If you’re staying in Venice for several days and looking for a less touristy diversion, Treviso is only a thirty-minute train ride away. Its narrow, cobblestone alleyways and pedestrian-only streets beckon visitors to explore this picturesque town. Last spring I had an opportunity to visit this ancient city and fell in love with its historic center and tranquil ambience.
At the heart of Treviso is its main square, Piazza dei Signori. Lined with beautiful palaces and historic buildings with interesting architecture, it’s a wonderful place to take a break, enjoy a glass of prosecco, or people-watch.
You can feel the vibe here, and the carousel is fun for kids and adults alike.
Treviso is a very pretty town. I love how the streets here are connected by wrought-iron bridges and lined with the occasional red-brick Renaissance palace and old decorative water wheel. A colorful fresh flower market caught my eye, as did a fresh produce stand and all the outdoor covered eateries.
This city has earned the nickname of little Venice, thanks to its scenic canals, which are a photographer’s delight. I could spend all day wandering around here with no set agenda.
The charming waterway known as the Buranelli Canal, or Canale dei Buranelli, is a branch of the Botteniga river. The canal is named after the fishermen who came to Treviso from the Venetian island of Burano in past centuries to sell their catch. A network of canals winds through the historic center and eventually ends up in the Sile river. Photographic opportunities abound as the canals flow past medieval and Renaissance buildings, flanked by weeping willow trees.
Another cool experience here is to walk on the fortified medieval walls that surround the old town. Even a little moat temporarily takes me back in time. I totally enjoyed getting away from it all in this under-the-radar town in northern Italy.
Known as the birthplace of the delicious coffee-flavored Italian dessert, tiramisu, Treviso has no shortage of restaurants that feature this decadent dessert. Supposedly invented in the 1960s at Le Beccherie restaurant, which today is operated by other owners, tiramisu made from the original recipe is still served. Of course, I made a point to go there and order it, but as delicious as it looked and tasted, I must admit that for €15, I was a bit disappointed, as the service was underwhelming.
Sometimes it’s nice to take time and explore smaller towns in Italy. I always find surprises awaiting me there.
Have you been to Treviso? I’m interested in your stories and perspective, so please leave a comment.
Grazie for all your support. Ciao for now.
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Michael Brudny
We are staying in Padua for several days and there is an optional day trip to Treviso. I’m not sure whether to go on this trip, or to stay in Patwa to have more time to see the sites of that city. I am leaning on going to Treviso, and there is a stop at a winery showing how Prosecco is made. This is my first time looking at your blog and I just subscribed. Grazzie
margieinitaly
Thank you so much Michael for subscribing and also for leaving such a nice comment. I’m happy you are going to be in Italy and visiting Padua. It had been on my itinerary on my last trip, but for several reasons we had to cancel that day trip. You ask a good question and it’s really a balancing act.
Sometimes I wish I had stayed in a city longer so that I didn’t miss certain things. I think you also have to consider the travel time between Padua and Treviso and whether that takes away from your time in either place and decide which means more to you. I really enjoyed that day trip, but it was only a 30 minute train ride from Venice when I went. Definitely the Prosecco excursion sounds fascinating to me and I would choose that if I could, I hope this is helpful and have a wonderful time !!
Toonsarah
We’re always looking for ideas for Italian city breaks as we like to go most springs and discover a new place. This looks lovely! Would you say there’s enough to do to occupy us for several days or is it a bit too small?
margieinitaly
Hi Sarah, Thank you for your comment and question. I don’t think you’d find enough to do for several days, but you can easily take the train from there to other nearby cities. That way, you’d have the benefit of staying in a small town with less crowds but able to explore other places, like the Prosecco Hills, the Dolomites, Vicenza, Padua, or Venice as well. Hope this helps.
Coral Waight
I’ve never heard of Treviso, Margie. Such a lovely-looking town.
margieinitaly
Thank You Coral. It’s a lovely place and easy day trip from Venice! I’m glad I finally got to visit Treviso!
stellalucentellc
I have not visited Treviso but after reading your blog with all the lovely photos this city is on my bucket list!
margieinitaly
Thank You Kathy. I think you’ll enjoy it
Travel Gourmet
Gosh. €15 for a portion of tiramisu!
margieinitaly
I know! It’s a lot
Greg Speck
I first visited Treviso on a bike tour. I loved it so much that I went back this time with my wife to see this beautiful town Belissimo. Thanks for your post.
margieinitaly
That is great, Greg!