Treviso, a historic town crisscrossed with picturesque canals, offers a blend of art, cycling, and culinary delights, all set to the soundtrack of popping prosecco corks. Unlike Venice, Treviso lacks gondolas but compensates with its own charm, including medieval fortified walls, narrow canals, and two fast-flowing rivers, the Sile and Cagnan. The Canale dei Buranelli, with its red-brick renaissance palaces and wrought-iron bridges, is particularly scenic, especially in the quiet afternoon hours.
Cycling is the primary mode of transport in Treviso, with locals navigating the historic centre on two wheels. Tourists must adapt to bikes weaving through pedestrianised streets. The surrounding region offers routes from 70 to 80 kilometres, including climbs up Monte Grappa, or leisurely rides along the Sile river. The municipal bike-sharing scheme TVBike costs €2 an hour, while serious cyclists can rent from the renowned Pinarello shop at Borgo Mazzini 9, starting at €15 a day.
Art and culture have flourished in Treviso in recent years. The Musei Civici, housed in the restored 14th-century Santa Caterina church, features works from Tommaso da Modena to Titian and Tiepolo, with no crowds. The Gallerie delle Prigioni, a former Habsburg prison transformed by Luciano Benetton's Imago Mundi, offers free avant-garde installations. The Casa dei Carraresi hosts blockbuster exhibitions like Van Gogh and Picasso for €12, while the Salce Collection showcases graphic advertising posters for iconic brands.
For affordable eats, Hostaria dai Naneti, off Piazza dei Signori, offers local wine for 80 cents and a generous plate of meats and cheeses for €8. They refuse to serve Aperol spritz. Other spots include All' Antico Pallone for tramezzini sandwiches at €1.50 and Dalla Gigia for pizza slices and deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Markets abound, from seafood at the Pescheria island to organic produce in Piazza Giustinian and a sprawling street market outside San Tomaso gate, where €10 cashmere jumpers from Benetton and Geox are common.
Prosecco production in the hills north of Treviso recently gained Unesco world heritage status. Visitors can explore the wine route to Valdobbiadene, with wineries like Dal Din and Casa Coste Piane offering tastings of artisan col fondo prosecco. The town's culinary scene is complemented by its vibrant markets and bars, making Treviso a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.
