really difficult to eat badly in Treviso - this city is famous for it's excellent cuisine. Treviso truly is a culinary paradise.

This is the home of radicchio, a type of chicory that's a staple in Italian cuisine. You’ll find it in everything from salads to risottos. And let’s not forget the prosecco. Treviso is smack dab in the middle of the prosecco wine region, so you’re in for some top-notch bubbly.

Oh, and did I mention that Tiramisu was invented here? Yes, the world-famous dessert has its roots in Treviso. Treat yourself to the real deal while you're here!

So, where to eat?

My suggestion is the Le Beccherie in Piazza Ancilotto- it's where Tiramisu (click for the recipe) was invented and they've been serving traditional Veneto dishes (and inventing a few of their own) for decades.

Nearby

I promised in the introduction I'd share with you a lovely little town on the doorstep of Treviso and here are the details.

Also, don’t miss the famous Prosecco wine route (Strada del Prosecco). This is Italy’s oldest wine route and provides the opportunity to sample local produce and the slightly sparkling Prosecco white wine. Read more about this route and others in our Veneto wine route guide.

Treviso is also a great base for exploring the Veneto region. You can easily take day trips to Venice, Padua, and even the Dolomites. But trust me, once you experience the laid-back charm and welcoming vibe of Treviso, you might just find yourself wanting to stay put.

• Many of the photos of Treviso on this page were taken by Jill Boff. You'll find more of Jill's photos on our Facebook page.